Community Corner

Bonner Calls For Development Ideas For Old Rocky Point Drive-In Property

The Rocky Point Drive-In property has been re-zoned to prevent big-box store development.

On Friday, Nov. 18, the Town of Brookhaven won an over 10-year battle with the New York State Court of Appeals that would change the zoning rights of the old Rocky Point Drive-In, located adjacent to the Crossroads Plaza East Shopping Center in Rocky Point from becoming a big box store.

"The New York State Court of Appeals decision that will ensure the Rocky Point Drive-In will not be developed as a big-box store," Brookhaven said in a statement. "The property owner had previously challenged the Town’s up-zoning of the blighted 18-acre property from retail to recreational, which does not allow big-box stores."

In a phone interview with Councilwoman Jane Bonner, she said this was a huge moment and step forward for Rocky Point. "It's something I have been involved with long before I was elected. I am so happy, pleased, and relived that the court of appeals saw things the way they should have been seen," said Bonner. 

The property owner had previously challenged the Town’s up-zoning of the 18-acre property from J-D Business to Commercial / Recreational, which does not allow big-box stores. 

In a statement released today, Bonner said she is taking development suggestions from the community and surrounding residents. “I applaud the court’s decision to finally put an end to this long running case. It’s taken over a decade to close out this chapter, and now I ask Mr. Lerner to come to the table with residents and the Town. Let’s find a solution that works with the Commercial Recreation zoning of the site and serve as a benefit to the entire community."

What do you want developed there? Sound off in the comment section below.


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