Hearing set for housing plan in Middle Island

The Brookhaven Town Board of Zoning Appeals is to hold a hearing Wednesday on the Long Island Pine Barrens Society's challenge to an affordable housing project in Middle Island.

Society officials have said they believe the town incorrectly issued building permits for the 123-unit development proposed by Concern for Independent Living, a Medford-based developer. As many as 60 residences are to be marketed to military veterans.

The society, and several residents who live near the site on Middle Country Road, last year filed a lawsuit in state Supreme Court in Riverhead to block the project. Supreme Court Justice W. Gerard Asher lifted a temporary restraining order in January, allowing the project to proceed.

Society officials have said they believe Brookhaven Town officials improperly used approvals for a previous housing project at the site to approve the Concern for Independent Living development. Town officials have denied any wrongdoing.

The hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall.