The Village of Mineola approved an ice cream shop and gas station after hearings on Wednesday with trustees saying that the two businesses will be valuable additions to the community.
Hector Fonseca, owner of the proposed ice cream shop which has yet to be given a name, said he believes the business will flourish in Mineola.
“I believe it will be a great asset to the community,” Fonseca said.
The business will be located at 156 Jericho Turnpike, the previous location of Classic Firearms, and will serve ice cream to go, he said.
“When I saw your application I got flashbacks to the 1960s when I was in Mineola High School.” Trustee Paul Cusato said regarding a local ice cream shop during his time in high school. “I’m kind of excited that this may be the same kind of place.”
The business, which is expected to open in April, will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. seven days a week, Fonseca said.
Fonseca’s original plan did not call for seating but village trustees pressed Fonseca to install eight seats following the hearing.
“It’s just for safety reasons,” Mineola Mayor Scott Strauss said. “We’re just a little concerned about having kids running around in the street and out front.”
Fonseca agreed to the addition of seating.
Yildiv Hidir, a Garden City resident, received approval to open a gas station at 70 East Jericho Turnpike, a site previously operated as an Express gas station.
“I think this will brighten up the area,” Trustee Dennis Walsh said.
Hidir, who will be opening an “Ultra” gas station at the location, said he owns gas stations in Franklin Square, New Hyde Park, Baldwin and Uniondale.
He said he plans to replace the existing “Express sign” with a new LED lit sign.
Hidir originally proposed that the station operate from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. but agreed to an 11 p.m. closing at the request of trustees, who said the 11 p.m. closing was consistent with that of other gas stations in the area.
Trustees raised concerns about lighting in the back of the station, which facing residents’ properties, and the amount of noise from television ads at the proposed four pumps, which will be able to serve up to eight cars.
Hidir said he already reached out to residents and said he would be willing to work with nearby property owners if they had concerns concerning light or noise.
He said he expects to open in May.
