By Juan Soto
An auto repair businesses at Francis Lewis Boulevard got what it was looking for during this month’s Community Board 11 meeting.
By a 19-vote-margin (28-9), the board extended an approved variance from five to 10 years to Prela Enterprises, which was set to expired in November 2017.
The Auburndale Improvement Association opposed the extension, arguing that the 10,020-square-foot shop’s lot has excessive signage and commercial vehicles park overnight.
“We oppose the extension at this time,” said Terri Pouymari, president of the Auburndale Improvement Association. “If they meet the conditions in 2017, then we will be okey for a 10-year extension.”
The business opened in 1957, when the board granted a variance to permit the construction of the service station at 42-42 Francis Lewis Blvd.
According to a representative from the business, Prela Enterprises had a letter of support from about 300 residents of the community.
“Prela is a good neighbor,” he said. “And it is a good business.”
The approval of the extension comes with the condition that parking on the site be limited to vehicles waiting for service, signage be limited to the city Board of Standards and Appeals requisites, and a no parking sign be installed in the shop’s fence.
“We addressed those issues,” said Prela, adding that the only concern now is getting the certificate of occupancy.
During the CB 11 meeting held at Middle School 158, at 46-35 Oceania St., the board asked neighbors to submit ideas for the capital and expense budget for fiscal year 2016.
“It is time to file requests,” a board member said.
CB 11 made proposal forms available for residents to be included in the New York City capital or expense budget. It reminded the residents that capital projects must cost more than $35,000, such as land acquisitions and major construction projects.
Residents must return the forms with their ideas, including a title and a description of each proposal, by the end of the month.
During the hourlong meeting, Phil Konigsberg, an anti-smoke advocate, called on CB 11 to adopt measures pushing for smoke-free co-ops and condos. He made a similar request for smoke-free housing during a CB 7 meeting, which covers Flushing, Bay Terrace and other areas. Konigsberg is a member of the Health Committee at CB 7.
“I would like the board to consider this,” he said at the meeting.
In his monthly address, 111th Police Precinct Commanding Officer Jason Huerta said overall crime in the area was down about 40 percent so far this year, compared to the same period in 2013.
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
