Hearing Wednesday on effort to revoke permit for Middle Island development for veterans

The dispute over a proposed Middle Island affordable housing project is scheduled to resume Wednesday before the Brookhaven Town Board of Zoning Appeals.

Officials from the Long Island Pine Barrens Society are asking the board to throw out building permits issued in December for a 123-unit mixed-use project that would include apartments and retail shops. About half of the units would be for military veterans.

Pine Barrens Society officials argue that the permits were issued in error by town officials. Officials from nonprofit developer Concern for Independent Living of Medford have defended the project, saying the permits were obtained properly.

State environmental officials have raised concerns about the project's potential impact on wildlife, such as the endangered tiger salamander.

A hearing that had been scheduled last month was postponed at the request of Pine Barrens Society executive director Richard Amper. He said he does not plan to seek a postponement of Wednesday's hearing, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville.

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.