Hempstead board lowers Levittown lot-coverage limit to 27.5% after contested public hearing

The Town of Hempstead Board adopted a proposed amendment to Article 15 Section 185 of the Building Zone Ordinance that reduces allowable lot coverage in the Levittown Planned Residence District (LPRD) from 30% to 27.5%. The action followed a continuation of a public hearing opened April 28 and included written submissions and lengthy, often emotional in-person testimony.

Residents across Levittown described what they called an erosion of neighborhood character as larger, multi-story homes replaced smaller houses. Speakers cited loss of green space and mature trees, increased parking and school enrollment pressures, privacy and fire-safety concerns when houses are built close to lot lines, and neighborhood aesthetics. Supporters of the amendment said aligning Levittown's lot-coverage limit with the wider Residence B standard would curb what they called "McMansion" development and preserve the suburb’s scale.

Several residents provided examples and addresses for code-enforcement follow-up; one resident suggested adding tree-preservation measures as part of the change. The board stated it had received ten additional emails in favor of the amendment and accepted them into the record before calling registered speakers. The clerk recorded roll-call votes after public comment; the board voted to classify the action as an unlisted SEQRA action (negative declaration) and then to pass the amendment.

Board members said the reduction — a 10% relative decrease from 30% to 27.5% — is significant and would, in their view, reduce pressure from builders targeting Levittown. The amendment was approved by recorded vote at the meeting and will be implemented under the town’s zoning and permitting processes.