Capri Lynbrook Motor Inn Redevelopment: Neighbors Give Feedback

LYNBROOK, NY —Developers are forging ahead with plans to raze the Capri Lynbrook Motor Inn and replace it with high-end apartments, and neighbors this week gave feedback on what they want — and do not want — to see when the plans are finalized.

Anthony Bartone, managing partner of Terwilliger & Bartone Properties, told Patch on Thursday the motel, which is still operating, is a "blight," but will not be torn down until redevelopment plans are approved. About 100 residents came to a community forum Tuesday held at the Knights of Columbus building on Hempstead Avenue. The residents gave feedback on a white board.

Neighbors said they want the new building to be no taller than the four-story Bristal Assisted Living at Lynbrook complex, which sits across Freer Street.

"We heard loud and clear no taller than that," Bartone said.

Residents also want developers to avoid installing rooftop terraces and would prefer to see Tudor- or Victorian-style architecture to blend in with the neighborhood, Bartone said. They also asked that parking be contained on site to avoid filling up street parking in the area and want the building to offer a bevy of amenities.

Furthermore, neighbors asked that the builders install vinyl fencing and landscaping to create buffers from adjacent buildings.

While most developers put forth redevelopment plans and then seek feedback from the community, Bartone wanted to "reinvent the process," and do it a better way.

"We wanted to engage the community before we came up with plans," he said, noting it was all positive feedback.

The developer's architecture team is now working to incorporate the feedback into the designs, Bartone said. He estimated the new luxury apartments would cost between $20 million and $30 million to build.

Bartone hopes to have plans ready to submit to the village in early September with a hearing in October.

The motel has been the site of numerous arrests for prostitution, as well robberies.