Group fears project proposed in watershed

Why build an enormous mixed-use development in the middle of an environmentally fragile area?

A small but vocal group raised that question Tuesday night during a public hearing about the proposed Meadows at Yaphank, a mixed-use project with residential, office and retail components on the site of the former Parr Meadows horse track.

The 333.46-acre project -- slated for parcels near the intersection of William Floyd Parkway and the Long Island Expressway -- lies within the bounds of the Carmans River watershed, which Brookhaven Town is trying to protect from overdevelopment.

"The proposed project will have the potential for profound adverse environmental impacts, given its size and location," said Richard Amper, executive director of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society, at the hearing on developer AVR's draft environmental impact statement and zoning change application.

But AVR's environmental consultant Charles Voorhis said he has a personal interest in preserving the Carmans, and that the development "will not have an adverse impact."

In 2006, AVR proposed an 800,000-square-foot mall on the site, but the poor economy derailed that plan. Instead, AVR is applying for a change in zoning to build the Meadows project.

Community supporters said it would bring much-needed tax revenue to the Longwood school district, increase public safety with the construction of access roads, and serve as a model of mixed-use development on Long Island.

Mitch Pally, chief executive officer of the Long Island Builders Institute, said he hopes the Meadows would steer Long Island away from "cookie-cutter subdivisions."

Brookhaven National Laboratory, less than two miles from the proposed site, would welcome more residences and hotels near the lab for visiting scientists and researchers, as well as additional office space, said BNL's deputy director of operations Michael Bebon.

But Yaphank Taxpayers and Civic Association president Chad Trusnovec said with high rates of commercial vacancy around Brookhaven, "Is this a time we should be building more?"