Smithtown approves zone change for 288-unit Beechwood condo plan in Kings Park

Smithtown officials have approved a zone change that paves the way for construction of a 288-unit condominium project in Kings Park.

The Smithtown Town Board voted 5-0 at its regular meeting Thursday to approve the change from single-family residential to planned residential development. The $220 million project would span 71.1 acres at the corner of Old Northport and Lawrence roads.

Country Pointe Estates at Kings Park would be built on grounds including vacant woods, a former concrete manufacturing and sand mining operation, as well as a poultry farm. Wooded areas would be cleared as part of the plan, according to an environmental-impact statement. The Beechwood Organization, the developer, has sought to build 53 single-family homes, 153 townhomes and 82 villas there.

Councilman Tom McCarthy said instead of having 140 to 150 McMansions or an Amazon-type warehouse on the property, “we are getting all two-bedroom units which will help the elderly and help the younger people of Kings Park.”

“I think it’s a phenomenal application, and I vote ‘yes,’ ” McCarthy said during Thursday's meeting.

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, who also voted yes, said: “It’s a development that will be good for the Kings Park community, and I’m also a ‘yes’ vote.”

Michael Dubb, founder and CEO of Beechwood, said in a statement to Newsday on Friday:

“Country Pointe Estates at Kings Park is for all ages of home ownership though we expect it will mostly attract empty nesters looking to downsize from single-family homes and the responsibilities that come with it to a social and carefree lifestyle,” Dubb said. “We also hope the project will attract young people. We will continue to work through municipal approvals and hope to break ground in the New Year.”

To build the complex, Beechwood requested that the town change the zoning to allow for a more diverse mix of residential housing on the property.

At a public hearing on Dec. 2, Beechwood representatives said the complex would give empty-nesters and young people more housing opportunities, create jobs and improve the economy.

But opponents argued the development is too dense for Kings Park.

Michael Rosato, president of the Kings Park Community Association, has been one of the most critical opponents of the project. 

On Friday, he shared with Newsday remarks he emailed to members of the town council. 

"Beechwood could double the housing density allowed under current zoning. This would negatively impact the area’s traffic, schools and environment," Rosato wrote.

"In addition, approving the zone change will create a legal precedent that would permit similar housing density on 42 adjacent acres ..." Rosato noted.

While the zone change was approved, the project itself now requires approval from the town before construction can begin.

Beechwood has scaled the plan back somewhat, citing reaction from the community. A previous proposal called for 391 units of housing.

An environmental-impact statement published in July noted the developer planned to preserve more than 10 acres of mature woods. That reflects nearly 19% of the "pitch pine-oak forest habitat" on the property, according to the plan.