The Old Westbury Equestrian Center is at risk of losing its license for failing to follow fire regulations, and two businesses, including a portrait studio that uses its Gold Coast property to photograph women at high prices, have closed their doors. Allowed to operate illegally on the premises. According to a resolution put forward by the village board on Monday.
This resolution rescinds a special zoning exception first granted in 1992 and renewed every five years thereafter, allowing equestrian centers to operate stables and riding facilities on Store Hill Road. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for his February 20th.
“We believe having an equestrian center in Old Westbury is a very important public service,” village chief Edward Novick said at a public meeting on Monday. “But of course it’s done the right way.” It shouldn’t be this weird and inappropriate.”
The 100-year-old 28-acre property is owned by Manouchehr “Manny” Malekan, CEO of a Mineola-based real estate firm. Malekhan hung up on Tuesday after seeking comment from a Newsday reporter.
Horse farms have been a source of controversy for months.
Earlier this month, the Nassau County Fire Department and the Nassau SPCA raided the facility and closed a barn containing more than 20 horses and four apartments above the barn that housed five employees and two children. Did. The fire chief previously issued 20 subpoenas to Malekhan for not functioning sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, or carbon monoxide systems.
Another barn housing another 23 horses was in compliance with regulations and was allowed to continue operating.
The equestrian center’s website states that “all facilities are equipped with fire alarms and sprinkler systems.”
Last October, Malekhan leased a 6,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion on the grounds of the center to portrait artist Ali Murphy. Ali Murphy uses the property as a ‘boudoir studio’ to photograph women in lingerie. Stables — others are shot with whips and chains. Photos appear on Murphy’s website and on her social media pages.
Authorities said the business was not licensed to operate in the village.
Murphy’s husband, Jason Greene, was hired by the Malecan to manage the grounds of the equestrian center and collect payments from the trainers.
The village building department issued Murphy a cease and desist letter in October, prompting him to temporarily remove the website. But earlier this month, Murphy’s “Boudoir Manor” began selling $145 tickets for his two-hour charcuterie-making class at the mansion on Feb. 10, giving the building bureau his second suspension. and urged them to issue a cease and desist letter, the official said.
In a Newsday statement, the Village said, “On the day of the advertised event, the Old Westbury Police Department will be on standby to ensure no illegal activity takes place.” We will continue to take immediate action against any entity that chooses to disregard the rules and regulations in force.”
Murphy and Green did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
A village resolution found that a second business, Landau and Landau Architects AIA, also operates illegally on the grounds of the equestrian center. A message left by the company on Tuesday was not immediately returned.
“It’s a shame that such a beautiful riding facility has been so poorly managed,” said Karin Fogerty, who has been a trainer at the center since 2015. “Maybe in the future someone can take over and restore it to its former glory.”
