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Politics & Government

Village of Great Neck Notebook: Aesthetics

The looks and local safety of the Village were the main points of discussion at the August. 21 Village of Great Neck trustee meeting.

The owner of Simon Cohen and Sons, a recently opened rug store, was denied a request to Great Neck Village Trustees that his present sign remain. He was told to display a sign at his 493 Middle Neck Road location more conforming to those of his neighbors.

As the subject of what is aesthetic to the eye was brought into the discussion at the August 21 meeting, Deputy Mayor Mitch Beckerman said he would like to see taller fences because large houses built on small properties do not allow for privacy in a neighbor’s backyard. Trustee Mark Birnbaum stated he sees no reason to erect fences, as shrubbery provides privacy and can grow as high as a fence of any size. Trustee Sobel wants a tall fence because his home adjoins The . Present law determines that a homeowner may not fence his property with a fence higher than four feet on three sides. The front of a property may not be fenced.

Next, safety for pedestrians and three story house dwellers was discussed. The removal of a “No Turn On Red” sign at Middle Neck Rd and

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Beach Rd presents a safety issue for pedestrians. A resident reminded those present of a double pedestrian fatality in an attempt to cross the street which prompted the placement of the sign twenty years ago.

Many people who buy a house of three stories expect to use the third floor as bedrooms instead of an attic. Mayor Ralph Kreitzman suggested there ought to be a law against stairs leading to the third floor.

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Earlier in the meeting, Village Department Heads reported that all is going well. Two orphan roads—Andover Road and Chadwick Road between Baker Hill Road and Old Colony Lane—not cited previously in the ‘to do’ list, will be paved this early Autumn 2012 or Spring 2013, the Village announced. An unexpected lower bid by the contracted road pavers makes this possible.

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