A local property owner was faced with strong opposition in his appeal to seek a variance for the conversion of a three-story residence into an office building at the Tuesday, May 13 Community Board 9 meeting at the Fairfield Pavilion in South Richmond Hill.
Attorney Naresh Gehi appeared at the meeting with legal counsel Alfonso Duarte to rationalize his plans to board members.
The building, located at 101-17 Lefferts Blvd. in Richmond Hill, is, according to the proprietor, intended to be utilized as a dual-use location, serving as both his residence and personal workplace.
Board 9’s Land Use Chairperson Sylvia Hack announced that her committee was opposed to the request, due to the zoning violations involved with inserting a law practice into a block of homes where parking is at a premium.
Local attorney Naresh Gehi (standing with microphone) and his legal counsel Alfonso Duarte appear at last week’s Community Board 9 meeting to request a variance to turn a three-story home into an office building in an a residentially-zoned area of Richmond Hill.
(photo: Ralph Mancini)
“You shouldn’t have purchased a building in a residential neighborhood. You can’t change zoning on a hardship,” said Chairperson Andrea Crawford, in reference to Gehi’s expiring lease at his current office site.
Gehi argued that the building in question already has two businesses in its immediate vicinity, including Italian restaurant Villa Russo across the street.
In addition, he also pointed out that his property would be housing only one business—his own—in response to parking concerns.
All visiting clients, he continued, come to his practice by appointment only, which would, he claimed, make parking a non-issue.
The board shot back by indicating that the area was governed by different zoning laws when Villa Russo acquired their Lefferts Boulevard location.
To that end, board member Sam Esposito noted that restaurateur George Russo was required to build an on-premises parking lot to appease the community.
Furthermore, Gehi was informed that local zoning laws will reportedly only allow 500 square feet of a residence to be used for commercial purposes—not nearly enough room for the lawyer, who intends on adding offices to all three floors.
Board member Robert Mangieri unsuccessfully attempted to make a motion to table a vote on the matter and have the 81-year-old edifice surveyed because of the lack of time the Board had in commenting on the BSA application, which only allows 30 to 45 days for input.
First Vice President Ivan Mrakovcic said that making an exception in this case would just lead to many other spot zonings and would “erode the residential character of this portion of Lefferts Boulevard,” which is situated in an R5 zone.
By a tally of 20 to 13, the Board voted not to endorse the application.
Other land use issues
Hack also addressed problems with individuals planning to erect a 20-story building at the Pasta Lovers parking lot located at 123-32 82nd Ave. in Kew Gardens.
Board members were apprised of the lack of permits for this project. Hack reported never seeing any paperwork on the undertaking on the Department of Buildings’ website.
Also mentioned was the addition of green spaces surrounding Congregation Adas Yereim at 123-32 Metropolitan Ave.
Candidates on parade
Candidates running for the vacant representing the 30th Council District were on hand to introduce themselves and their ideas to Board 9 and others in attendance.
State Sen. Serphin Maltese’s chief counsel, Anthony Como, was the first to take the floor, and told the audience how the winner of the upcoming race would need to focus on a variety of concerns, not just one main issue. Como went on to tell everyone how he intends to fight for the survival of senior homes in light of looming budget cuts.
Following Como was Charles Ober, first vice president of the Ridgewood Property Owners Civic Association, who presented himself as someone who’s qualified to work with budgets and payrolls. The Ridgewood local also told everyone about his past volunteer work and commitment to community programs and initiatives.
Former City Council Member Thomas Ognibene stated his case by touting his “hands-on experience” and “knowledge” that will help get results immediately. He highlighted his past accomplishments, in which he continually shifted the budget in order to meet community needs.
Candidate Elizabeth Crowley, on the other hand, focused on education. The Glendale resident voiced her desire for building more schools. In addition, she stated the need for a senior advocate to look out for numerous programs such as Meals-on-Wheels.
Attorney Joseph Suraci—who has reportedly failed to qualify for the ballot—also appeared, and made mention of pro-bono work he’s done through the years in order to help non-profit organizations qualify for funding. He further communicated his opposition toward overdevelopment.
Addabbo on police officers
City Council Member Joseph Addabbo weighs in on the declining number of police officers graduating annually from NYPD’s Police Academy. (photo: Ralph Mancini)
Increasing the salaries of New York City police officers ranked prominently among City Council Member Joseph Addabbo’s objectives as he prepares to huddle up with fellow Council members to agree upon a new city budget, due July 1.
“Let’s work with the PBA (Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association) to increase the pay of police officers,” he offered. “There’s no reason why the starting salary of a police officer should make them qualify for food stamps.”
Bumping up police salaries, added the City Council member, is the only way for the NYPD to retain their recruits and prevent them from applying for higher-paying jobs in Suffolk County.
Addabbo also commented on the plight of senior centers that may be seeing budget cuts soon come their way. Not only did he state the necessity in keeping these senior locations, but he also emphasized the importance of feeding seniors warm meals, instead of offering them the frozen variety.
Crime report
Police Officers Jeff Fisher and Christopher Gonzalez of the 102nd Precinct told of a stabbing occurring on the same day of the meeting at Richmond Hill High School. At press time, the alleged perpetrator is still at large, although he was reportedly witnessed committing the crime by numerous people.
Both officers conceded that crime is up throughout the city, due to a nationwide economic downturn.
Group home proposal
During her Health and Social Services Committee report, board member Evelyn Baron introduced Fatma Abboud and Jane Merolla of Eihab Human Services. Both representatives proposed the addition of a group home for the developmentally disabled located at 74-20 Rockaway Blvd. in Ozone Park.
Abboud told Board 9 that most of the adults that would be living in the dwelling are in their late 40s and 50s. They consist of sons and daughters of parents who can no longer take care of them anymore, she said.
Board 9 unanimously agreed to give their approval of drafting a letter of support for the group home.
Speed hump
Unanimous approval was also issued for the installation of a new speed hump on 78th Street between 88th Avenue and 88th Road in Woodhaven.
Liquor licenses
Votes were taken on two eating establishments seeking approval to serve alcohol.
No objections were made regarding the endorsement on the part of the Public Safety Committee to endorse the issuance of an on-premises liquor license to Ravo Restaurant & Bar Corp., at 77-01 101st Ave. in Ozone Park.
In the case of the second restaurant making its bid for a new beer and wine license, the Board voted against La Cabana Pizzeria, located at 91-60 87th St. in Woodhaven.
Public Safety Committee Chairperson James Coccovillo cited reports of loud noise and music emanating from the establishment, making it ill-suited to serve alcoholic beverages. Also mentioned was the fact that La Cabana never mailed in a questionnaire sent to them by Board 9.
Community Board 9 regularly meets on the second Tuesday of the month at a variety of locations within Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Ozone Park and Woodhaven. For further information, call 1-718-286-2686.
