Auto Repair Shop, Residents At Odds

Olivia Rainson

editors@antonmediagroup.com

AManhasset Auto Repair Shop is under fire by residents for operating illegally as an Auto Body Shop. Located at 55 Bayview Avenue, Schmitty’s Family Auto has been serving the community for over five years.

A petition, created on June 26, is being sent around to attempt to “preserve Manhasset’s residential area from industrializing.” The auto company is approved to be an Auto Repair Shop according to the Town of North Hempstead’s Board of Zoning — and they were denied the request for a variance and legalization.

The shop is attempting to appeal this decision by the board, and this has caused an organization, Preserve Manhasset, to create a petition on Change.org to combat this development. Their argument, according to the petition, is “the opposition of an industrial-use Auto Body Shop in a residential neighborhood.”

The petition is asking for 200 signatures, and is creeping close to its goal. The differences between an Auto Body and Auto Repair shop are provided in the description of the petition. The repair shop serves engine components and is fixed typically in a day, and the body shop focuses more on the body of the car after collisions and repairs can take several weeks.

A major argument provided is both the potential chemical paint booths polluting the air and the traffic that may be caused from vehicles delivering parts. The petition claimed that the Schmitty’s Family Auto Shop has already illegally installed an industrial chemical spray application facility.

Another variance being sought is involving zoning to accommodate more cars, which exceeds the current allowable limit — 12 cars instead of the 17 the business is looking for. Petitioners are concerned about the potential traffic the shop could cause, especially due to its prominent location near the train station and high school.

The petition expresses concerns for the shop’s expansion into the Manhasset Park District lot and the Citibank property, which they assert will “diminish the residential zoning character and harmony experienced over the past decades.”

With residents up in arms, it is unclear whether or not Schmitty’s Family Auto will be granted permission for the expansion and rebranding as an Auto Body Shop.

I am extremely grateful for the amazing clients I have the privilege of serving. Their trust and support inspire me every day. I am dedicated to delivering outstanding marketing strategies, leveraging strong negotiation skills, and meticulous attention to detail. I am committed to helping my clients achieve their real estate aspirations with unwavering passion.

Calendar

To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 20

Nicholas Center Night in White Gala

The Nicholas Center celebrates its annual Night in White Gala at North Hempstead Country Club in Port Washington. This year’s event honors Daniel Ryan and Unsung Siblings Foundation. The event will mark another stellar year of vocational skills training and supported employment, productive community projects and fostering vital peer connections for autistic adults. Contact Lee Anne Vetrone at The Nicholas Center at (516)767-7177, ext 418 for more information.

FRIDAY, JULY 21

Animals Alive at Manhasset Public Library

Children won’t want to miss this opportunity to meet some real animals. Educators from Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) will teach children all about the animals, including predator/prey relationships and animal adaptations. This will be a more indepth session then the previous one for preschoolers. From 11 to 11:45 a.m. for children in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Contact the Children’s Room at

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR COMMUNITY

(516)627-2300 X 301 or mplkids@manhassetlibrary.org for more information and to register.

Ongoing

Manhasset Al Fresco the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce will host its third Manhasset Al Fresco series of six evenings out on the town for outdoor dining, shopping and live entertainment on Plandome Road. The event will allow for road closures for pedestrians and outdoor dining on Plandome Road and is scheduled to take place throughout the summer.

South Plandome Road will be closed to traffic from Park Avenue to Dennis Street/ Northern Blvd:

Sunday July 9, 4:30-9 p.m.

Saturday August 12, 6-9:30 p.m. Movie Night (Rain Date August 13)

North Plandome Road will be closed to traffic from Hillside Avenue to Colonial Parkway:

Sunday July 23, 4-9 p.m.

Sunday September 10, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

ToNH FunDay Monday FunDay Monday offers hundreds of seniors from across the Town the opportunity to gather for games, music, dancing, entertainment, and exercise. This popular, free senior program is held at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington

Mondays in July and August.

The 2023 FunDay Monday Summer Event Schedule for July:

July 17: Vincent Rhodes Productions will give a live beach performance.

July 24: Senior Health, Education and Information Fair. Learn more ways to maintain and manage your health. EJ the DJ will also be at the beach from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. July 31: Take a trip down Abbey Road and join the Beat-A-Likes, a Beatles Tribute, for some enjoyable music by the water.

Art at Manhasset Public Library

Compositional Inventions will feature paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures. The exhibition runs from April 16 through September 29. Curated by Thomas Germano and Juliette Vaissiere, this exhibition presents works by artists who visually compose in a variety of mediums. Each has been asked to articulate in a short written statement their approaches to composition specifically found in the works on display.

Senior Talk Radio

Every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, Listen to the Project Independence Radio Show at 88.1FM and WCWP.org. Tune in to hear the latest information from medical experts, elected officials, community organizations and many more! Learn what events and programs are happening around town in the Talk of the Town segment.

You Are Not Alone

If you or someone you know is in crisis or feeling suicidal, call the Long Island Crisis Center 24/7 hotline: (516)6791111. The 988 Suicide and Crisis line is also available 24/7 by dialing 988 or 1-800-273-8255.