The first hearing on the agenda at the Feb. 6 Town of Oyster Bay Board Meeting was to consider the petition of 131 E. Ames Inc. for a modification of restrictive covenants in an "H" Industrial District (Light Industry).

The applicant, 131 E. Ames Inc., is seeking to increase the subject building size and to obtain site plan approval for premises at 131 East Ames Court in Plainview.

Mr. Bauer, owner of the Insurance Service Business in Plainview, has been in the insurance business for 26 years and has three locations in the Town of Oyster Bay area.

At the hearing, Mr. Stein, the lawyer representing the applicant, explained to the board that the applicant wishes to extend the building by 3,593 square feet. The purpose would be to add additional working space, 16 new offices within the proposed extension, and 13 new parking spaces.

There are currently 45 employees working for Mr. Bauer and within the next three to four years, the applicant hopes to hire approximately 10 new employees to accommodate for the expected increase in business.

Expert witness Barry Nelson testified at the hearing on behalf of the applicant and submitted pictures depicting the area and building in question. He said that there are currently 55 parking spaces and the proposal includes the required amount of 68 spaces. This, he said, is more than enough parking spaces to accommodate the employees and the customers. Mr. Bauer then explained that a majority of the insurance work is done through the telephone and fax machine and there is not a high demand for customers to enter the actual insurance building. Approximately 30 percent of their business is personal and 70 percent commercial.

After a question by board member Anthony Macagnone, it was said that local contractors would be hired to perform the proposed work.

"The building will continue to be a model and standard building," said Stein. "We are proud to be here in Oyster Bay and stay in the Town of Oyster Bay."

The record will be kept open to allow residents a chance to have their opinions, comments and concerns be included in the record. Please address all written inquiries to Town of Oyster Bay Board; 54 Audrey Avenue; Oyster Bay, NY; 11771.