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Long Beach Zoning Board denies three variance requests, grants one modification; two cases deferred for county review
Summary
At a meeting of the City of Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals, members denied three variance applications, approved one modification to an earlier variance, and deferred two cases pending Nassau County Planning Commission input. Several matters included discussion of pending city‑court enforcement.
Members of the City of Long Beach Zoning Board of Appeals voted to deny three variance applications, approved a modification for one property and deferred two additional cases because the Nassau County Planning Commission had not yet provided its review.
The board denied Case 3470 (application of Diana Infante for variances tied to a proposed three‑story house at 104 California Street) after a motion to deny was introduced and seconded; the chair announced the application was denied. The transcript records the motion and subsequent recorded 'deny' responses from the board.
The board also denied Case 3472 (application of James Lynch seeking a zoning‑code interpretation for 15 Wyoming Avenue). Commissioner Alvarado moved to deny; Commissioner Markowitz recused from that vote and the remaining members voted to deny. During the discussion counsel and others said the denial upholds the building commissioner’s determination and interpretation of the code.
Case 3463 (applicant Isaac Lapidus, 155 West Market Street) prompted extended discussion. The applicant’s representatives said the property owner had altered the front yard during the COVID period to create an additional on‑site parking space and argued the change benefited tenants by removing cars from the street. Board members and counsel debated whether taking final action now would affect a pending city‑court enforcement case related to the same work; the prosecutor and counsel discussed options including waiting for the court outcome or making a representation to the court about the board’s timing. After deliberation the board voted to deny the variance.
By contrast, the board granted Case 3436, a modification to an earlier variance for James Warren at 608 Westchester Street. Rebecca Weavers, representing the owners, described design adjustments that reduced the need for certain waivers; board members questioned dimensions, curb‑cut status and fence retention. A motion to grant was seconded and the board voted to approve the modification.
Two matters were heard but not decided because the board lacked the county planning commission’s review. Cases 3477 (Jose Franco, 160 East Chester Street) and 3478 (Charles/Charlie Franzini, 110 West Beach Street) were presented and discussed; the board advised applicants that state/local rules require input from the Nassau County Planning Commission before the board may take a final vote, so decisions were deferred to the next meeting after the county’s response is received.
The meeting closed after additional procedural announcements and confirmation of the next meeting date. Several applicants were told they need not return to present again if county input arrives in time for the next meeting; others were told to be prepared to attend when the board takes the votes.
Next procedural steps: the board will take votes on the deferred items once the Nassau County Planning Commission files its advisory determination. For cases tied to pending city‑court enforcement, board members and counsel discussed coordinating timing with the prosecutor’s office but took no further directed action during this meeting.
