Opposition To Possible New Motorcycle Dealership Growing In New Hyde Park

NEW HYDE PARK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The fear of bikers' speed and sound has residents of one Long Island community fighting a proposal for a massive motorcycle showroom and repair dealership.

"Motorcycles and motorcycle riders are given a bad rap," said Jason Lane.

Lane thinks the uproar is unfounded. He supports opening another dealership along Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park.

"I would absolutely welcome more choices, including Harley Davidson or anyone else," said Lane.

Yet neighborhood outcry is getting loud. Some residents told the village board to take a hike if members OK a proposed Harley Davidson dealership in the heart of their community, CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reported.

Residents fear noise, traffic, and even fundraisers like one that features bikini bike washes.

"A lot of people, families. It's just not the proper venue for a motorcycle place," said one resident.

Soon, historic Miller Brothers Plumbing and Heating will close its doors and sell the 600-acre lot that has occupied the corner since 1924.

"I would love to see the old building still there," said resident.

The site is near a church, library, and park.

An application is in the works to tear it down and replace it with a 98,000-square-foot, two-story motorcycle showroom and repair facility.

"You get three or four of them coming in one right after the other, it gets kind of loud," said one resident.

"I'm not a fan of motorcycles," said another.

"It's a matter of safety too," one woman said.

Miracle Mile Harley Davidson, of Great Neck, wants to relocate and is the potential buyer, saying its highest concentration of its existing customer base stretches from Mineola to New Hyde Park, where there are already several dealers.

"To have another dealership may not hurt at all. The economy is really starting to boom," said Joseph Araujo, with Gold Coast Motorsport.

"It is a love affair...being on a bike, out riding and being free," said Buddy Campagna, with North Shore Motorcycles.

A public hearing has been postponed until next month, when traffic, sound and real estate experts will join the biker testimony.