Mucha Realty has withdrawn an application for a 7/11 store at 260 Plandome Rd. Gordon Tepper, director of communications for the Town of North Hempstead, confirmed the withdrawn application from the town’s Board of Zoning and Appeals (BZA) and the applicant had not stated whether they will reapply or not.
The application got significant pushback from the community, most notably from the influential Council of Greater Manhasset Civic Associations (Greater Council). Town councilwoman Veronica Lurvey announcement to the Greater Council of the rescinded application was met with jubilation during their recent meeting over Zoom. However, members of the Greater Council also quickly noted they would like to remain in contact with Mucha Realty about the vacant space and find an adequate alternative.
An online petition opposing the application garnered 1,292 signatures. The petition, named “Protect Manhasset From 7-Eleven,” describes the increase of traffic on Plandome Road, the negative impact of quality of life and character on the downtown and an entrance and exit to Hillcrest Avenue for reasons the BZA should deny the application.
Another concern of the community is the selling of tobacco and alcohol products, specifically to underage kids. Convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, have been suspected of knowingly selling alcohol to minors.
“It’s an additional outlet for alcohol and tobacco,” Manhasset Community Coalition Against Substance Abuse (CASA) Executive Director Jennifer DeSena told the Manhasset Press in October. “If it’s open 24 hours a day, it’s going to be a constant source of alcohol and tobacco that the overall community doesn’t need. We’re trying very hard to reduce the use of alcohol, tobacco and vaping.”
260 Plandome Rd. is currently an abandoned storefront that used to be Pace Automotive. Its parking lot is currently leased out and usually used by commuters for the LIRR. The run-down building is not the only one on Plandome Road, a main street that has been ignored for several years now.
Mucha Realty did not respond to several requests for comment.
