Blue Point Road Company Seeks Zoning Variance

RNC Industries, a company located at 720 Blue Point Road in Holtsville, has applied for a variance that would change its area of operation from a light manufacturing zone to a construction zone.

Residents of the housing development Summerfield and members of its Homeowners Association Board, however, are not happy with this action, as they claim to have had many problems with the construction at RNC Industries since 2007.

Karen Fatta, the director of Summerfield's HOA Board, said RNC Industries begins heavy construction as early as 4 a.m., even though town ordinances state that such operations cannot begin until 7 a.m. The cutting and dropping of steel rebar, as well as heavy construction vehicles being loaded and backing in and out of the property, are some of the disturbances Summerfield residents that live along Blue Point Road hear, according to Fatta.

"We submit that the cutting of rebar, bending of rebar and the pouring of concrete is construction, not manufacturing, and certainly not light manufacturing," Fatta said.

Fatta said this issue has escalated up to Brookhaven Town Supervisor Mark Lesko and has become a Supreme Court Case between the Town and RNC Industries.

"The Supervisor recently met with the residents of Summerfield and is aware of their concerns," a representative from the Town of Brookhaven said in an email.

A Board of Zoning Appeals hearing was held on June 29 concerning RNC Industries' application for rezoning and their decision is currently pending, according to the town.

The town also said as a result of that decision, the company may be required to appear before the Planning Board to come into compliance with the law.

Fatta said Eric Russo, RNC Industries' attorney, testified at the June 29 hearing that there were two two violations from the Town of Brookhaven, one dismissed violation and no fines.

RNC would not comment directly, deferring all interview requests to Russo.

"The issues are zoning issues and planning issues," Russo said in a phone interview. "We hope that approvals come forward."

Built in 1995, Summerfield is home to 900 adults and 1,200 children in 440 houses. Blue Point Realty purchased the property at 720 Blue Point Road, which is now RNC Industries, in 1997. RNC Industries is owned by Richard Tonyas.

While the Board of Zoning Appeals makes its decision, Fatta said the next step is for Summerfield homeowners to file their own complaints against RNC Industries. However, she said that whether or not the variance is approved doesn't solve the issue at hand.

"Obviously there's hope they don't grant variance," Fatta said. "[But] even if they do...the problems won't go away."

Video of construction taking place at RNC Industries early in the morning, taken by Summerfield residents, can be found at this YouTube channel.