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Woodmere neighbors urge town to block dormitory plan for proposed boys' school
Summary
Residents of Woodmere's Tree Streets told the board they oppose converting two houses into a school with a 24/7 dormitory; stop-work orders and citations have been issued, and neighbors asked the town to enforce zoning and deny variances.
Multiple residents from Woodmere's Tree Streets spoke at the Town of Hempstead meeting to oppose the proposed conversion of homes at 136 Linden Street and 763 Cedar Lane into a private school with an attached dormitory for boys.
Ricky Accorino said his residential street is incompatible with a school and dormitory, warning of increased traffic, buses, parking shortages and risks to children. Harris Brandt and other neighbors said the properties were bought by an unidentified LLC and that construction had begun without proper permits; Brandt commended code-enforcement officers and the building commissioner for issuing stop-work orders and summonses but said some construction has continued despite orders.
Mindy Fink, representing at least 85 families in the Orthodox community, stressed opposition to a permanent dormitory use—she said the objection is to the dormitory, not to religious institutions generally—and asked the town to keep residents informed when zoning applications are filed so neighbors can respond at the Board of Zoning Appeals. Town officials reiterated that zoning determinations are made by the Board of Zoning Appeals and that residents would receive statutory notice when a zoning hearing is scheduled.
Speakers urged the town to uphold zoning laws and deny any variance or special permit that would allow a primary dormitory in their single-family residential neighborhood. Town staff said they had issued stop-work orders and would continue enforcement and that residents should expect mail notice for any ZBA hearings.
