State overturns city's rejection of eating-disorder treatment home

Glen Cove must allow a historic home to be turned into an eating disorder clinic after state officials overturned the city's rejection of the proposal.
The plan would turn a historic brick house on Saint Andrews Lane into a 14-bed residence for women with eating disorders. The treatment facility would be operated by a Florida-based for profit company called Monte Nido & Affiliates.
The Glen Cove City Council had unanimously rejected the facility, but that decision has been overturned by the state's Office of Mental Health.
"We are very pleased with the decision, and believe this is a big win for the residents of Long Island," says Jennifer Gallahger, of Monte Nido & Affiliates.
But even though the property will be used as a group home, Glen Cove city officials say it will still technically be considered a single-family residence, and that means no zoning change is needed.
Mayor Timothy Tenke says the city is exploring its options. But as it stands, the group home appears to be on its way -- despite the rejections of some residents.
Glen Cove resident Virginia Liberatos says it doesn't make sense that the group home is being forced into her neighborhood, even though she says the community strongly opposes the project.
"I was heartbroken, when I heard it," Liberatos says. "I honestly do not think this is the right location for this."
The mayor and city council are scheduled to discuss the issue in an executive session on Tuesday.