Islip hearing on bakery's proposed move

Community and labor representatives are expected to join Inter-County Bakers at Thursday's Islip Town planning board hearing in a last-ditch effort to save the company's controversial bid to relocate to Central Islip.

The Lindenhurst-owned bakery product distributor wants to buy an existing state-owned facility on Eastside Drive that has lain vacant for more than five years. But residents are split, with those who moved more recently into surrounding condominium communities mounting vocal opposition to round-the-clock operations the company says it needs.

Last week, the town's planning department sent Inter-County a written ultimatum: eliminate trucking operations between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. weekdays and 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. weekends or the department will recommend its change of zone application be denied. That change is necessary for the property's sale to the company.

Inter-County president Ted Heim Jr. told Newsday he was "blindsided" by the letter. "We're going to ask them to reconsider," he said. "We believe [the Town] has moved to satisfy a very vocal minority and that overall this proposal is a good opportunity for Islip."

The tussle pitches residents from the Islip Landing development and nearby Courthouse Commons -- still under construction -- against Central Islip residents who will not be affected by nighttime trucking but who stand to gain from the return of the property to town and school district tax rolls.

Nearby residents submitted a petition opposing the relocation but lifelong Central Islip resident Susan Sanchez said Wednesday, "I'm not sure the entire CI community feels the same way as those living in the condos . . . It's a great thing for the community and the condos represent only a small percentage."

Nancy Manfredonia of the Central Islip Civic Council said she worries what might happen to the property if the application is denied. "We need economic development for the broader community good," she said. "I expect some real effort by the town to do something to get that property producing jobs and income for the community."

Inter-County has pledged noise buffer measures and environmentally friendly improvements and $200,000 to the Central Islip Recreation Fund.