Proposed assisted living site draws debate

More than a dozen Nesconset residents spoke out against a proposed three-story, 186-bed assisted living facility at a Smithtown town board public hearing Thursday evening.

Amber Court Assisted Living Communities wants to build a 90,000-square-foot building on Lake Avenue, said Anthony Guardino, a Uniondale attorney representing Amber Court.

The town board would have to grant a special exception permit to allow the project on the 6.7-acre property, which is zoned light industrial and partially residential, and is located near homes.

Opponents who live near the proposed project told the town board that the building would be too tall and large for the neighborhood, invade the privacy of those closest to it and generate additional traffic and noise.

James Russell, of St. James, who said he frequently visited his family who live next to the site, challenged the board members at the more than 90-minute hearing to ride up in a fire truck. "Let us know what you can't see."

Robin Marks, Amber Court's Long Island regional director, has said the assisted living center would be "affordable." Amber Court runs four facilities in Westbury, New York City and New Jersey.

Several advocates for the elderly and Alzheimer's patients spoke in favor of the project, noting long waiting lists at other facilities in the county.

Louis Alba, who said his wife is terminally ill with Alzheimer's disease, said, "I need a place that I can have my wife be as she's deteriorating. Just think about your family, your spouse, your siblings -- somebody's going to need care."

Bernadette Esposito, 62, of St. James, said she hoped the developer could address the "genuine concerns" of the neighbors so that the project could go forward. Esposito, a retired, disabled nurse, said she had to care for older family members as she was raising her own children. "This type of development is necessary," Esposito said.

Amber Court is also requesting a variance from the town's zoning board to increase the maximum height of the building to 49 feet. The building code allows 35 feet. Guardino said the building would have a basement and a sunken courtyard with a swimming pool and gardens. "What will be visible will be a building that is three stories," he said.

A zoning hearing was held March 8 on the height variance and a request to have only one truck loading bay rather than the three required by zoning. A decision has not been made.

The Holy Mother of Mary Knights of Columbus, which has 200 members, has a building on the property of the proposed facility. Member John Schroeder said Thursday that it was unclear where the group would move if the project is approved.