Kerry Giovanniello

The board discussed and approved an amended sub-division application for 741 East Broadway. Acting as the Architectural Review Board, the members approved a building permit for 231 East Chester Street, adjourned an application for 39 Pennsylvania Avenue, and reserved decision on a permit for 118 Magnolia Boulevard pending amended plans. Additionally, the board reserved decision on a sub-division application at 117 Roosevelt Boulevard and 666 East Penn Street pending zoning review, and approved a sub-division application for 237 West Walnut Street.

The Planning Board meeting focused on the review of several property development projects. The board granted approval for an amended application regarding a subdivision and buildable lots at 741 East Broadway. Additionally, the board acting in its capacity as the Architectural Review Board evaluated building permit requests for 231 East Chester Street, 39 Pennsylvania Avenue, and 118 Magnolia Boulevard, with discussions centered on architectural design, compatibility with the historic neighborhood character, FEMA requirements, and site resiliency planning.

The City Council meeting focused on the presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, which covers the period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Key discussion topics included revenue diversification and growth strategies, management of rising expenditures due to collective bargaining agreements and increased fringe benefit costs, and the use of a digital budget book for public transparency. The City Manager reported on various community projects, including artwork on boardwalk ticket booths, the reopening of the seasonal farmers market, and an upcoming bike safety rodeo. The budget proposal includes an increase to cover rising costs of operation, while maintaining service levels and continuing to improve the city's financial standing and credit rating.

The board reviewed several zoning variance applications. Decisions were granted for front deck and parking improvements at 92 Alabama Street, awning and parking waivers at 832 West Beech Street, and front deck and parking installations at 108 Cleveland Avenue. An application for a two-family conversion at 109 Cleveland Avenue and a conversion request at 15 West Beech Street were adjourned. Additionally, the hearing for a day care center conversion at 355 East Park Avenue was closed pending a determination by the Nassau County Planning Commission.

The board discussed multiple zoning applications. One application involved an extension for a mud room at a residential property, which was granted following confirmation that the structure would not expand beyond the existing footprint. Another application concerned a request to convert a former doctor's office into a two-family residence, including plans for building a third floor. Board members debated the impact of expanding a non-conforming use in light of a 2001 code change restricting two-family dwellings in the area.