A developer has been granted initial approval to build an apartment complex at 41-61 Covert Ave. in Floral Park, the site of a 2020 fire that caused damage to more than 10 businesses, according to the Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency.
The proposed 35,808 square foot building would cost $11.6 million and feature 12 apartment units, including 10 one-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units.
The developer has been granted an inducement resolution, according to the Town of Hempstead IDA. The complex is subject to a public hearing set for April 30 at 10 a.m. before a final authorization by the IDA.
Constantine and Michael Hatzidakis, represented by attorney John Gordon, are behind the project, which would be located a half-mile away from the Floral Park train station.
The apartment complex proposal comes nearly four years after a fire in Floral Park caused “substantial fire and smoke damage” to more than 10 businesses on Sep. 27, 2020, according to officials from the Nassau County Police Department.
Floral Park police responded to reports of a building fire at the Park Place Bar and Grill at 41 Covert Ave. that day, officials said.
It took firefighters more than four hours to control the fire, said Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro, who was then an assistant fire marshal. Six businesses sustained major damage or were destroyed while four other businesses and a private residence faced smoke damage, Uttaro added.
Three firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital that day, receiving treatment for exhaustion and elevated heart rates, Uttaro said.
Stores affected by the fire included Park Place, 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.
A GoFundMe created by Floral Park community leaders and the village chamber of commerce raised more than $37,000 for businesses damaged by the fire.
Business owners turned to Facebook to share their condolences with neighboring stores damaged by the fire.
“Like all of our Covert Ave family, we were shocked and saddened by yesterday’s devastating fire,” K. Hunter Boutique, whose store did not sustain major damages, said in a post. “Our hearts go out to our neighbors who have lost everything.”
