An application for a conditional-use permit that would allow the owner of a Middle Neck Road jewelry store to convert office space above his shop into apartments was continued after parking concerns were raised by Village of Great Neck Plaza trustees at their meeting Wednesday.
Danny Arbusman, president of Jewels By Viggi, located at 65 Middle Neck Road, applied for a conditional-use permit earlier in June to convert the second floor of his building into two apartments and add a third floor, which would house two more apartments.
To do this, Arbusman would be required to provide six parking spots for the four apartment units he is proposing under current zoning requirements, Village of Great Neck Plaza Commissioner of Public Services Michael Sweeney said.
But, Sweeney said, Arbusman doesn’t have the space for the parking required.
Village trustees, Sweeney said, could give Arbusman a waiver for five of the spots, but Arbusman would still be required to provide an extra spot.
Arbusman could apply for a variance for the one spot or pay a $25,000 to the village in lieu of providing the spot, per village code, Sweeney said.
The $25,000, Sweeney said, would be used to enhance parking facilities in the village.
“We could factor in some way of paying for this over time,” Village of Great Neck Plaza Mayor Jean Celender said. “It doesn’t say how we collect it; we’re not looking for it to be burdensome.”
Celender said the village wants to encourage mixed-use buildings like the one Arbusman is proposing to attract young professionals to the area. She said the trustees will try to remain flexible throughout the application process.
Trustees suggested Arbusman might reconfigure the apartments to eliminate the need for the additional space.
Arbusman said he will consult with his architect on the project moving forward.
“I’m sure it would be one of the nicest retail and residential units,” Celender said. “Hopefully we can resolve some of these issues so it’s feasible economically.”
Trustees adjourned the permit application until their next meeting on July 1.
