By JOHN NUGENT
Discussion focused on the proposed 7-Eleven store at 260 Plandome Road at the Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations meeting on Wednesday.
An application for a permit to construct a new 2,810-square-foot, one-story commercial building on the property as a retail grocery/retail food use facility without seating was not approved in January by the Town of North Hempstead’s Building Department, as it was found to not be in compliance with town code.
First Vice President Andrew Schwenk said, “We are looking for community input,” and noted that an online petition against the proposal has gathered nearly 500 signatures.
“It doesn’t fit our town at all,” Schwenk added, noting that an all glass building with large signs is not compatible with the design of nearby properties.
Other association members said that traffic problems would likely increase in the “already very busy” Plandome Road business district and that a 24-hour operation would be more appropriate on Northern Boulevard.
A member who lives in Bellerose said that a 7-Eleven near her home generates a large volume of truck traffic all day and all night.
Owners of the property have not abandoned their plans to win approval for the project, however, despite opposition from local residents. They will make a presentation at the civic association meeting on April 7.
In an unrelated matter, North Hempstead Town Councilwoman Veronica Lurvey noted recent discussions with town officials to address the problem of the proliferation of advertising signs placed illegally on town property. “The town’s code enforcement team and town attorney’s office have gone to great lengths to determine the ownership of the companies, unfortunately without a clear answer,” said Lurvey.
She added, “The town continues to pursue remedies available including involving the Nassau County Police Department.”
Council members agreed that the signs are an eyesore but said it is very difficult to find the owners of businesses advertising “cash for cars,”’ “mosquito hunters” and others.
