Housing complex to replace Oberle?

The site of Oberle Florist & Greenhouses, a community staple since 1926, may soon be redeveloped into a housing complex.

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After more than 80 years in the community, Oberle Florist & Greenhouses may soon be no more. The nursery’s owners are currently in contract negotiations to sell their East Meadow Avenue property to a developer who is proposing to build a housing complex there.

The nursery, on 845 East Meadow Avenue, was founded in 1926, according to its website.

A community meeting, hosted by the Council of East Meadow Community Organizations, was scheduled for Jan. 28, after the Herald went to press, to discuss the proposal with residents.

William Bonesso, a Uniondale-based attorney who represents the applicant, Steve Cubells, the owner of East Meadow Properties, LLC, said he arranged the meeting to discuss concerns with residents before scheduling a hearing with the Town of Hempstead Board. “I prefer to meet with the neighbors and make sure that the facts are put before them,” Bonesso said.

The plan, he said, is to build four new two-and-one half story buildings containing 48 two-bedroom condominium units on the 133,000 square-foot lot. The 24 first-floor units would each be 1,350 square feet, plus a basement. The second floor units would be 1,800 square feet, each with a loft.

Bonesso said the proposal meets all parking requirements, and that the company has no intention of purchasing additional property.

The plan must be approved by the Town of Hempstead, Bonesso explained, because the property would need to be rezoned from a Residence “B” district to a “CA” district, for multi-family housing.

Oberle’s owners, Elisa and Carl Oberle, and Joanne Oberle Finocchiaro were scheduled to be at the Wednesday meeting. Site engineering and traffic experts were also scheduled to attend.

Bonesso said he hopes to get the proposal on the town board’s calendar in February or March. If the town board approves the zoning, he said the plan will still need approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission, and then will go back to the town to request building permits.

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