Hudes Hosts Forum to Discuss North Village Green Housing Project

Earlier this year, plans were announced for a proposed assisted living facility in place of the North Levittown Lanes property at the and the project has been met with concerns from a number of residents.

In light of community concern on traffic issues, property value and other issues associated with the project, Councilman Gary Hudes hosted an informal meeting to hear what residents thought on the property Wednesday night at the Levittown Public Library.

"We want to exchange ideas," Hudes said. "We're all aware of the proposal for an extended care facility to take the place of the bowling alley. That extended care facility will go to a hearing at the Board of Zoning Appeals. We want to hear alternatives on what the community may want instead."

Suggestions from both Hudes and residents in attendance included private homes, the restoration of the bowling alley that shut its doors last summer, storefronts and a youth recreation center.

Mark Restivo, a lifelong resident of Levittown, thought a complex of condos or townhouses where young couples could afford to live would be more feasible.

"People are discussing private homes, but there's so many for sale already," said Restivo, 32. "I've lived here my whole life and bought my house when I was 26 years old and it was hard to do."

Peter Porazzo felt that a housing complex for 55 and older would work well in Levittown without creating too much disturbance to those who already live here.

"I could personally see a community for people 55 and over, something that's not overbuilt," Porazzo said. "I couldn't think of a better location for it."

Attorney William Diconza was present at the meeting to represent the property owner and earn feedback on what the town would consider an acceptable project.

"I'm here to listen," Diconza said. "We have loved to keep the bowling alley, but it failed. People stopped bowling. We would love to do rentals, but with dollars and cents it just doesn't make sense."

Hudes ended the meeting promising all feedback from the meeting would be considered by the town board and sent to the property owners before a hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals, which a date has yet to be set. Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray was not in attendance at the meeting.