A Tall Order: TallGrass To Become Part Of A New Community Development

We were just discussing at my office the mental block we all come to when trying to think of things to do on Longs Island. Sure, we all know about the wineries, dineries, and “touristy” attractions. But, for some reason when it comes to family or personal outings we are often at a loss for what to do. In fact, one of my brother-in-laws went way out of town for a guys' golf getaway.

But, it seems that soon enough Suffolk residents may have another local retreat to well, retreat to. It’s reported that town of Brookhaven officials are considering one of, what they are calling the largest land use decision since Supervisor Brian Foley took office. In fact, the 321-acre area of grass is slated to be transformed into a golf course and 175,000 square feet of retail space. Plus, the parcel will feature a sewage treatment plant that will serve a mixed-use community that includes 378 housing units, some which are bound by age and price restrictions.

Officials add that the project is likely to have a major impact on the community, in fact, they anticipate on of the largest impacts on any school district in the town, as they anticipate approximately nearly 130 additional children to the Shoreham-Wading River School district as the project moves ahead.

Currently, The DiLalio sod farm and Tallgrass Country Club are comfortably situated on the site. And, special permits and zoning restrictions need to be met before the project can even begin.

Still, the proposal is being met with mixed reactions, with those opposed citing traffic, congestion and less greenery and serenity, as their main objections. But, developers assured residents that they would address, meet, and deal with all their concerns. And, they (the developers) say this is just what the community, in fact many communities need and they suggest that they will continue to “fight” and that they are not likely going away.