Covert Avenue properties in Floral Park that were severely damaged in a fire in 2020 will be demolished to make way for a new two-story mixed-use property in its place.
The Hillcrest on 43-61 Covert Ave., which was approved by the village’s Architectural and Preliminary Site Plan Review Board on March 30, will include five retail spaces and 18 parking spots on the ground floor.
On the second floor of the 11,300-square-foot building will be 10 residential units. Eight of the units will have one bedroom and two of the units will have two bedrooms.
Construction can begin once Nassau County and its Fire Marshal’s office approve the new building, Trustee Michael Longobardi said during the May 16 board of trustees meeting.
In 2020, Floral Park police responded to reports of a building fire at the Park Place Bar and Grill at 41 Covert Ave.
When they arrived at the scene, officers saw fire and smoke pouring from the building that extended to at least 11 other adjacent storefronts.
Firefighters from the Floral Park Fire Department along with the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, the New Hyde Park Fire Department and almost 20 others were represented at the scene throughout the day.
Nassau County Assistant Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said at the time it took firefighters more than four hours to control the fire.
Six businesses sustained major damage or were destroyed, while four others were damaged by smoke, Uttaro said. A private residence also had smoke damage, officials said.
Neighboring stores to Park Place affected by the fire included Villager’s Perk, Shin’s Tae Kwon Do, Luna Eyelash, Capo Ristorante, Covert Nail & Spa, Covert Barber Shop, Original V.I. Pizza, Covert Optical and K. Hunter Boutique.
