CVS pulls plug on planned St. James store

A proposal to build a CVS pharmacy in St. James has been shelved amid more than 700 signatures from neighboring residents opposing the project.

CVS Albany LLC withdrew its application for a zone change from residential to central business. It had planned to build a 13,551-square-foot pharmacy and 57 parking spaces at Woodlawn and Lake avenues.

Vincent J. Trimarco Sr., attorney for CVS, said Wednesday that he submitted a letter Tuesday to the Smithtown Town Planning Department and asked to withdraw the application "without prejudice."

Trimarco declined to disclose why his client withdrew, but said the "without prejudice" clause means CVS can return with a future application.

Trimarco said CVS could pursue developing the property without a zone change, because part of its 1.6-acre site is already zoned central business.

"We were asking for a change of zone to extend the . . . [central business zoning] to the east," he said. "I have to speak to CVS and see what they want to do from here. . . . I don't think they're giving up on St. James."

Alex Wallach, a Smithtown town planner, said CVS' application has not been approved or denied.

"Essentially, the application is closed," he said. "Somebody could come back and make a similar application. We have no idea if that will happen in the near future, but it's certainly possible."

Mary Dwyer, 54, of St. James, opposed the project. She believes CVS will return with smaller-scale plans.

"I do not believe it's a done deal. . . I believe they see this as a way to make money," she said. She is concerned that the pharmacy would create traffic gridlock and reduce property values.

"It's just not right for the town in that area," Dwyer said. "There are plenty of other empty locations on 25A or Jericho Turnpike in St. James where CVS could open without impacting residents."