Another public meeting was held on Roslyn Landing, the residential project planned by BITI Development for downtown Roslyn. The meeting took place last Monday night at the Bryant Library. It was sponsored by the Clock Tower Party, but open to all residents.

About 70 residents attended the meeting. The evening's featured guest speaker was Paul Fetscher, president of Great American Brokerage and an expert in retail concepts and downtown development.

Fetscher said he had several areas of concern with both the project as well as how Roslyn's downtown is isolated from the success of nearby shopping destinations such as the Americana in Manhasset. Fetscher said that the village lacked public spaces where people could meet and congregate. He also cited a need for the clustering of additional retail space to create a critical mass of businesses for the development of Roslyn's downtown. In addition, he observed that during the evening hours, the low downtown lighting created a dark "unwelcoming" atmosphere. He observed plenty of cars driving through the village, however few stopped to shop.

Fetscher's greatest concern is that the development would be built on property-zoned commercial land. This would stop the downtown area from continued expansion. Fetscher claimed the scale of the condominiums would "overpower" the town. He said the design was not compatible with the village's historic nature. He suggested that retail stores and restaurants be added to the development. He would also expand business use on Skillman Street, which would encourage pedestrians to be able to walk in a large circle around the downtown area. In addition to upgrading the village lighting so that people will know "you are open," Fetscher said the village needed to develop off street parking.

As one might suspect, the meeting did have political overtones. Silvia Dorsky, chair of the Clock Tower Party, introduced John Santos and Michael Dorsky as the candidates for village trustee for the upcoming village election to be held on March 20, 2007.

John Santos, president of the Roslyn Chamber of Commerce, spoke of the need to integrate what was left of the waterfront with the rest of the community. Santos explained that the BITI project has a total of 11 acres, nine of which are zoned for condominiums. The remaining two acres located behind the Junior League and the post office must remain zoned for commercial use to allow for the downtown expansion. Santos described the possibility of enhancing the Silver Lake waterfront behind the stores in the village. Santos envisioned the area as one cleaned up with walkways and seating areas for visitors to enjoy the scenery. He also pointed out that a beautification project he was directing was not taking place between the post office and the Junior League.

Michael Dorsky is chairman of the Roslyn Village Planning Board and a trustee of the Nassau County Sewer and Storm Water Authority. Dorsky said that he would like to see the integration of recreational parks, houses and small shops that enhance the historic character of this village, thereby encouraging people to visit the downtown area.

Village resident Andrea Kauffman questioned why the "master plan was created and paid for with our tax dollars only to be ignored." She spoke of elements in Roslyn's Zoning Law that are missing from BITI's proposal such as adequate useable open space for playgrounds and informal recreation. Everyone present was urged to attend future village meetings where BITI's Final Environmental Impact Statement will be discussed.

Also speaking at the meeting were current board of trustee members, Nolan Myerson and Marta Genovese.

Myerson told The Roslyn News that the entire meeting was "premature," adding that not enough information has been disseminated to the public.

"The process is still with the board of trustees," he said. "It hasn't even gone to the Planning Board or the Historic District Board, yet."

Myerson thought the presentations have only served to confuse people, while also getting them upset. He said that in January 2007, the BOE would hold a meeting to discuss the findings of the Environmental Impact Statement (SEQRA). At that time, he added, more information will be made available to the public.

Myerson also said that certain participants at the meeting were premature in their "accusations of the mayor," referring to John Durkin. He said that, contrary to what was claimed, the current BOE always allows residents to speak their minds at public meetings.

"The meeting should have been held after SEQRA plan was released," Myerson reiterated.

In addition, Marta Genovese had some questions for Paul Fetscher. She wanted him to name five things that would improve the BITI project. According to Ms. Genovese, some of the ideas presented have already been incorporated into the plan and others are being considered.

"Our role as trustees is not to advocate, but to fairly raise the questions on whether it's a good thing or a bad thing," Ms. Genovese told The Roslyn News, speaking of the BITI project or any other development plan. "We also have to address what aspects of the project need to be mitigated, if any."

The current project, Ms. Genovese added, has seen some modifications, including the lowering of its projected heights. She said that renderings are available to the public.

"We don't confuse the SEQRA process with advocating roles," she said. "Our role is not as an advocate, but to get it [the project] to the best place we can."

Roslyn Landing is an 80-unit condominium community proposed for an 11-acre site in downtown Roslyn. The location, adjacent to Old Northern Boulevard, was approved years ago by a previous BOE for a Stop & Shop supermarket, one that was eventually rejected. BITI Development acquired the site and began to prepare an acceptable plan under the village's master plan guidelines.

The current plan reflects a four-year review process in which BITI followed the procedures outlined by the board of trustees. The site plan includes townhouses with multiple façade treatments and private elevators, plus one-level "flat" condominium units. In addition, units with Victorian towers will be available. BITI officials added that these varied units are organized surrounding an internal motor court whose function is to keep automobiles and garages from sight, itself allowing for the creation of a streetscape for pedestrians lined with trees, open to local retail and leading to the water's edge.

BITI Development recently submitted their FEIS and hopes to receive final approval from the BOE. A BITI spokesman said, "We seek to create a unique vision for Roslyn because we recognize that it is such a special place. We have an obligation to propose sustainable development that enhances the community and preserves its heritage."