L&M Publications
Merrick Life • Bellmore Life • Freeport-Baldwin Leader • Wantagh-Seaford Citizen

Roger Diller, the architect representing Waterworks Realty, made an informal presentation to the Freeport Landmarks Commission at its monthly meeting held on Tuesday at the Freeport Memorial Library.
   
The newest rendition proposed for this site, which borders Brookside Preserve on its north side and the Long Island Rail Road tracks on its south side, includes 121 apartment units and 228 parking spaces in a six-story building (including the garage). The building has two dormers, a parapet and rises 66 feet high. The apartment is 362 feet long.
   
The front side of the building would be set back so there would be a courtyard and it would face the railroad tracks. It includes some of the architectural features that mimic the original Brooklyn Waterworks building including a deep red brick facade with stone banding, a Roman arch, a mansard style roof and recessed windows. The original Brooklyn Waterworks sign would be built into the front wall next to the front door and there would be a “history wall” inside the lobby of the apartment building.
   
But the back side of the building is three feet from the Brookside Preserve  and is  “a 365-foot wall,” said Mr. Malone. “We won’t see any [architectural] elements, just a railroad apartment.” Mr. Malone suggested flipping the building, but Mr. Diller said he wants to keep the building away from the railroad tracks. 
   
“The building is very big,” said Tony Baker, landmarks commissioner. Other residents agreed. One man called the building “enormous;”  another called it “very large.”
   
“It’s too big and it’s 50 feet longer than the original building,” said another resident.
   
“I understand it may not be financially viable, but is it possible to change the size,” asked one woman.
   
“That is not my decision. My client has worked out his numbers and this is what he wants. We are allowed to build to a 72-foot height,” replied Mr. Diller.
   
The previous plan, withdrawn in March after some residents raised concerns about aesthetics, traffic and its environmental impact on the Brookside Preserve, called for a 125 unit apartment building with 225 parking spaces. That building would also have beenjust feet from the Brookside Preserve which could have an impact on the wildlife and birds, said Audubon members.
   
Residents continue to have the same concerns. Stephen Malone asked that developer Gary Melius  provide a completed Environmental Impact Statement.
   
Members of the South Shore Audubon Society want the building moved away from the preserve.
   
Several residents had concerns about the proposed size of a brick ramp way that would be built alongside the easterly side of the building facing Brookside Avenue.
   
“It looks like there is a sharp right and left hand turn. We do get weather and there is a park across the street,” said one woman. “I have concerns about visibility and that could be compromised going south at the complex.”
   
Ellen Kelly agreed. She also pointed to the heavy pedestrian traffic in the area.
   
Petrina Reda, chairwoman of the Landmarks Commission, reminded residents that the formal hearing on the proposal will take place on Thursday, September 8, at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

By Laura Schofer

Laura Schofer, staff writer for L&M Publications, has been recognized with several awards for many of her feature pieces published in Bellmore and Merrick Life, The Citizen and The Leader.