After receiving much backlash for its proposed project, dubbed the “Cornerstone at Lynbrook” last November, the Farmingdale-based company Terwillinger & Bartone is now taking a different approach with its proposals. With the primary concern of the original pitch being its “lack of openness,” the development company has already worked to combat this issue; residents were invited on Aug. 20 to offer suggestions and ask developer Anthony Bartone questions about his potential project located at the current site of the Capri Lynbrook Motor Inn.

With a history of numerous prostitution, drug, and assault arrests at the site, elected officials have tried to shut down the motel for years. Bartone plans to combat this issue via the construction of a luxury apartment complex at the location of the current motel. This point alone is enough for some residents to support the construction of the proposed complex. “[The] Capri Motor Lodge has been a high-crime sight in our neighborhood. Not only would luxury rental apartments be a massively improved use of land, it would also provide new homes to people and families that will join the Lynbrook community while simultaneously eliminating a crime hotspot,” commented resident and senior Maria Russotti.    

Bartone began purchasing the Capri in July 2019; however, the project’s fate is dependent on the village board’s approval. The official plans were presented at a public hearing in front of the village board on Oct. 21.

Last year, many residents expressed concerns with the height of the proposed complex. This time, Bartone has predicted that the complex will be in line with a neighboring building, the Bristol Assisted Living Facility. As announced at the public hearing date, the proposed complex will consist of 80 luxury rental units across four stories and will have a Tutor-style façade.  

If approved, the complex would boast eight 1,150-square-foot, two-bedroom units that would rent for $3400 per month; 44 750-square-foot, one-bedroom apartments priced at $2,800 per month; and 28 550-square-foot studio apartments with rent priced $2,400 per month. Additionally, at the public hearing, realtor Michael Lynch spoke about how the apartment complex could help raise local property values.

Following the proposal, residents were invited to express their opinions and concerns. Similar to the last proposal, two main apprehensions continued to arise: the impact that the complex would have on local schools and parking.

 Some residents expressed concerns on the influence the complex could potentially have on enrollment sizes at LHS. “I feel like so many more people would start to move to Lynbrook if the apartment complex apartment is constructed, which could be positive for local businesses, but I’m concerned on the impact it could have on the districts class sizes,” said senior Gaby Campos. Bartone claims, however, that there would likely be a minimal effect on the school district’s enrollment as there will only be eight two-bedroom apartment units. Bartone also aims to alleviate any parking/traffic issues with the construction of 92 parking spaces beneath the building.

Despite the concerns that were brought forward at the public hearing, the general consensus is pointing to be in favor of the apartment complex. The first of many to speak publicly was resident Cathy Bien, who stated, “First of all, I just want to tell everybody that I am so in favor of this… [it] is a positive thing for Lynbrook.” On a similar note, resident Laura Ryder announced that she too wanted to see the motel go: “Honestly, I do not see any negatives based on their presentation tonight and based on their presentation over the summer.” Junior Leonardo Sola agreed, stating, “I think it would economically benefit the community.” Given the comments of the Lynbrook residents, Bartone’s new and revised project appears to have a hopeful future.

Since the initial public hearing on Oct. 21, the village trustees have unanimously decided to postpone an official vote on Bartone’s pitch to give them more time to view the project in its entirety. A second public hearing will be held on Nov. 4. The fate of this project may rest on the outcome of this hearing.