Town of Hempstead: Newsday Editorial Board Warns Against Anti-Housing Rezoning

"The Town of Hempstead's initial attempt toward walking away from an effective rezoning effort near the Inwood and North Lawrence train stations is a disappointing step backward. Town officials are likely to repeal a so-called 'overlay district' for the two communities, which would have allowed transit-oriented development, with apartments over stores and offices, and some row houses and townhouses. The proposal to rescind that zoning implies it would negatively impact 'among other things, community character and quality of life' and could become a 'threat to public health, safety, and welfare,'" said Newsday's Editorial Board.

"That's an unfortunate shift from the perspective held by the town board just five years ago when it approved the rezoning. Then, town officials emphasized the need for new housing and downtown revitalization. The editorial board at the time applauded the town as 'smart to get on board' and called Hempstead officials 'forward-thinking leaders.' The 2019 rezoning, which allows for up to 60 units per acre in some places, was spearheaded by then-town board members Erin King Sweeney and Bruce Blakeman, both Republicans, at a time when the town was led by former Supervisor Laura Gillen, a Democrat. The only 'no' vote on the board was cast by Republican Anthony D'Esposito, now a freshman member of Congress whom Gillen is challenging again in a 2024 House race considered pivotal in the battle for the majority." Read more about this story here.