Mayfair Shopping Center Looks to Add Restaurant Expansion

Proposed plans to add a new restaurant expansion to the Mayfair Shopping Center are being met with some resistance from neighboring residents. 

Levin Management, owner of of the Mayfair Shopping Center in Commack, has proposed plans to add a 3,568-square-foot restaurant expansion to the storefront to welcome in a new business. 

Anthony Guardino, an attorney representing Levin Management, said the new restaurant expansion would be built next to the existing Bagel Boss, behind the new Verizon Wireless storefront. Previously, this space served as the drive-through facilities for the Bank of Smithtown. 

In order to build the proposed restaurant space, Levin Management is seeking a variance from Smithtown Planning Board to reduce the required number of parking spaces from 1,667 to 1,586. This is a difference of five fewer parking spaces since similar plans were approved by Smithtown officials in 1998, according to Guardino. 

"The restaurant will result in the elimination of the drive aisle, which drivers use to hastily go around the building and come around to access Shirley Court. Right now, it's a very dangerous corner," Guardino said. 

In addition to the expansion, Levin Management's plans include a proposal to add curbs and sidewalks to the shopping center, as well as improve the area's landscaping. 

However, neighboring residents said the proposed restaurant expansion is too close to their homes. 

"I fear having this restaurant. The stop signs there, people blow right through them every single day. No one pays attention. This will drive more traffic with rodents and garbage in the area," said Cammie Manganelo, of Commack. 

She stood alongside Tina Tooney, who accused the local businesses and eateries of Mayfair Shopping Center of not throwing their trash and food waste in the dumpsters, creating a local rat problem. 

Guardino said it is the first time Levin Management has heard any complaints about rats in the area. 

Michael Cantwell, a resident of Magnolia Drive, said he didn't understand why Levin Management was looking to build a new extension to the shopping center given the number of vacant storefronts. 

Talbot's former Mayfair storefront has been vacant since the clothing chain closed its outlet store in February 2012. The shop next to Bagel Boss, and H.R. Block is only renting a storefront temporarily for tax season. 

According to Levin Management's website, there are five vacant storefronts in the Mayfair Shopping Center ranging in size from 800 square feet to 30,000 square feet. 

Tell us, would you like to see a new restaurant in the Mayfair Shopping Center or do you fear the problems mentioned above? If so, what type of restaurant would you like to see?