The Village of Mineola Board of Trustees reconvened a hearing last Wednesday to discuss a proposed plan that would bring in a CVS store on the current location of Reese Buick on the north side of Jericho Turnpike at Andrews Road.

The plan calls for a main entrance on Jericho Turnpike. Those traveling westbound on Jericho Turnpike would make a right into the parking lot of the store. Those traveling eastbound on Jericho would have to make a left into the property.

However, in addition, there will be curb cuts on Andrews and Emory Roads. The curb cut on Andrews Road will only be used for a 55-foot delivery tractor trailer to exit out of once per week. The rest of the time, a gate will prevent vehicles from making entering or exiting in the property. However, on Emory Road, there is a plan for a curb cut in which vehicles can enter the property while traveling north on the road and exit the property to travel south toward Jericho Turnpike.

At the start of the hearing last month, the board as well as residents raised concerns over what impact the presence of the CVS would have on traffic in that area, which is already said to be congested.

To further complicate matters, attorney for the Village John Spellman stated at the continuation of the hearing on Wednesday that the New York State Department of Transportation recommends that motorists not be allowed to make a left into the main entrance of the property while traveling east on Jericho Turnpike. In order to access the property while traveling eastbound on Jericho, motorists would therefore have to make a left at the Emory Road light and then make another left into the Emory Road entrance of the property. Emory Road would, therefore, be the only way to access the store while traveling eastbound on Jericho without turning the vehicle around on Jericho.

Mayor Colbert, Deputy Mayor Lou Santosus and the other members of the board were concerned how a CVS might impact the quality of lives of the residents in the surrounding area.

Since Emory would become a main entrance for the property, Mineola Civic Association President Bill Urianek, a resident of Emory Road, stated that the traffic problem would further be complicated by the entrance and exit to the property on Emory Road. Urianek was also concerned about the safety of children on Emory, particularly two who are hearing impaired.

The board also raised concerns about whether a tractor trailer could make an adequate turn into the property from Emory and then exit properly on to Andrews.

Because there are many issues with traffic safety and whether the presence of the CVS would create traffic jams, the village is having a traffic study conducted by an independent contractor. The results of the study will be made known when the hearing reconvenes on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

In addition, there were also other concerns raised by village trustee Maryanne Warnecke about the outdoor dumpster used for garbage, which is planned to be located at the southwest corner of the proposed building. A concern was raised over garbage potentially sticking out the top of the dumpster, which could be an eyesore.

Another resident said some of the patrons for an Italian restaurant that is nearby park in the empty Reese property right now. Those patrons, the resident said, may park in the CVS parking lot if it is erected. Patrons for the restaurant and CVS, therefore, may be forced to park on neighboring blocks.

One of the most important potential problems to come out of the hearing was dealing with the environment. Since the property was used for automotive repairs, the board is concerned about potential contamination of the property. The attorney for CVS, Thomas Pantelis, acknowledged that there is asbestos present but said it would be removed as required by state law.

However, the board is also concerned about potential contamination of the soil. If the site is going to be used, dry wells would have to be installed so the property can be monitored.

Nearly three years ago, a Phase I environmental study was conducted. Village trustee Elizabeth Conlon also suggested a Phase II. Pantelis, however, said his clients would not be willing to do another environmental report but would discuss the board's concerns with them so that a solution may be reached.

The hearing reconvenes on Jan. 20.