Developer offers Central Islip Little League new complex

A major new sports complex proposed for Central Islip came closer to clearing a major hurdle Thursday, as developer Andy Borgia presented a new offer to the Central Islip Little League, which currently uses fields on the site.

The two sides Thursday spoke optimistically about reaching an agreement, which would resolve a dispute that had led Little League parents - who said the project threatened their children's access to the playing fields - to protest the development.

Islip Town officials have said they would not approve the project if Borgia did not accommodate the Little League, which plays on town-owned fields that would be leased to Borgia under the deal.

Borgia says the 36-acre Ultimate Game Sports Complex on Carleton Avenue - with private indoor and outdoor fields for baseball, soccer, lacrosse and football - would boost the local economy and create between 75 and 100 full-time jobs. Preference for the jobs would be given to local residents, he said.

Local civic groups have praised the proposal, estimated to cost $20 million, saying such a facility is long overdue in Central Islip.

The developer, who previously offered the Little League free access to the planned outdoor artificial turf fields during its regular season, is now offering to build the league a new complex on town-owned property nearby on Eastview Drive.

Borgia's attorney, Tim Shea, presented the proposal to the Little League's attorney in a meeting Thursday.

League president Barbara Lawrence, who has not seen details of Borgia's most recent proposal, said that if the blueprints include bathrooms, a concession stand and storage space, "We have no problem with that. That would be a win-win for both parties."

Satisfying the Little League will clear the way for the developer to complete a lease with the town. The town planning department is also reviewing the site plan, which must be approved before the town issues a building permit. The project must be approved by Dec. 31 for the developer to receive $19 million in tax-exempt bonds offered through the federal stimulus package and already approved by the town Industrial Development Agency.

Islip Councilman John Edwards, who has participated in the lease negotiations, said of the sports complex: "I think it brings some needed development and I think it will provide jobs. It also serves a need . . . for playing fields, particularly indoor recreation."

Borgia said the complex would cater to youth leagues, primarily ages 8 to 14. The 205,000-square-foot indoor facility would house two multipurpose artificial fields as well as a membership gym and a day care center, he said. Six or seven outdoor fields also could be used for multiple sports. Artificial turf baseball fields would have removable pitcher's mounds so they could be used for softball, he said.

Central Islip and Islip Town residents would receive discounts of 25 and 5 percent, respectively, he said.

Debbie Cavanagh, of the Central Islip Coalition of Good Neighbors, hailed the project.

"This community needs so much," she said. "It'll help stimulate economic development in the community."