Residents push back against proposed five-story apartment buildings in Floral Park
The proposed project includes a 119-unit, mixed-use apartment building on Jericho Turnpike at the former site of Stella Restaurant, a longtime neighborhood staple.
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Plans to build two five-story apartment buildings in Floral Park are facing growing opposition from residents who say the village is developing too quickly and risks losing its small-town character.
The proposed project includes a 119-unit, mixed-use apartment building on Jericho Turnpike at the former site of Stella Restaurant, a longtime neighborhood staple. The developer is also seeking approval to construct a separate five-story senior apartment building with 36 units between Van Buren Avenue and Van Siclen Avenue.
Some residents argue the scale of the buildings is out of step with the surrounding neighborhood.
“That’s a little too big,” said Susan Powderly, of Bellerose. “I understand the need for it, but five stories is a lot for this area.”
Opposition has been gaining momentum, with residents launching a petition that has collected more than 1,200 signatures. Concerns come amid a wave of recent development in Floral Park. Two apartment complexes have already opened in the village, and a third is currently under construction, prompting questions about infrastructure, traffic and parking.
“It’s a nice small community and we want to make sure it stays like that,” said Floral Park resident Sharon Wyse. “We’re seeing a lot of buildings coming up recently.”
Despite the pushback, many residents acknowledge the need for additional housing. However, they say the proposed developments may not strike the right balance.
“You don’t want to change the nature of the community, but there’s a need for that kind of housing,” Powderly added.
Pat Beattie, of Floral Park, emphasized affordability and local access. “It has to be affordable,” Beattie said. “It needs to be housing for seniors, for people who live here who have lived here.”
According to the proposal, the two buildings would include a total of 244 off-street parking spaces. A public hearing focused on parking and traffic impacts is scheduled for next week, and village officials are expecting a large turnout from residents.
News 12 reached out to the developer for comment but had not received a response as of publication.
