Politics & Government

Islip Pines Would Bring 200 Housing Units to Area

Proposed plan to elevate commerce, change structure of town.

With the urge to add more housing units in Suffolk County, Serota Properties is looking to capitalize on an area of 136-acres of open space land in Holbrook.

The proposed Islip Pines would be a mixed-use development located on Veteran's Memorial Highway near Sunrise Highway. It will include 200 residential units in the form of workforce housing.

"The design is diverse and varying amongst a unified composition that encourages a unique pedestrian friendly mixed-use environment reminiscent of a small hamlet," it says on Serota's Website. "Built with an authentic urban style and feel, this development will serve as a social hub for those seeking a unique shopping, dining, working and living experience." 

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From ground-level shops to eateries and retail shopping zones, Islip Pines would combine the need for housing with a way to bolster the commerce of the Sachem community.

"In addition to featuring an array of contemporary retailers Islip Pines will be comprised of an upscale hotel, a state of the art cinema, and office space," their site says. "The commercial district will also provide public and cultural uses, including a park and open space areas."

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The centerpiece of the commercial district will be a town square and urban streetscape with European style outdoor restaurant seating, and awning-covered storefronts along tree lined streets, bending around park space with a central gazebo and fountain, according to Serota.

"When it comes to creating more workforce housing for young people, everyone talks the good talk," Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said before the Long Island Regional Planning Council last November. "But you have to take action and you have to deal with the 'Not in my backyard' folks."

The Town of Islip has reservations about the level of new retail proposed at this site, but members of the planning department said they look forward to continuing to work with the developers to come up with a balanced site plan that will benefit the community.

"While we recognize the need for diversified housing stock, we are carefully scrutinizing the density proposed in this case," the Town said in a statement. "The Town Board has adopted a final scope for SEQRA purposes and we are now awaiting a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to be submitted to the Town by the applicant.  This typically takes some time."

This project is similar to the proposed Ronkonkoma HUB plan, though it doesn't revolve around a transportation platform such as the Long Island Rail Road. It's also not a downtown revitalization plan as much as it is a newly created development situation in an area ripe for change.

Serota also developed College Plaza on Horseblock Road in Farmingville and Holbrook Plaza (Waldbaum's Shopping Center) on Union Avenue in Holbrook.

Jeremy Serota did not return multiple calls regarding the project and Suffolk County Legislator William Lindsay has yet to comment.


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