Smithtown planning board backs $220M Kings Park condo project

Smithtown's planning board has recommended a zone change that would advance plans for a 288-unit, $220 million condominium project in Kings Park.

Smithtown's planning board voted 4-1 on Sept. 10 to recommend the town board approve a zone change for the proposed Country Pointe Estates on 71.1-acres on the corner of Old Northport and Lawrence roads. The town would change the zoning from single family residential to a planned residential development so developer Beechwood Smithtown LLC could build the complex there.

Board member Thomas Unverzagt was the only member who voted against the project, citing his concerns about traffic and trucks at the property, which in turn could slow down traffic on Indian Head Road.

“Why should residents be burdened with increased traffic?” Unverzagt said at the meeting.

Peter Hans, the town’s planning director, said traffic studies were conducted as part of the project’s environmental review, which the town accepted as complete in July. In the report, Beechwood proposed signal modifications at the intersection of Indian Head and Old Northport roads to mitigate projected increases in traffic, Newsday reported.

Next, the town board must adopt a finding statement under the state's environmental law and hold a public hearing on the petition, according to planning department officials. After a hearing is scheduled, the town board will then issue a decision on the zone change request.

The project will have 53 detached single-family homes, 82 residential flats in 14 buildings and 153 residential town houses in 29 buildings, according to project documents submitted to the planning department. The proposed development also would include a 12,500-square-foot clubhouse, an on-site sewage treatment plant, recreational amenities and other facilities. A total of 10% of the units will be designated as affordable housing.

Steven Dubb, principal and president of the Beechwood Organization, said in a statement: "We appreciate the Planning Board’s thorough review and recommendation, and we are looking forward to the Town’s completion of the environmental impact review process.”

The statement continued, “We believe Country Pointe Estates will present another much-needed housing opportunity for seniors from Kings Park, Smithtown and other nearby communities who want to stay close to their family and friends, and for young couples and first-time homebuyers."

Michael Rosato, president of the Kings Park Community Association, said Friday he applauded Unverzagt’s vote to oppose the zone change. He said the approval was “irresponsible" and “will lead to the over intensification of development in Kings Park.”

Rosato also emphasized his concern that if the proposal is approved, developers of an adjacent and nearby 40-plus acre site may have clearance to build housing developments that are too large for Kings Park.