Attorney presents 64-unit duplex project in Wyandanch; resident raises traffic and safety concerns

Attorney JR De Ciccio told the Zoning Board he is seeking variances for two linked applications in Wyandanch to build 64 rental units organized as 31 duplexes plus two single units, with 14 units designated affordable. He said the project slightly exceeds the permitted floor-area ratio—about 0.64 versus a 0.60 limit—largely because the applicant is dedicating roughly 650 square feet on the smaller parcel and about 2,100 square feet on the larger parcel to the Town of Babylon and lengthening units to accommodate garage access.

The planning division memo and environmental control memo were on file and the applicant said the development would meet parking, landscaping and dimensional requirements except for the limited FAR relief. The board read standard conditions including lot mergers and the requirement that a portion of units be designated workforce/affordable and scattered across the site; the planning memo on record states affordable units should be targeted to households earning less than 80% of area median income. The applicant said exact affordable-unit counts differ between the two applications and agreed to confirm numbers for the record.

During public comment, resident Cheryl Smith said the site sits at a busy three-way intersection with two bus stops, increased industrial and commercial traffic on Patton Avenue, limited parking and long-standing pedestrian concerns. "The traffic is just so increased now," Smith said, noting past promises to widen the street and install sidewalks. The applicant said a traffic study was submitted to the planning board and said the project includes widening Patton Avenue and adding sidewalks from the edge of the property to Straight Path; the applicant offered to meet with neighbors after the hearing to explain access points and mitigation measures.

The board closed both hearings, reserved decision and will notify parties in writing when it issues determinations.