The Village of Roslyn board of trustees has voted to adopt a new local law, one creating a Parking Trust Fund.

The purpose of the law is to raise money for the village, which in turn would be used solely to secure municipal and private off-street parking in Roslyn. BOT members hope the law will result in the expansion and upgrading of existing parking spaces.

Under the new law, the Zoning Board of Appeals will be authorized to grant an alternate form of parking variance to all developers seeking a building permit or any other municipal certificate. Such variances may include, among other things, reducing the number of parking spaces required for a specific use of a property.

In short, if a developer wants a variance from village off-street parking requirements, then they must make a contribution to the trust fund. The BOT has set the payment at $2,000 per parking space so waived or modified by the ZBA.

All such monies will then be deposited by the BOT into the trust fund. The BOT would use the fund exclusively for off-street parking. That would not only include, as noted, the expansion and upgrading of existing spaces, but also the acquisition of land and facilities for parking usage, plus the purchase of new parking equipment.

The minimum number of off-street parking spaces allowed for commercial and residential establishments in the village will vary. A building supply or lumberyard will be allowed one space per 200-sq. ft. of sales area and one space per 500-sq. ft. of outdoor sales area. Health care and assisted living facilities would receive one space per two beds. For museums and libraries, the minimum is one space per 200-sq. ft. of gross floor area. Restaurants and eating and drinking establishments receive one space per three seats, plus one space per two seats in lounge or bar areas. A single-family house receives two spaces at the minimum, but no more than four spaces per house. A two-family house would earn two spaces per one dwelling unit. Copies of the new law are available at the Village Hall, 1200 Old Northern Blvd.

The trust fund was first debated at the September BOT meeting. Certain scenarios were discussed, including one where the village would condemn a piece of property, and then buy a section of that property for parking purposes. Mayor Durkin said a purpose of the law was to prevent village taxpayers from paying for more parking. Village Attorney John Spellman added that the trust fund idea might serve as an incentive for outside developers. With it, a developer might receive a higher yield on his investment.

The village, Mr. Spellman added, is due to gain some land downtown once the Forest City Daly senior housing project is completed. Mayor Durkin also stated that by helping to ease the parking situation, the long-hoped for revitalization of downtown Roslyn might be realized.