The Plandome Heights Board of Trustees on Monday gave permission for continued construction at a Manhasset Bay home, which received a one-year building extension in December that requires monthly renewal.
“This matter appears to now be on a successful path,” Mayor Kenneth Riscica said. “The board approved the ongoing monthly extension upon the recommendation of the building inspector, based on his inspection and opinion that the job is ahead of schedule.”
The homeowner, Andy Cheung, has been building the property at 200 The Tideway for about three years. His building permit would have expired on Dec. 15 if not for a one-year extension granted by the board, which mandates that Cheung abide by monthly progress goals. Before pursuing the one-year extension, Cheung hired a new general contractor, Lin Cheung.
If Andy Cheung cannot comply with a progress schedule, the extension will be terminated and he must report to the village board to discuss renewing the extension on the building permit.
Andy Cheung “is about a month and a half ahead of schedule,” the building inspector, Ed Butt, said. He said he expects to reauthorize the permit next month “unless there’s a work stoppage.”
“I’ve seen people there every day,” he added.
Butt said the home’s exterior framing and brick are finished.
“They’ve begun mechanical, plumbing and electrical,” he said. He estimated that the home will need at least six more months of work before it’s completed.
The prolonged construction has bothered village residents, who want the work finished as quickly as possible.
“All construction work is disruptive to the village and to neighbors,” Riscica said. “So everyone will be grateful when a new home, and new residents, emerge from the activity.”
He said disgruntled residents who expressed frustration at prior board meetings have not contacted him since.
Riscica credited the homeowner for responding to community complaints and hiring a new contractor.
“The increase in the pace of work reflects the commitment of a new contractor coupled with the homeowner responding to the concerns of his neighbors and the village board,” Riscica said.
