Patchogue family proposes turning marina into restaurant

A Patchogue family has proposed transforming its marina into what is hoped will be a vibrant restaurant, but neighbors are concerned about the traffic and other quality-of-life problems it might create.

More than 25 residents attended a planning board work session Monday at which public comment was not allowed. Board chairman John Rocco told residents their questions would be heard at a public hearing on the proposal that is scheduled for Tuesday at Village Hall.

Sayville attorney Eric Russo told the planning board that Frank Priolo III wants to demolish The Riverview Boat Yard and Marina, which includes a two-story building he owns at Campbell Street and Argyle Lane, and open a one-level, 57-seat restaurant and bar.

The $925,000 project would reduce the number of boat slips at the site from 18 to 16; and the restaurant would sit on about an acre. Russo said the marina has been a family business for decades and that Priolo would oversee the establishment.

While the business is permitted under industrial use zoning, village residents said after the meeting that they are wary about the type of crowd the restaurant would draw, patrons driving through residential streets to reach the restaurant, and illegal parking.

Lifelong village resident Joseph Russo, 55, said he is concerned about drunks, increased noise, traffic and interaction with the public. "It's a residential neighborhood with a nearby park where children play. And there's no parking," he said.

Thomas Norman, a village resident of six years, said his "main concern is safety. I have two children who ride bikes and fish. We already have elevated seasonal traffic, and there's going to be a lack of consideration for the area. People who are drinking don't always make the best decisions."

At Monday's meeting, planning board attorney Joseph Buzzell said, "There is parking; whether the parking is sufficient is something the board has to look at. The access to the site is through residential streets. That is something that also has to be examined."