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Politics & Government

Board Passes Senior Housing, Business Zoning Changes

One decision would restrict children under 18 from residing in senior housing facilities.

After multiple public hearings and work session discussions, the Farmingdale Village Board passed two controversial code changes during a public meeting on Oct. 1.

The changes are pending approvals from the Nassau County Planning Board and the State Environmental Quality Review Act with the final vote taking place on Nov. 5. 

The first code revision allows senior citizen facilities to change housing category age restrictions from 62 to 55 and over. The change will also disallow those under 18 to reside in the facilities, permitting extenuating circumstances.

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Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said during a work session on Aug. 27 that the change was not brought about by complaints but rather as a way to lessen the burden on Farmingdale's public schools.

"I am in favor of no kids...We can actually say you cannot have kids in senior housing development. I was not aware you could actually discriminate against children," he said.

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Facilities in the village that have a higher age requirement are now permitted to adopt the new policy if the new requirements are met which also includes 1.5 parking spaces per residence.

Violators are the code change are subject to a $250 fine, a maximum of 15 days in jail or both. According to the adopted code, each day of violation will be deemed a separate offense. 

The board also voted to allow rental apartments, condominiums and co-ops in the business "D" zoning district of Route-109. If constructed, the residences will have a height restriction of no greater than 2.5 stories or 30 feet with a required 850 square feet for each unit. 

The next meeting will consist of public hearings on a proposed code change to on regulating massage parlors in the village, a code revision on sex offenders, and a revision for a special use permit for a comic book and game store looking to open on Main Street. The meeting will be held on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m.

Other Village News:

  • A water system flush will take place on Oct. 19, beginning at 10:30 p.m. and will conclude on Oct. 20 at 3 a.m. Mayor Ekstrand said drinking water will be safe during this period but that laundered clothes may be affected. 
  • The annual Bi-Centennial tree lighting in the Village Green will take place on Nov. 27 at 6 p.m.
  • The Chamber of Commerce's annual Holiday Parade will take place on Nov. 17 at 12 p.m. starting at Northside Elementary School.
  • The board hired Starkie Brothers Custom Landscaping Inc. to plant greenery and spruce up the appearance of the medians on Route-109.
  • The Beautification Committee announced a need for volunteers to help decorate the village for the holidays on Nov. 17 and 24.
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