Babylon Town Board considering zoning change that would pave the way for controversial industrial park project
If approved, Bristol Suffolk LLC. would convert a 100-acre wooded lot into an industrial park.
More Stories
A project that has been generating controversy in one Suffolk County community is getting closer to potentially clearing a major hurdle.
Tonight, the Babylon Town Board will hold a public hearing to consider a new zoning code necessary for a developer to transform 100 acres of woods along Long Island Avenue in Wyandanch into an industrial park.
The project, proposed by Bristol Suffolk LLC., would create a 1.5 million square foot industrial park with nine buildings, 380 truck bays and 2,000 parking spaces. The proposed site runs from Little East Neck Road, along Long Island Avenue to N 28th Street.
Bram Weber, attorney for the developer, told News 12 that the developer has been working with the town and interested parties surrounding the project to develop a plan that benefits the community.
Adding in a statement: "Upon completion, our thoughtful development plan, which is designed to provide modern business spaces for both small and medium-sized local companies, will bring significant tax revenue to the Wyandanch School District and create close to 2,000 permanent jobs at all employment and salary levels for residents of the surrounding area, the Town of Babylon, and Suffolk County. Additionally, as the developer, Bristol Suffolk has agreed to provide the most significant community benefits package to both the Wyandanch and Wheatley Heights civic associations, the Wyandanch Library, as well as other local partners which has ever been offered on Long Island in connection with a business park development. The Suffolk Technology Park project presents a unique opportunity to turn untaxed vacant land, currently used for illegal trespassing and serving as an attractive nuisance to the community, into a uniquely designed, quality job center and economic development resource that will benefit the entire surrounding community. In addition to direct and indirect economic benefits, Bristol is committed to significant roadway and intersection improvements, which will provide for better traffic flow around the property and improve existing traffic conditions. Another benefit of the project will be to help protect and beautify an existing cemetery. Although the cemetery will be fully separated from the project with a natural forested area and an evergreen landscape buffer, the project will provide for contemplated enhancements such as sidewalks and benches, evergreens, smart irrigation, ornamental plantings, and enhanced security to provide a tranquil and serene environment for all loved ones."
The project requires a new zoning code, PIP-2 Planned Industrial Park District-2, which according to the town is designed to promote sustainable economic growth, stimulate job creation, foster innovation and create a well-planned and coordinated technology, business and industrial park development, which will drive economic development, significantly increase the local tax base, locate a significant number of jobs in the local Wyandanch area, and provide for a well-planned industrial/business park environment for the operation of a range of businesses.
According to town documents, allowable businesses would include light industrial establishments, including manufacturing, processing of goods, professional job skills training, medical research and warehousing. Other potential uses with a special exception could include health clubs, childcare centers, indoor sports, banks, commercial kitchens and printing.
"The change in the code is separate from the project specific to Bristol; it's an overall code change," town officials told News 12.
While the developer believes the project will turn unused land into something for the community, not everyone agrees.
More than 2,000 residents have signed onto a petition calling for the town to reject the proposal over concerns about traffic along Long Island Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods, pollution and noise. Large groups of people who oppose the project have shown up at meetings demanding that the town reconsider.
Tonight's public hearing is scheduled to take place at Babylon Town Hall in Lindenhurst at 5:30 p.m.
