Woodsburg residents support Woodmere Club development with open space preservation plans

The Hempstead Town Board meeting on July 1, 2025, featured significant discussions regarding a proposed development near the Woodmere Club, with community members expressing both support and concerns about the project.

Alexandra Farbenblum, a resident of Woodsburg, voiced her strong support for the development, highlighting its potential to maintain the character of the community while addressing local housing needs. She commended both the developers and the Hempstead Town Board for their efforts in moving the project forward.

Conversely, Karen Keating, a long-time resident of Lawrence, raised critical questions about the preservation of open space within the development plan. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that designated non-developable land is protected through a conservation easement, which would require oversight by an unrelated party. Keating also inquired about the maintenance of this land, advocating for practices that would enhance local biodiversity and mitigate flooding risks.

Robert Schechter, chairman of a local synagogue, expressed his support for the zoning change, noting the growing congregation's need for space. Jennifer Wallace, another resident, acknowledged the necessity of some development while stressing the importance of preserving open space. She presented letters from 71 residents supporting a balanced approach that includes both development and protected land.

Jonathan Gottlieb and Anna Adelstein also voiced their support for the development, with Adelstein noting that community opposition had diminished as developers made concessions to address residents' concerns. She highlighted the increased setbacks in the revised plans as a positive change.

Overall, the meeting underscored a community grappling with the balance between development and preservation, with many residents advocating for careful consideration of the project's details as it moves forward. The board's next steps will be crucial in determining how the development aligns with community interests and environmental protections.