Developers want to build more than 150 new senior apartments in Bayport, but opponents say the new units would be built on land that was never meant to be developed.

The site has become a bike and walking path along the more than 20-acre piece of untouched land in Bayport.  However, developers of the 394-unit Fairway Manor Senior Apartments just beyond the brush want to expand the complex there to add 156 more units. 

Some civic leaders say the impact on the community is going to be negative.

"There's going to be a sewage problem. There's going to be traffic. They're going to have to come and go. So yeah there is going to be a huge impact, says Tom Nasca, the vice president of the  Blue Point Community Civic Association.

The developer is asking for a zoning change from a recreation and residential district to an all-residential district. 

When the original units were constructed back in the early 1990's, civic leaders say the developer made a promise which ended up in the deed that said that the land could either be turned into a nine-hole golf course or remain in its natural state for residents to enjoy.

"He promised our community 30 years ago that if we support his making a 500-percent increase in profit that he would have this land as open or green space forever,” says Ed Silsbe, president of the Blue Point Community Civic Association.

Donald Rettaliate, the developer's attorney told News 12 by phone that the project will have a minimal impact on traffic, and will only take up a portion of the property.

A spokesperson for the Town of Islip tells News 12 that the planning board reserved decision on the zoning change at a March hearing.  They say the application is still awaiting planning board recommendations.