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City View Remains on Hold

The City of Glen Cove Planning Board Meeting on Tuesday June 17, 2008 provided a continuation of a public hearing that had been started on April 17, 2007. (The Leader, April 25, 2007). The hearing was to allow for public input regarding the proposed application for a final plat for the subdivision of land and final site plan for an average density development of eight new dwellings at Shore Road (Front Street) in Glen Cove. The developer, City View Estates LLC, represented by Jeff Forchelli, provided a report to the board and the audience regarding questions that had been raised at the meeting from fourteen months previous - most specifically, an issue over title and land egression. More questions, however, and continued opposition, was the result.
In addition to remarks made by Mr. Forchelli, attorney Stan Levine provided information regarding the title. Mr. Levine stated that after a review of various materials and an exhaustive title search dating back to 1677 that the area in question "in its present and past has always been privately owned." City View Estates, LLC, was therefore granted an insurance policy based on his research. Herbert Kaufman of the Planning Board asked for a record that specified the "chain of ownership" of the property in question because he felt that the issue was the most contested aspect by the community. Though originally rebuffed by Mr. Forchelli who stated that he had previously submitted "proof of title" to the Planning Board, additional details were provided. Mr. Levine stated that his search and thousands of other searches completed by himself and his company are completed by "taking the title back to their foundation" and that from the King to present there is a "complete unbroken chain of ownership."
After the City View Estates representatives completed their report, Mr. Scott opened up the floor to questions from the audience, first from members of the Glen Cove community and then Sea Cliff. A long line of speakers, some residents in the proposed affected area, began questioning various aspects of the proposal. The majority of the questions and concerns raised stemmed from how the properties would be affected by the 100 year flood plans, the cost of insuring properties located in this zone, would the tax payers of Glen Cove be willing to assume a level of liability if the properties were damaged, etc. Another aspect that was hotly contested was the "growth" of the area in question and who, if anyone owned the land that was created. The creation of the land was also debated as many of the residents reported that the additional land was created not by act of god but rather by dump trucks in the middle of the night. During the 1960's it is alleged that debris was placed in the navigable water way portion of the area, thus making the area friendlier to real estate development. Mr. Forchelli was unable to comment regarding the difference between egression and debris dumping.
Other members of the community expressed concern over their own property values and the loss of a natural habitat. Mr. Evan Levy of Sea Cliff, a resident and homeowner in the area of contention explained that the "land should not be disturbed…whatsoever." Mr. Richard Smith of Glen Cove said, "bottom line - you [Planning Board Members] owe the citizens and yourselves the last untouched part of this beautiful land. It would be a crime to the citizens of Glen Cove, now and the future." Glen Howard of Glen Cove also stated that the Planning Board ultimately needs to decide "whether or not the development fits in, whether the title is clear, and whether or not the development would occur."
Mr. Forchelli responded to the many of the questions and concerns raised by those in attendance with a mixed reaction from the audience. Upon completion of the report, he asked the Board to render a decision regarding the final approval but he would not get an answer. After two and a half hours of reports and questions the public hearing was closed.
Upon the entry into regular business, a motion was quickly made to wait to render a decision as the City of Glen Cove Planning Board awaits a recommendation from the Nassau County Planning Commission. The motion passed unanimously. Until the recommendation is provided to the Glen Cove Planning Board, the City View project will remain on hold. Even if the City View Estates, LLC proposal is approved by the Glen Cove Planning Board, it would then have to be approved by Sea Cliff's Planning Board. It is a process that has, in effect, been in the process of planning since the 1980's. The Planning Board expects to have the requested information in time for their next scheduled meeting. The fate of the City View Estates, LLC project remains on hold.

• Adam Grohman