By John Tozzi
The dealership, located at 205-11 Northern Blvd., has been operating for several years without a variance, and CB 11 recommended against granting the variance in 2004. But members, fearing that the city Board of Standards and Appeals would ignore CB 11's recommendation, opted to approve the variance this time for two years with conditions to keep the dealer on what Chairman Jerry Iannece described as a “short leash.”The board also hosted a public hearing on a group home for eight developmentally disabled adults planned for Little Neck. Several people raised concerns about whether the home, located at 57-04 254th St., was large enough, and others questioned whether the residents would pose a danger to themselves or others. Representatives from the Association for the Help of Retarded Children, which will run the home, said the house will be fully staffed and the residents pose no danger to the neighborhood. In accordance with CB 11 policy, the board did not offer a recommendation on the group home.On car dealerships seeking variances, however, the board does not hesitate to weigh in, and Monday's was a calculated decision to rein in Star Toyota.The variance would allow parking on a side lot which the company is trying to acquire, according to Michael Koufakis, the dealer principal of Star Toyota. In a phone interview Tuesday, he also denied that his shop serviced cars on the street and said it is taking measures to reduce parking on the sidewalk and the street.The board said it would approve a two-year variance if the dealer installed a wrought iron fence, kept to a limit of 15 cars on the front lot and agreed to not park or service cars on the sidewalk and streets. It was an effort, board members said, to have their voices heard by the BSA, which has the final decision on variances. The alternative-to recommend denying the variance entirely-might be ignored entirely.But some vehemently disagreed with the strategy.”Why are we being asked to second-guess ourselves when they are not getting any better; in fact, they are getting worse,” said Frank Skala, one of five board members to vote against the variance.Aline Euler, who lives on 205th Street, asked board members to vote against the variance.”Our peace and tranquility is shattered by these lawbreakers,” she said. “It's really a disgrace, a contempt they have for us and the law. It's disgusting.”A BSA hearing is scheduled for March 14.Reach reporter John Tozzi by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300 Ext. 188.
