By Fred Friedman
In a subdued 30 minutes, Community Board 15 approved five modifications in zoning rules at Tuesday night’s meeting that took place at Kingsborough Community College.
The first approval was for the proposed Starbucks opening up on Nostrand Avenue and Gravesend Neck Road. Ronald Mandel, the lawyer for Starbucks, requested permission to build a driveway, which would accomidate five cars in a parking lot adjacent to the store.
Some board members objected to the driveway because of potential problems with pedestrian and auto traffic in a busy thoroughfare. They also cited the lack of a traffic light on the street leading in to the proposed driveway.
“There is so much congestion already,” said Ed Eisenberg, who was opposed to the driveway. “This is going to wreak havoc on the streets.”
A woman was hit by a car and killed on Nostrand Avenue and Avenue W on Sunday, which gives weight to the argument. However, the board eventually approved the construction of the driveway.
Mandel insisted that the area is conducive to a store like Starbucks because it is heavily populated by people who enjoy going out to eat and drinking coffee. Starbucks, which has seen its stocks plummet, is attempting to reach new markets.
Theresa Scavo, the chairwoman from the board, said in previous interviews that Starbucks would improve business in the area.
