Eternal vigilance by concerned residents is the price of honest zoning. The fact that businessman and developer Peter Dejana is Manorhaven Mayor Jim Avena’s boss at the Dejana Foundation gives the appearance of sweetheart deals and political influencing.
Dejana proposes to build a 3-story apartment complex in a 2-story zone, while eliminating 50 required parking spaces in such a crowded neighborhood. The Board of Zoning Appeals, newly appointed by Avena, seems reluctant to deter him.
Such huge zoning variances will set a precedent for other large projects in our community like the anticipated 11-acre Thypin town-house development and LaMotta’s desired Marina-Restaurant conversion. It creates “defacto spot zoning,” i.e. treating a single parcel differently than the surrounding area for the benefit of the individual property owner.
All we are asking is that Dejana “build to code,” at 22 Sagamore Hill Drive on Manhasset Isle. This will give him a reasonable return on his investment and clean up an unsightly vacant lot.
Once again, residents are urged to show up and speak out against granting the Dejana Apartment Variance at the next Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m. to be held at the Senior Center located at 80 Manorhaven Blvd., across from Village Hall.
Caroline S. DuBois
Acting Secretary, Manorhaven Action Committee
Port Washington
