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ZBA approves variances to allow rehabilitation of 367 West Park Avenue
Summary
The board granted variances for front-yard setback and building height to allow redevelopment and rehabilitation of the long-vacant commercial property at 367 West Park Avenue into ground-floor retail and offices above.
The Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant two minor variances that will allow the rehabilitation of 367 West Park Avenue, a commercial building that has been vacant for more than a decade.
The applicant, represented by attorney Robert Litt, sought relief for a front-yard setback and for height so the existing three-story, roughly 40-foot-tall structure could be brought back into productive use without changing its footprint. Litt said the improvements would include facade rehabilitation, inward-directed lighting, bicycle racks, and a living fence to shield neighboring residential properties.
Architect Ari Begun described plans to keep the existing footprint and focus cosmetic and interior work on retail on the first floor and professional office space on the second and third floors. Begun said the current building coverage is well below the maximum allowed and that openings on the rear facade would be limited to egress doors to minimize light and noise impacts.
Supporters from the neighborhood and the building’s long-time owner addressed the board. David Delaney, representing Lancer Insurance, said the property has been a long-standing eyesore and that bringing it back to retail and offices would be a net benefit. Neighbor Pam Warner described longtime concern about the derelict building and said she supported redevelopment; Sarah Modenesi asked about fencing and privacy protections, which the applicant said would be repaired or replaced to existing height and improved with landscaping.
Commissioner Markowitz introduced the motion to grant the variances; Chairman Morelli seconded. Commissioners Markowitz, Brooks, DePasquale and Chairman Morelli voted to grant the application (case 3476). The property is listed as 367 West Park Avenue (Section 59, Block 46, Lot 141 on the Nassau County land tax map).
The variances allow the applicant to rehabilitate the existing three-story building for retail and office uses with mitigation measures described at the hearing. The applicant said improvements would include LED lighting, retaining skylights, and exploring solar panels and electric-vehicle charging stations.
