East Rockaway board to hold second rezoning meeting

A second public forum will be held on Wednesday, May 12 to discuss the proposed rezoning of the industrial district in East Rockaway.

At the last meeting, held at Rocco's catering on Main Street, the establishment had to turn away hundreds of concerned residents who could not be seated in the filled-to-capacity meeting hall.
The concept of the TOD would be to replace the existing industrial buildings and vacant factories with new mixed-use buildings that would allow small scale shops, restaurants and amenities with residential units.

The benefits, according to Sieban, is that a moderate-density development would be within walking distance of the train station so residents can take advantage of existing mass transit, and that it would create a pedestrian-friendly environment to encourage walking, bicycling and transit use, as well as provide housing options for people of all ages with a focus of keeping young adults in the community.

Residents concerned included the fear that Section 8 -- or low income -- housing would be accepted, and that Pathmark Supermarket would be leaving the area (which the board reassured the public would not happen.)


The May 12 meeting will be held at East Rockaway High School, 443 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway at 7:30 p.m. in the Harry Bunting Auditorium. 

The public is welcomed to attend.