Senior facility plan faces rigorous review

Developers of an assisted-living facility proposed at a site adjacent to Jericho’s middle and high schools must undergo a rigorous state environmental impact study under a decision last week by Oyster Bay town officials.

Garden City-based developer The Engel Burman Group is seeking to build a $22 million, 97,000-square-foot development. It would be part of a chain of Bristal senior-living facilities, and have 140 beds and 164 parking spaces on Old Cedar Swamp Road.

Town officials voted, 6-0, earlier this month to require an environmental impact statement.

Councilman Chris Coschignano, a partner at the law firm representing Engel Burman, abstained from the vote.

Engel Burman also needs a change-of-zone permit to build.

The town department of environmental resources, in its own review of the proposal, found the facility would intensify use of the property, increase traffic and eliminate all but one acre of woodland, among other conclusions.

Engel Burman president Jan Burman could not be reached for comment. He has said the facility provides an opportunity for local seniors to remain in the area and said his group is in contract to buy the site near the schools.

Opponents of the project, including Alisha Reiben, president of the Jericho Joint Council of PTAs, said the traffic created by construction vehicles and facility employees and patrons would threaten students’ safety.