The Williston Park village board voted to approve the application for apartments and townhouses at 700 Willis Avenue during its Monday, April 20, meeting, which sparked tense discussion among officials and residents opposed to the development.
The projectwas approved for its site plan, and a special exemption for water use, Village Attorney Peter Trentacoste said.
It is planned to include five buildings and 18 units.
Developers had met with the village board twice in the application process, in October and March. Public comment included concerns about code compliance, emergency service egress, water usage, traffic, parking, waste collection and property setbacks.
Residents argued that the development, as proposed, does not comply with the village’s code about building setbacks from property lines. They also said the property’s curb cutouts on Princeton and Syracuse Streets presented traffic and parking issues for neighbors.
Trustees voted to approve the application submitted by developer Dean Poll after closing the public hearing in March.
“We’re being punished for voicing our opinion,” resident Umberto Mignardi said. “There is no use arguing it. We went on the public record, and you guys are deciding differently. On to the next step, we don’t have to continue arguing it.”
“We listened to what people had to say, and we listened to attorneys,” Mayor Paul Ehrbar said. “It appears to be best for the village as a whole. It had nothing to do with punishing anyone for voicing their opinion.”
Trentacoste said the application was a permitted use, meaning the applicant came to the village for a site plan and a special exemption, but it was an as-of-right development.
The village board also voted to adopt its2026/2027 budgetof about $11 million, which includes a 1.89% tax levy increase.
Source: LI Press
