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The Town of Islip Planning Board held a virtual public hearing this week to discuss a proposal for a potential three-story, mixed-use development at 301 West Main St. in Bay Shore.
The property situated between Sunset Road and Seafield Lane has remained vacant for about 15 years. Two previous land-use proposals for 24-hour gas stations were rejected.
After hearing from the applicant and community members, the Planning Board made a motion to reserve the application, meaning they were not ready to make a decision and needed additional information or time before doing so.
“The site has been an eyesore in the community for many, many years, less so now because the buildings have been demolished, and that was done at the request of the town,” said Anthony Guardino, the attorney representing the applicant. “We believe that after 15 years of talking about this application, it is time to redevelop the site with an attractive and desirable land-use that meaningfully contributes to the town’s taxpayers.”
The applicant, Charles Lembo of Spaces Architects, asked for a change of zone from a Residence-B and Business-1 to an all-business district, which would allow for the three-story 17,594-square-foot commercial, mixed-use development.
The 35-foot building would be made up of 18 one-bedroom and studio apartments, as well as a 2,672-square-foot retail or office space.
Lembo stated the proposal also includes 54 parking spaces, four more than the 50 required by the Planning Board.
Many local residents who spoke at the meeting hosted by Zoom adamantly opposed the project, including Edward Friedland, chairman of the Planning Board.
“Bay Shore is at its max, in terms of apartments,” Friedland said.
In addition to the density of apartments, some of the other main concerns of community members included congestion, traffic, parking, invasion of privacy for homes surrounding the property, overpopulation and the possible endangerment to children who live in the area.
Some individuals expressed the need to “hold the line,” as far as apartment development, since other projects in downtown Bay Shore are not completed yet.
“We really need to take a pause here and see how these apartments are going to be absorbed,” said board member Michael Moriarty.
At the moment, the mixed-use building proposal is still under consideration and there is no date set for the final decision.
Continue to follow greaterbayshore.com for future updates on this project, as well as others in downtown Bay Shore.
See the link to site plan below, provided by the Town of Islip.
Top: 301 W. Main Street in Bay Shore. Screenshot from Google Maps.
