The West Hempstead Community Support Association sponsored a town meeting at the Veterans Hall on Woodlawn Road at 7pm last night to present the developer’s plans for the old Western Beef site. The developer discussed its efforts to obtain a number of zoning variances for the 150 unit apartment complex including high-density multi-family units and setbacks. The proposed building will face opposition as it is the same size as the 130 West project next to the LIRR station but on smaller property. That apartment building was said to be 98% rented.
The proposed project density, which is subject to change, will contain studios renting for $2500 to 3 bedroom apartments renting for $4,000 a month. Ten percent of the project will be set aside for affordable housing, meaning applicants who make less than 80% of the average West Hempstead income (now at $120,000 per year). Affordable units will look the same as other rental units. Russell Tepper, Managing Director for the developer, MCRT Investments, stated his company will both build and manage the rental property upon completion. They are hoping to start within a year. The project will provide parking for all residents and other amenities still in the planning stage.
West Hempstead, like many communities on Long Island, suffers from a shortage of housing, driving up home prices.
