By Mark Hallum
The Board of Standards and Appeals will decide the fate of a wooded variance between two communities in Oakland Gardens in February.
Windsor Oaks co-op at 74-27 220th St. is attempting to develop extra parking and a clubhouse where the woodland stands, with opposition from both its own residents and the housing development nearby.
The co-op residents and those in the neighboring housing development are in agreement that the areabetween the two should stay.
For homeowners, woodland is preferable to buildings in their backyard. Co-op owners have their own list of concerns.
One resident who chose to remain anonymous has lived in the co-op for 33 years and said not only are many residents in favor of keeping the variance protecting the woodland, but the board of directors for Windsor Oaks has not been attentive to the concerns of residents.
“Many of us here do not want this clubhouse. We fear it may become a hang-out for neighborhood kids,” Pantano said. “It is also an expense to the co-op that is not wanted by many. The floor plan does not make it worth the expense, which we will end up paying. The gym will be too small . Most of us belong to gyms off property, too. The board is the only group who wants this facility.”
The variance to maintain the 100-foot wide section of trees goes back to 1951, when the co-op was built. It is located between Bell and Springfield Boulevards and has about 15 homes running its length.
IThe BSA hearing to amend the variance is scheduled for Feb. 28.
Reach reporter Mark Hallum by e-mail at mhall
