Hempstead board hears monthslong debate on Woodmere Club rezoning; decision reserved

The Town of Hempstead Town Board on July 1 held a public hearing on an application from WG Woodmere LLC to rezone about 55.6 acres of the former Woodmere Country Club that lie inside the town from the Coastal Conservation District to a CA residence district. The applicant said the change would allow a 160‑unit, age‑restricted (55+) condominium development on roughly 34 acres in the northern part of the parcel and preserve about 21.6 acres of open space in the southern portion. After testimony and public comment, the board closed the hearing and reserved decision for a later date.

The applicant’s legal and technical team told the board the plan concentrates development on higher ground away from wetlands and flood zones and provides larger setbacks than the CA district requires. Jack Martins, attorney with Harris Beach, introduced the proposal and presented principals and consultants. Kevin Walsh, chief engineer for BHB, described two three‑story residential buildings (46 feet high as measured by the town code) over largely below‑grade parking, a two‑story clubhouse, amenities including a pool and courts, and about 428 parking spaces overall. The team said the project would seek a variance for height (the CA zone limit is two stories and 35 feet) and that the proposed density — roughly 4.71 units per acre on the 34‑acre development…