Condo complex proposed near East Rockaway train station

A Jericho developer wants to convert a derelict warehouse and marina on the border of East Rockaway and Oceanside into 84 condominiums.

Beechwood Atlantic Avenue wants to convert the 2.72-acre property, located near the East Rockaway train station and Mill River on Atlantic Avenue, into six buildings. The marina and warehouse date to the 1930s, the developer said.

Beechwood must first secure approvals from the East Rockaway board of trustees, Nassau County planning board, and Hempstead Town board and board of appeals, Hempstead officials said.

The developer has pitched the project to Hempstead's town board as a storm-resistant development that will stand up to natural disasters. East Rockaway was one of the hardest-hit communities on Long Island during superstorm Sandy.

"It would take something much worse than Sandy to impact these homes," said Michael Dubb, principal of Beechwood, during a Nov. 12 public hearing on the project.

Hempstead has not set dates for its boards to vote on the project, said Mike Deery, a spokesman for the town. He declined to speculate on when the votes could occur.

Attempts to reach East Rockaway village officials and the Nassau County planning board were not successful.

Two residents spoke in favor of the project at the public hearing in Hempstead Town Hall.

"I find it encouraging that we have business people who are willing to invest in waterfront property, particularly after the Sandy storm," said Robert Durso of Rockville Centre.

The property is owned by Franruss Realty Co. and C & D Atlantic Realty LLC of East Rockaway, town documents state.

Dubb said the first floor of the development will be about 10 feet above the ground.

The units will have a parking area located under the buildings, which will be four stories high, according to the documents.

The developer said the project's location near the Long Island Rail Road station will be a major selling point.

"It's a location that we think is ideal to forward-thinking, 21st century development," said Al D'Agostino, an attorney for the developer.