Fairfield properties has long had a proposal before Brookhaven Town to build 239 housing units on 34 acres of land behind commercial property on the east side of Hallock Landing Road in Rocky Point. The development would require a sewage treatment plant because it is a high-density project.
The informational meeting was arranged by the beach association's board of directors after some residents heard news of a possible tie-in to a sewer district for downtown Rocky Point and believed it was a done deal that did not include their input. However, the Fairfield project cannot proceed any further without approval from the town. The developer could build 47 homes as-of-right on the property.
Mike Armando, who formed a group called Rocky Point Residents Action Group in response to the project, said many residents were not aware the project was in the planning process.
"We will fight it," he said, noting that more than 300 residents have signed a petition in opposition to it.
In preparation for the meeting, the residents retained attorney Paul Kershon of Forest Hills to represent them in all aspects of their opposition. Mr. Kershon, who has extensive experience dealing with zoning and urban planning matters, said the Fairfield issue all comes down to "counting cars." He estimated that with 47 homes, 141 additional cars would be placed on nearby Route 25A. He said 147 homes would bring 498 cars, 247 homes would bring 741 cars and 328 homes would bring 984 cars.
"You only get one road," he said.
Mr. Kershon said he would be prepared to represent the residents in an article 78 proceeding should the town go ahead with the application's approval in the future; however, he reminded them that the project must still go through the process.
Richard Johannesen, who heads the Rocky Point Civic Association's Land-Use Committee, disagreed with Mr. Kershon's assessment that all that needs to be taken into consideration is traffic flow. There are other aspects of the project that need to be considered, such as a public benefits package and the tax implications the project would have on the school district and the local business community.
Mr. Johannesen pointed out that many of the units would be age restricted to senior citizens, who are not on the road as often, and that there would not be as many children introduced into the school district, which would make the project tax positive.
Rocky Point Civic Association president Drew Martin suggested that the community become more involved and attend meetings where they can voice their opinions on the issue. He pointed out that the project is not a done deal, and that civic members have not taken a vote as to whether they support it or not, something that could happen at their next meeting June 4.
Linda Albo, president of the beach owners association, who also signed the petition, encouraged residents to become more involved in the process and suggested not only that there be representatives on the civic's land-use committee from all of the beach associations and the Brookhaven Business and Community Alliance, but that they should also carry the same weight.
"Let the Town of Brookhaven be put on notice that each of the organizations be placed on equal footing as far as decisions go," she said.
Second District Councilwoman Jane Bonner said her office was contacted by many residents who are concerned about the project. Ms. Bonner also urged the residents to become engaged in the process and reminded them that officials would take their feelings into consideration before signing off on a project.
"If this community deems this project is not what it wants, I am your advocate," she said. "I will advocate for what you want."
Al Hanson, treasurer of the beach association, said he thought the meeting was positive in that at least it engaged people in the process and let them know that they still have a say in the matter.
"There is a process and they are a part of it," he said. "It's not a done deal.
peggy@northshoresun.com