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Town board advances covenant change to allow charter school at Pioneer Drive amid district opposition
Summary
Islip officials approved removing 1983 covenants affecting a Pioneer Drive property so a charter school can use the site; Brentwood school district warned the board about broader impacts on public‑school enrollment and finances, while planning staff stressed the town’s role is limited to land‑use and traffic mitigation.
The Islip Town Board on July 16 approved a modification of covenants for a Pioneer Drive property (TC 5470) to permit a charter school to occupy and expand an existing building and parking area at 100 Pioneer Drive in the Brentwood School District.
Brian Kennedy, counsel for the applicant, said the 1983 covenant that prohibited structures on the west side of the site was intended for an earlier industrial use and is not applicable to the proposed school operation. He noted the planning board approved a special permit and the zoning board of appeals granted relief on height, floor‑area ratio and rear‑yard setback.
Planning staff (Sean) told the board that the town’s review focused on land‑use impacts such as traffic and bus staging. A town third‑party traffic consultant reviewed the traffic study, and staff said the plan includes measures to get buses on site and keep them off Pioneer Drive where possible.
David Reinharz, attorney for the Brentwood Union Free School District, read a letter from Superintendent Wanda Ortiz Rivera outlining the district's continued opposition to charter expansion in Brentwood, warning of potential long‑term effects on public‑school funding and enrollment.
Town staff reiterated that authorizing a charter school is a state decision and that the town's role is limited to land‑use impacts; the board voted to close the hearing, adopt a negative declaration and submit the application for approval.
Staff will coordinate traffic mitigations and ensure the site plan addresses bus staging and circulation.
