The much-discussed Macy’s project in Manhasset, developed in partnership with Brookfield Properties, splits Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello and his challenger for the 9th District, Mal Nathan.
Of the proposed $400 million development, whose designs included a hotel, over 300 apartments and and over 140,000 square feet of combined office and retail space, Nicolello, a Republican and presiding officer of the county Legislature, said that the location’s density made the idea impractical.
“You have to take into consideration the surrounding neighborhood, can’t just superimpose this type of stuff into an area,” Nicolello said.
The legislator also brought up issues with traffic.
“If you’re dealing with an area that’s already overwhelmed with traffic, and it would bring almost nothing to that community, then I would say it’s not appropriate,” Nicolello said.
He noted that Manhasset’s civic associations are “adamantly opposed,” and hinted that a new plan may be necessary.
“If I was on the Town Board, I’d vote against that in a heartbeat,” Nicolello said. “They need to go back to the drawing board, and they should figure out a development that’s much more conducive to the local community.”
Nathan, a Town of North Hempstead bay constable running as a Democrat against Nicolello for the third time since 2015, took the opposing view.
“Macy’s is a staple, I’ve been going to that Macy’s since I was a kid,” Nathan said. “If they feel that they can thrive in a larger setting with a redevelopment, I don’t see any objection.”
Nathan also voiced support for the Belmont Park project near Floral Park.
The 9th District comprises the Plandome areas bordering Manhasset, Roslyn Estates, Garden City Park, Albertson, the Willistons and New Hyde Park.
