Rubie's Costume Co. closer to warehouse, tax breaks

The Islip Town Planning Board has recommended that the town approve a second warehouse in Brentwood for Rubie’s Costume Co., with restrictions designed to address residents’ concerns.

Rubie’s, the one of the largest costume makers in the world, already owns a warehouse on the north side of Candlewood Road and has proposed a second on the south side. Union representatives, residents and fire officials have protested plans for the 196,000-square-foot structure, which would be larger than currently permitted.

Deputy planning commissioner Jeanmarie Buffett said the board decided to recommend in favor of the Rubie’s application with restrictions:

* A setback of 75 feet from the western property line, the boundary closest to homes. Rubie’s must leave existing vegetation in place and agree to plant more trees.

* A land swap with Orograin Bakeries, which would permit both companies’ trucks to exit south on Inez Drive, away from residential areas. Rubie’s has agreed to instruct drivers not to leave the site via westbound Candlewood Road, Buffett said.

* Rubie’s agreed to pay a fine and upgrade the alarm system if false alarms become an issue. All alarms and public address systems are to be audible only within the new building. Planning department staff examined records of the existing warehouse and found no fire dispatches during the past year.

A spokesman for Rubie’s could not be reached immediately for comment.

The application now will be presented at a Town Board public hearing.

Meanwhile, plans are under way with the town’s Industrial Development Agency to approve about $1.5 million in tax breaks for Rubie’s — including $931,637 in property tax abatement — over the next decade. The site, now vacant, accrues $25,000 a year in town taxes. If the new warehouse is built, it would generate additional tax revenue of $1.3 million over the 10-year period, economic development director Bill Mannix said.