After announcing the winners of the March 21 village trustee and justice election, the Farmingdale Village Board of Trustees continued to approve 17 building permits brought before them by Superintendent of Buildings Ron Craig.

While most were maintenance and updates on existing homes, two new homes on Dwayne Street were also on the list. Also mentioned was the purchase of the 44-unit multiple dwelling building at 675 Conklin St. Fairfield Properties, the new owner, will commence a facelift of the building's façade and each interior unit as leases expire.

Farmingdale Fire Department Chief Salerno presented Mayor George Graf with a $1,000 check to be used toward the revitalization of the Village Green. Lee Dodge donated $50 to the village for the same purpose.

Attention was then shifted a lengthy public hearing regarding a site plan approval for The Downtown that would change its use. Owners seek to convert this Main Street building from a venue for touring bands to a "first class catering establishment".

"I know this is a close-knit community and that a lot of people are interested in this venue," Stanley J. Sibell, an attorney representing owners Rainmaker, LLC, began.

The Downtown stunned the local music community when it abruptly closed its doors last year without explanation. It is currently leasing the property to Andrew Catering. Andrew Catering is interested in further investing $75,000 to transition the facility from a nightclub to a catering hall. While they have been operating as such for the past 85 days under a temporary permit, there have not been any noise or other violations issued when Village Code Enforcement and Nassau County Police visited on two occasions.

"We have had several affairs without intrusion upon the community," the owner added.

Focusing on past negative impacts such as noise, tour buses, ticket lines and garbage accumulation the nightclub has had on the surrounding community since it opened in 2001, the applicants assured those present that these would no longer be an issue.

"We hope to attract families and individuals who are celebrating life events such as birthdays and Sweet 16s," an owner of the family-run Andrew Catering said. "While some might have music, it will be associated with an event - like with a DJ or live band - and there will be no amplifiers."

Traffic studies to determine what, if any, parking effects this converted use would create revealed on excess of 200 available parking spots during their proposed business hours. Mayor Graf, however, noted that these traffic studies were completed during a time when two nearby restaurants that plan to open shortly were not yet in business.

Occupancy rates were another issue. While the 4,756-sq. ft. building currently has an occupancy rate of 459, the board agreed in principle to lower the limit to a maximum of 150 before noon, 200 before 4 p.m. and 300 after 4 p.m. Their hours of operation would be noon to 1 a.m. However, a final decision will be made at a future board meeting.

Mayor Graf then opened the floor to the public for comment. Village resident and recent trustee candidate Joe Diurno expressed concern about patrons stopping their vehicles and letting people out, potentially causing congestion on Main Street.

"This would be ill-planned if it is allowed to go forward," he said.

Chuck Gosline said he was more interested in seeing a business plan with a cost benefit to the village.

"Plus you already have 16 restaurants vying for parking on Main Street," he added.

Brian Healy's concern was that The Downtown already has a name established in the music community.

"A band can still get their following to go to The Downtown, buy a ticket for $175, give $75 per person to the caterer and they are operating just the way they were."

In response, Andrew Caterers said they hadn't thought of that scenario, but that it wouldn't happen.

Deputy Mayor Joe Rachiele added, "I think this would be good for the community, but with a few restrictions."

The board decided to extend the temporary permit and reserve decision until the April 11 board meeting.

The owner of Viva Juan, which will open as a new Mexican restaurant in place of Melanie's, was granted a special use permit to change the color of the awning to "Farmingdale" green and update landscaping around the building, provided the work is completed within six months. Their hours of operation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

"This is going to refresh the building," Mayor Graf said.

Trustee-elect Pat Christiansen stood up at the end of the meeting to thank Trustee Dr. Benjamin Giminaro for his service to the community. Giminaro did not seek re-election this year.

"I am so appreciative," she added, following a standing ovation on behalf of Giminaro.

On Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. the board will hold a workshop to review the tentative 2006/07 budget. On Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m. a public hearing will be held to discuss the tentative budget. On Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m. a meeting will be held to adopt the budget. The next trustees' meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. At that meeting a public hearing will also be held for a special use permit to build a 16-unit condominium complex at 776-780 Fulton St. This application was turned down by the Village Planning Board, however, their decisions are suggestions for the village board. For more information visit www.farmingdalevillage.com.