Islip planning board recommends approval for scrap metal facility in Brentwood
This lot at 80 Emjay Blvd. in Brentwood, shown here on March 17, 2015, is the proposed site of a scrap metal plant. Credit: Ed Betz
Brentwood residents vowed to continue their fight against a scrap metal processing facility proposal that gained a recommendation for approval from the Islip Town Planning Board.
In a unanimous vote, the planning board at its meeting Thursday recommended a change of zone and a special permit at 80 Emjay Blvd., that would allow that kind of operation. The site is currently zoned to allow a garbage transfer facility, which it previously was until a fire in 2013 ravaged the property.
The recommendation was made because "it is anticipated the proposed use would reduce traffic, noise and odor when compared with the solid waste transfer facility that had historically operated there," Islip Town Planning Commissioner Richard Zapolski said in a statement. "The applicant has indicated there will be fewer trucks, virtually no odors, and sound attenuation walls will be installed, enclosing the activities on the site."
If the zone change is approved by the Islip Town Board, the site will no longer be able to operate as a solid waste transfer facility, Zapolski said, which has caused concern from both town and local fire officials as well as residents.
Members of the Brentwood Gardens Community Organization and Neighborhood Watch group, which include residents near the industrial corridor that abuts a residential neighborhood, distributed several fliers in recent weeks instructing neighbors to contact town board members to voice their dismay with the proposal, citing concerns over health hazards, increased truck and rail traffic, and noise pollution.
Ana Martinez, co-founder of the community group, and Maxima Castro, said they will continue to knock on doors over the next week and ask residents to show up and speak out against the proposal at the March 26 public hearing in front of the town board, which will decide if the project goes through.
"Enough is enough," Martinez said. "I think our community has awakened and we will continue to fight against this and make sure it doesn't keep happening."
Amy Burbott, an attorney representing the property owner, Kings & Queens Transload LLC of Brentwood, which recently purchased the 3.61-acre property, did not return a phone call for comment. Town board members could not comment on the issue, town spokeswoman Patricia Kaloski said, citing their impending votes.
