Rec center planned at former day laborer site

There's a plan in the works to transform the former day-laborer hiring site in Huntington Station into a family recreational center - and it is gaining support from town officials and the community.

Brad Rosen, owner of the Depot Road property and a building across the street, unveiled a proposal for an indoor-outdoor facility that will bring batting cages, virtual sports such as golf, baseball and basketball, and paintball target tag to the area.

"I'm trying to bring an entity that will allow other smaller businesses to come to Huntington Station while serving the community and beyond," Rosen said at a presentation before the Huntington Economic Development Corp. Tuesday night.

The controversial day-labor hiring site was closed in June after 12 years in operation. The recreation center will span both sides of Depot Road and will include miniature golf with themes that coincide with Long Island Rail Road stations.

"This is what Huntington Station and the community has been waiting for, somebody to step up to the plate to make a private investment," said Kim D'Ambrosio, a Huntington Station resident and one of about a dozen residents who showed up at the presentation.

Rosen is the treasurer of the Huntington Station Business Improvement District and will be the developer, owner and operator of the site. He estimates the project could cost him as much as $1 million.

He said he has hired a security chief to ease concerns about gangs and other criminal activity.

There are two hurdles to the project. In Huntington Station, the zoning prohibits game centers and game rooms. Town code also places a 2,000-foot distance restriction between game centers and game rooms and schools, churches and libraries. The proposed indoor game center, where the virtual games will be housed, is 190 feet from the Huntington Station public library. Town code will have to be amended to lower the indoor game center distance to 200 feet. However, Rosen still will have to get a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals to allow for the 10-foot shortfall.

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said he is encouraged about the project.

"This is a revitalization project that is unique and has garnished a tremendous amount of support," he said Wednesday.