Developing a dialogue about development

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As residents or commuters walk and drive around Valley Stream, it’s easy to spot areas where construction is under way or notice locations that could make a good fit for new development.

On June 20, business owners, residents and village officials discussed some of the work taking place in Valley Stream and the possibility of attracting more developers to the area. Envision Valley Stream and the Valley Stream Independent Democrats organized the meeting, which was held at Sip This on Rockaway Avenue.

One of the main topics of the discussion was the large apartment complex on the corner of Sunrise Highway and Rockaway Avenue, Sun Valley Towers. The five-story building will house 72 apartments on the second through fifth floors. The first floor will feature retail and parking for those businesses, as well as a lobby for the apartment complex. There will be a parking lot underground for residents.

Mike Sullivan, the attorney for the project’s developer, Steve Valiotis, said Sun Valley is progressing nicely and his client plans to hand out keys to apartment renters on Jan. 1. Sullivan added that one business is seeking the entire first-floor space, but nothing has been finalized.

“This is a beautiful project,” Sullivan said.

Charles Chiarello, owner of Classic Coffee Systems on West Merrick Road, said adding more apartments to Valley Stream is a good thing. “We should welcome the apartments because it welcomes the young business people,” he said, adding that his son lives in an apartment building in Rockville Centre along with many other young professionals.

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