New Zoning Area Will Hopefully Transform Inwood, North Lawrence

On Tuesday, Hempstead Town adopted new smart growth-based zoning codes for Inwood and North Lawrence. The hope is that the new codes will help transform the areas with more development and affordable housing.

“These are two wonderful communities that have been the victims of haphazard zoning from yesteryear,” said Councilman Bruce Blakeman, who introduced the proposed changes. “This is a transformative project that will enhance these neighborhoods while maintaining their cultural diversity.”

The code will include a Neighborhood Business overlay district extending the vibrancy of the hamlet centers along Doughty Boulevard and Lawrence Avenue in a traditional "main street" character and also introduce new housing options for townhouse- and rowhouse-style residences within defined areas of Inwood and North Lawrence.

The code makes a strong commitment to affordable workforce housing and sustainable/green building design with a focus on strengthening the distinctive character of each community. Priority for housing will be given to current community members. The town said the plan is a progressive code that responds to today's needs of the community and future generations in the Inwood and North Lawrence communities.

Prior to the board hearing the zoning proposal, Blakeman presented it to the community, holding multiple meetings and adapting the proposal to address any concerns raised. Many members of the community and Eric Alexander of Vision Long Island attended the Town Board meeting to speak in favor of the proposal.

In response to a question about the Inwood and North Lawrence LIRR stations, Blakeman said he has spoken with the MTA who believed that these railroad stations were underutilized and therefore not a high priority. Now, with the transit-oriented zoning, these stations will have a much greater demand and the MTA has said they will invest in them as development takes place, Blakeman said.

“This zoning change will increase property values and tax revenue which will be a benefit to all those who call Inwood and North Lawrence home,” said Blakeman.