Board approves acupuncture practice in Willis Avenue dental suite; resident raises parking concerns

The Village of Mineola Board of Trustees on June 11 approved a special-use permit allowing an acupuncture practice to operate from Suite 8 at 331 Willis Avenue within an existing dental office.

Applicant Wei Hong Shue (transcript spelling), described her background as having roughly 20 years of natural-healing education, a three-year master's program in traditional Chinese medicine and current licensure. She said much of her early practice will be acupressure and acupuncture by appointment for single patients at a time and that many of her clients have come from dental patients at the same office. She told the board she intends to accept some insurance coverage.

During public comment, resident Victoria Coroccio of Pomander Road said parking on residential streets is a continuing concern and asked whether the new practice would increase congestion. Village officials responded that the building has a dedicated parking lot just north of the office and that patients often use the dental-office lot; the board explained that neighborhood parking restrictions typically require a petition or majority support from neighbors for changes.

Building staff confirmed no physical addition to the structure is proposed and that the applicant will operate within two existing rooms. Deputy Mayor Sartori moved to approve the special-use permit; the motion passed on a voice/roll call with trustees voting in favor. Trustees advised the applicant to work with the Building Department on any compliance issues and to encourage patients to use the office parking rather than nearby residential streets.