Mineola Board approves special use permit for animal hospital expansion

The Mineola Village Board convened on April 16, 2025, for a public hearing and organizational meeting, addressing several key agenda items. The meeting commenced with a pledge of allegiance and a moment of silence honoring veterans and first responders, as well as remembering Millie O'Leary, the mother-in-law of former Mayor Scott Strauss.

Following the opening, Village Clerk Bridal Rivera introduced the first item on the agenda: an application from Gary Dattner for a special use permit to expand the existing veterinarian hospital located at 132 Jericho Turnpike. The application was reviewed under the zoning code, specifically Chapter 550, Section 512, which pertains to special uses in B-one districts.

Trustee Casado moved to declare the application an unlisted action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (CEQA), which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Sartori. The motion passed unanimously, allowing the board to proceed with the hearing.

The process for the hearings was outlined, indicating that the applicant would present their case, followed by questions from the board and public comments. It was noted that the Nassau County Planning Commission had already provided a local determination for the first application, but had yet to review the other two applications scheduled for discussion later in the meeting.

Gary Dattner, representing the Mineola Animal Hospital, addressed the board, emphasizing the establishment's long-standing service to the community over the past 20 years. The meeting continued with the expectation that the board would reconvene to discuss the remaining applications once the Nassau County Planning Commission had rendered its decisions.

In summary, the meeting was marked by procedural clarity and a focus on community service, with significant discussions surrounding the expansion of local veterinary services. The board's next steps will depend on the forthcoming determinations from the Nassau County Planning Commission regarding the additional applications.