More Line Up Against Beth Eliyahu Project

Traffic, parking and safety impacts of a proposed Great Neck project by Congregation and Yeshiva Beth Eliyahu at 195 Middle Neck Rd. continue to draw fire from a growing list of local legislators.

Beth Eliyahu is attempting to convert an existing location into a religeous school at 195 Middle Neck Road but variances to expand the non-conforming commercial building for use as an educational facility with off-street parking has drawn resistance.

The most recent criticism of the project came this week from Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Anna Kaplan in a Dec 6 letter to the town's Board of Zoning Appeals. (See entire letter to the right)

Prompted by waht she said was numerous concerns voiced to her by residents living in the vicinity of the site, especially in the Allenwood Park area, the 4th District lawmaker opposition to the plan. 

"I share the concern of my constituents that a reasonable balance needs to be maintained between activity in the commercial area (Middle Neck Road) and on the adjacent local streets," stated Kaplan in the letter. "This application appears to contain a number of elements that could seriously compromise that balance."

In what is becoming a familiar cry to the BZA, Kaplan requested the board to examine with the "utmost seriousness" the traffic, safety and logistical issues that have been raised by my constituents in this matter.

Nassau County Legis. Judi Bosworth, D-Great Neck, publicly questioned Beth Eliyahu's proposal Thursday.

The villages of Great Neck, Great Neck Estates, Kensington, Lake Success and the Allenwood Park Civic Association, have spoken out against the plan in recent months.

Beth Eliyohu represenatives did not return a request for comment to Patch on Friday.

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