Land Owner Talks Fate of Woodland Nursery Site

From to shopping centers, when it comes to rumors about what will be developed at the site of the former Woodland Nursery in Malverne, Agostino Esposito has heard it all.

"Everybody has different ideas," said Esposito, who purchased the site on Franklin Avenue in late 2010 under the name of his contracting company, A&E Development LLC. (His customers and locals who have seen his business signs on their neighbors lawn probably know him as "Mr. Stoop.")

After village officials that the current buildings on the site would most likely be demolished next week, Esposito spoke with Patch about the future of the property.

"If it was up to me I'd put up a 20-story buildng," Esposito said laughingly.

As a 14-year resident of Malverne who has worked as a contractor in the village for 19 years, Esposito understands that whatever does spring up on the site will have to have the approval of local officials and the public's blessings.

"It's up to the local people. I'm open to anything," he says. "The town has been nice to me and I want to be nice to them and do the right thing."

Right now, Esposito is awaiting the approval of a demolition permit, which is currently on the desk of Richard Barbieri, of the village's Buildings Department. Barbieri expects all the paperwork to be in order for the demolition to take place next week.

From there the property will be fixed up so it's more presentable to the public, resembling a park, while Esposito works with the village to devise a plan for the site.

Esposito's architect is currently putting something together, but he doesn't know any of the specifics at this time. He doesn't expect much discussion will take place until summer ends but says he's fine with that.

"We're not rushing into anything," he said, adding that his 31 years of construction experience have taught him to take each project one step at a time so you can get things right the first time.

"I enjoy what I do. It's a passion to create. It's not about the money. I love the challenge," Esposito said, sharing an old Italian saying he learned from his grandparents. It translates into "Little by little you will reach far."