Rocky Point Main Street District Amongst 25A Plan Changes

The proposed rezoning project along the Route 25A corridor received it's second public forum on Saturday morning, and some changes to the plan were announced.

Among the changes is the elimination of residential options as a permitted use in the Rocky Point J-6 Main Street District after concerns of high density development and more residential options were voiced at the Options for shared parking are also being investigated.

Traffic calming with full maintenance of roadway capacity: roundabouts, additional vegetated medians, dedicated turning lanes, vegetated strip adjacent to roadway, additional crosswalks at strategic intersections and enforcement - speed limits and traffic laws were also included in the plan.

Commissioner of Planning Tullio Bertoli and BFJ Planning Associate Todd Okolichany read questions asked by the public, and the main topics of concern were land preservation, congestion and how current local businesses will be effected.

"What this rezoning project will do is direct the growth within our communities and limit density," Bertoli said. "We want to preserve our open space, and this plan will provide us with land strategies and zoning recommendations to help guide future growth in a responsible way, while retaining the qualities that have continuously attracted residents and businesses to the corridor over the years,"

Todd Okolichany elaborated on the effects the rezoning will have on already existing small businesses.  

"We want to put an emphasis on walkability in our communities, and this project will help us do that.  It will link together existing businesses, and help slow down traffic and ease congestion."

One particular question that was brought to the attention of the public for the first time was about a poll conducted by phone to collect feedback from the community on the proposed rezoning.  

"The poll was done by phone at evening time, and it was designed to increase solicitation in Mt. Sinai on receiving feedback from the community on how we make the best possible rezoning proposal," said Councilwoman Jane Bonner.  

The results of the poll are still being processed, and by request of the community members in attendance, they will be posted online on the Town of Brookhaven website.

Public input on the rezoning of 25A will be held for a 45-day comment period. Civic Associations and community groups are encouraged to contact the Town of Brookhaven, as well as Commissioner Tullio Bertoli to express your concerns about the rezoning plans.