Proposing a five-story building in Inwood

A proposed five-story residential building at the intersection of Bayview Avenue and Russell Place in Inwood was one of the major points of discussion at the Feb. 6 Inwood Civic Association meeting. 

Expected to be heard at the Town of Hempstead Board of Appeals on Feb. 12, a group of people headed by Isaiah Moultrie are requesting multiple variances, including exceeding the allowable building height to build what they are calling a “multi-family” building on what is now a half dozen vacant lots. The town’s code allows buildings that single-family residences to be no higher than three stories or 45 feet high, except a church. Single-family residences can be no more than 2.5 stories and a maximum height of 30 feet.

Moultrie told the civic association that a majority of the units would be either one-bedroom or studio apartments with a few two-bedroom units, and the initial target renters would be military veterans and first responders.

“If the building was less than five stories it would not be economically feasible, we need the higher rental density,” he said, adding that the plans call for underground parking and the building would have an elevator. It is also near public transportation.   

A lifelong Inwood resident, Moultrie said he and his family is looking to make a difference and transform a blighted area. “I want to change Inwood for the better,” he said.

Inwood Fire District Commissioner Frank Parise said that the fire department will be looking at the proposed building and testing its 75-foot tower ladder to see if adequate fire protection can be provided.

“It addresses a need in the community and is great as long as it is beneficial to the community,” said Inwood Civic President David Hance.

The civic association planned to have representatives attend the hearing.

Citizen of the Year

The civic association will fete another lifelong Five Towns resident at its annual dinner on Saturday, March 21 at the Inwood Country Club.

Frank Parise will be honored this year. He was born in Inwood and grew up in North Lawrence. The Inwood resident has served his community in several civic positions, including president of the Leonardo da Vinci Lodge, Order of Sons of Italy, and the civic association, along with being a volunteer firefighter for 30 years, joining at the advanced age of 43.

Elected a fire district commissioner, he also served as president of the Nassau County Association of Fire Districts. Parise was also a Lawrence School District Board of Education trustee and served a stint as president. He has been on the Five Towns Community Center board and the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital community advisory board. Parise worked 43 years in retail management. He is the Village of Cedarhurst’s superintendent of public works.

The country club is at 50 Peppe Road. The dinner is from 6 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person. Checks payable to the Inwood Civic Association. Mail to: Inwood Civic Association, 421 Doughty Blvd., Suite 101, Inwood, N.Y. 11096.