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The Great Neck News, Friday, July 22, 2016
GN
Dollar Tree finds new home in G.N. Retailer to open by end of 2016 B y J oe N i k i c
Stepping Stones Lighthouse
Lighthouse to receive $100K for restoration State grant to fund construction of new access dock B y J oe N i k i c The Great Neck Park District will receive $100,000 in state funding to go towards the restoration of the Stepping Stones Lighthouse, State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) announced Wednesday. The funds were secured for the Great Neck Park District through the New York State and Municipal Facilities Program. “Stepping Stones Lighthouse is both an important, functional maritime safety mechanism and a window back into our history,” Martins said. “It must be preserved for future generations as both a navigational aid and educational resource.”
The money will be used to construct a dock allowing access to the lighthouse so work to the structure itself can take place, as it is currently accessible only by boat during high tide, according to Martins’ office. “This funding enables the restoration efforts to move another step forward,” Martins said. Officials have said problems with the building include outward shifts in the base’s foundation and a crack in the basement floor that leads to open water. Restoration efforts are taking place in partnership between the Town of North Hempstead, the Great Neck Park District and the Great Neck Historical Society.
It is difficult to find a good bang for your buck when shopping, but a new Great Neck retailer is hoping to make it easier for shoppers on the peninsula. A commercial real estate agent, Bradley Diamond, of Lee & Associates BQLI, said that a lease agreement between the landlord at 152 Middle Neck Road and Dollar Tree, which is known for selling products for $1 or less, has been signed. “We are excited to bring a well-known national retailer to this location,” Diamond said. “With its wide selection of quality merchandise, the tenant has something for everyone at a great price.” The store, which is located in the Village of Great Neck Estates, had been vacant for almost two years. Shop Delight, the kosher supermarket in the Village of Great Neck Plaza, had unsuccessfully sought to open a second supermarket at the location
last year. Diamond said lease agreement talks between the two parties began in December and the deal was finalized on July 1. He said negotiations usually take longer than usual when dealing with a national retailer like Dollar Tree. “They were very eager to come to Great Neck and both sides made many concessions to get this deal done,” Diamond said. “Both the landlord and Dollar Tree believed in this location.” Diamond said that the store was not required to get a conditional-use permit to begin operations because the company has an as-of-right use. He also said that the lease agreement was for 10 years. Dollar Tree is expected to open by the end of this year, Diamond said, because the company is renovating the entire store. Efforts to reach Dollar Tree’s real estate manager, Christa Minogue, for comment were unavailing.
“This grant is essential for creating permanent access to the lighthouse so that repairs and restoration can go forward,” Great Neck Park District Commissioner Dan Nachmanoff said. “We in the Great Neck Park District and the Town of North Hempstead, as well as the Great Neck Historical Society are extremely grateful to Senator Martins for securing these funds.” The lighthouse was built in 1877 and was updated in 1944. Town officials have said it remains a critical aid to navigation, as it guards the approach to New York City’s East River and warns ships and boats of rocks and shoals. The town acquired ownerContinued on Page 71 Dollar Tree will open at 152 Middle Neck Road
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