Woodmere neighbors oppose rumored private school and dorm proposal, cite safety and zoning concerns

Dozens of Woodmere neighbors used the public‑comment portion of the Hempstead Town Board’s May 27 meeting to voice unified opposition to any application that would allow a private school and dormitory on two adjacent residential properties, 136 Lynden Street and 763 Cedar Lane.

Lisa Brick, who identified herself as representing an organized group of neighbors, outlined four objections: the properties are zoned residential rather than commercial; the streets are narrow, lack shoulders, and are not suitable for school buses; the neighborhood’s quality of life would be harmed; and residents worried about the safety implications of unsupervised 14‑ and 15‑year‑old boys living in dorms. Several neighbors, including Nathan Gordon and Harris Brandt, added accounts of prior accidents on the block and said emergency‑vehicle access can be compromised on those narrow streets.

Board response and process clarification: Supervisor Ferretti told residents there is currently no application before any town board regarding those properties and that if an application is filed it would go to the Board of Zoning Appeals (not this body). He advised neighbors they would receive mailed notice by statute (28 days) before any zoning hearing and that they could submit materials or attend the zoning hearing to be heard.

Why it matters: neighbors said the two properties are on narrow one‑way streets where buses and emergency apparatus have difficulty turning and where parking is constrained; they warned a rezoning or special use for a dormitory would set a precedent for other residential blocks.

Next steps for residents: the supervisor said statutory notice (28 days) would be mailed if and when any application is filed; residents said they plan to assemble aerial maps and other materials and urged the town to treat safety concerns seriously.