Our coverage is supported by
McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson & Riordan, LLP — representing New York’s injured workers for 70+ years.
A new coffee shop is one step closer to opening in Middle Island, as plans move forward to convert a former bank at 599 Middle Country Road into a Starbucks.
The Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission has approved a hardship application necessary for the project to proceed.
While the building will be reused — with no additional land clearing — its location within the Pine Barrens Compatible Growth Area meant the plan still qualified as “development” under New York State law. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said this triggered the need for additional approvals.
The application involves a change of zoning from J4 (business) to J5 (office/business), allowing for the site to be repurposed with updated landscaping, awnings and other exterior improvements.
The project’s next step will be a public hearing before the Brookhaven Town Board on the zoning change and site plan. The hearing will happen soon, Panico said.
If approved, the project would bring a new Starbucks location to the heart of Middle Island, replacing the long-vacant bank building on the busy Middle Country Road corridor.
Top photo: GLI file photo.
Your Long Island news, delivered.
Subscribe to the GLI Newsletter — its free
