Glen Cove officials urge zoning changes to revitalize Orchard area

Officials in Glen Cove are hoping to change zoning rules in the Orchard neighborhood to spur development and give it “a facelift,” but residents worry they could be displaced, according to Newsday. City officials have said they don’t intend for development to displace Orchard residents, the majority of whom are Latino, but to focus on using now-vacant land. The zoning changes would reduce the minimum size of a townhome and the amount of land on which townhomes can be built. Glen Cove has no intention of using eminent domain and city officials have been working with environmental planning firm Nelson, Pope & Voorhis on a plan to develop Orchard. One area with parking lots and a fitness center would be zoned to allow up to 40 units of housing per acre. A public hearing in Glen Cove will be held on Dec. 6. [Newsday]