Lowe's Plans for Commack Store Approved By Smithtown Planning Board

A nor`easter couldn't stop Lowe's from taking the next step towards the construction of a new store in Commack.

Lowe's revised plans to build on the site of the former Commack Cinemas was approved by Smithtown Town Planning Department on Wednesday night.

"I think they were impressed that the applicant drove all the way from New Jersey last night," said Frank DeRubeis, Smithtown's Planning Director.

As a sparsely attended meeting, Lowe's formally presented . The home improvement franchise's newly revised plans shrink the size of the proposed store's retail area by 21,925 square feet, down from its initial plans for a 187,925-square-foot store.

Still, the proposed building would be more than double the size of Commack Cinemas Multiplex, which was 71,700 square feet.

The $20 million plans call for the former Commack Cinemas to be demolished before constructing the new Lowe's from the ground up.

DeRubeis said he expects Lowe's plans will be scheduled to go before Smithtown Town Board for approval on Nov. 29. However, he said the company has indicated they might ask for a postponement.

If Lowe's building plans gain the approval of Smithtown Planning Department, town board and Suffolk County Health Department, the company could begin demolition of the Commack landmark over the winter, according to DeRubeis.