Islip officials eye parkland for veterans housing

The Islip Town Board will gather today for a special meeting to discuss and vote on the adoption of a home-rule resolution to support state legislation that would authorize the town to turn a portion of Central Islip parkland into a development for veterans housing.

The Central Islip Civic Council, along with community members, initiated the idea to take a parcel on Cypress Street for the project, and to replace a comparable amount of recreational space on Lowell Avenue, Islip Town spokeswoman Caroline Smith said.

No specific program is in place to build on the 1.25-acre section of the park, Smith said. If passed, the Islip Community Development Agency, Housing Authority or another nonprofit entity would be in charge of development. Specific plans for the number and type of units are contingent on whether or not sewers are available, she said.

Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said in a statement: “I’ve been listening to our residents and I am very sensitive to the needs of the community. There are many steps that have to take place before we can determine a better use of the land, particularly when the property has been dedicated as parkland. This is the first action that the Town must take to make a positive change. The Town and the community share the same goal, to use the space in a way that makes all of us proud.”

The legislation is sponsored by state Sen. Tom Croci (R-Sayville), who has previously served as Islip Town supervisor. It is also sponsored in the state Assembly by Phil Ramos (D-Bay Shore).

The meeting is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. at Town Hall.