Starbucks inching closer to opening in West Sayville with Town Board hearing

To brew, or not to brew.

Whether or not to pave the way for a new Starbucks to open in West Sayville is the issue at hand in Islip Town Board’s public hearing at 5 p.m. tonight.

J. Nazzaro Partnership, LP, the developer at 90 Montauk Highway (formerly occupied by a drive-through Chase Bank branch), is seeking a zoning change and a special permit for a fast food restaurant, in order to operate a drive-through Starbucks with outdoor seating.

Those for and against the project will have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the developer’s proposals.

The West Sayville/Sayville Petition Against Fast Food Business Re-Zoning Facebook group has collected more than 2,300 signatures on a petition that seeks to block the Town of Islip from approving a zoning change.

The group is concerned over the influx of traffic and garbage in the area. It also worries that a zoning change would open the door for a more traditional fast food business to move into the location in the future.

The Starbucks in downtown Sayville, for years a popular destination for local coffee and tea lovers, is expected to close. The on-the-go convenience of a drive-through Starbucks just outside of the downtown area appeals to many people.

“This would be an awesome Starbucks!!” Tom Alfano posted in the comments section of a Facebook post last year when GreaterSayville announced the developer’s plans.

“I think it’s better than an empty building,” added Maureen Davis.