Mixed-Use Baldwin Project Gets Mixed Comments At Town Hall

BALDWIN, NY — A proposed $100 million mixed-use development for Baldwin would sit adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road, providing a convenient locale for commuters.

The Grand at Baldwin by Breslin Realty is a 215-unit rental property with shopping and dining on a 1.8-acre site at the southeast corner of Sunrise Highway and Grand Avenue. It would be on a lot that was used for car storage.

While it aims to spark the downtown revitalization, it also sparked debate at the Oct. 3 Town of Hempstead council meeting.

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin shared his main concern over traffic along Sunrise Highway at Harrison Avenue.

"I'm concerned about the flow when somebody drops them off that they're going to use Harrison as a cut-through and go south, particularly trucks," Clavin said, according to video of the town board meeting posted on YouTube.

The supervisor then asked if there is a plan in place to detour trucks directly onto Sunrise Highway and alleviate some traffic problems.

One of the engineers for the developers said, "there is no plan as of yet."

Clavin said that signage should at least be created for a better flow, "because I think that's going to be a concern for a lot of the residents."

Clavin was pleased, though, to hear that PSEG Long Island would move electrical wires below ground for the project.

An attorney for Breslin said at the hearing that the project would "provide a multitude of jobs for local businesses that will flourish due to the influx of these new residences."

Michelle Oder, who lives in the area, said she was "excited about the project," but "terrified of the impact it is going to have on Harrison Avenue."

Of the 215 units, the spokesperson for the developer said 10 percent were set aside for workforce housing and approximately 5,000 square feet for restaurant and other retail space. The project also features 3,600 square feet of park or plaza space.

Parking for residents of the complex will be in a garage "not visible from the street," the attorney said.

The attorney making the case for The Grand before the council members said Baldwin fire chiefs signed off on the project.

"We will, of course, continue to work with the Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Baldwin Fire Department regarding development of the project," the attorney said.

She also said they received more than 600 online signatures in favor of the Baldwin-based complex.

Breslin Realty expects The Grand at Baldwin to bring an economic boon to the community, as their estimates put more than $3 million directly into the town.

The developer also announced they set aside $250,000 for the Town of Hempstead to "use at its discretion" in the Baldwin community.