Uncertain Future For Former Leviton Property

Changes are coming to the 1.3-acre former headquarters of Leviton Manufacturing Co. on Little Neck Parkway.

Early next month, community leaders will meet with representatives of developer Steel Equities to discuss the future of the site.

Based in Bethpage, N.Y., Steel Equities purchased the property for $18 million on Sept. 27, according to city Department of Finance records.

Leviton had moved much of its operation to a 143,000-square-foot facility owned by Steel Equities in Melville, N.Y. in June 2009.

Among those at next month's meeting at Queens Borough President Helen Marshall's office will be Community Board 11 chairman Jerry Ianecce, who says he will try to get assurances that the low-density character of the neighborhood will be maintained.

"What we don't want in the Little Neck-Douglaston area is another Station Road," Iannece said, referring to an industrial zone in Auburndale — currently a mix of auto repair shops and light manufacturing.

Another item of concern for residents like Judy Cohen of the North Hills Estates Civic Association was the future of old-growth trees on the current campus, which stretches along Little Neck Parkway between 59th Avenue and 61st Avenue.

"It is the total appearance that counts," Cohen said.

Iannece acknowledged resident concerns regarding the exterior of the property.

"There are certain parameters they will have to follow to have it blend in with the neighborhood," he said.

As the property is directly across the street from the Samuel Field Y, a popular destination for children and seniors, traffic impacts are also a big concern for Little Neck residents and community leaders.

"Leviton surrounds our neighborhood on three sides and we're very concerned about more traffic as a result of development," Cohen said. "People are worried."

However, according to Iannece, uses for the property are limited by current zoning, which currently allows for office and manufacturing space only.

"That the developer would seek residential uses for the property is highly doubtful," Iannece said, pointing to existing zoning restrictions and to Steel Equities' real estate portfolio.

In addition to numerous smaller holdings such as the former Leviton property, Steel Equities owns and operates the Bethpage Industrial Park, which includes approximately 2 million square feet of office and light industrial space on 120 acres in Bethpage, N.Y.

Calls to Steel Equities' leasing department were not returned.