‘Too Big’: Residents Sound Off On Hicksville Sears Site Plan

HICKSVILLE, NY—Proposed development plans for the former Sears building on Division Avenue has generated strong reaction from the community. Seritage, a real estate investment trust spun off by Sears Holdings, wants to turn the location into rental apartments, retail and office space, restaurants, a grocery store, movie theater and more. Some residents, however, aren't keen on the idea.

"Isn't Hicksville crowded enough? We don't even get a say anymore in this bloody town. You already have a whole foods and Asian grocery stores, a movie theater and extra people. We don't want any more," one person wrote on Patch's Facebook page.

According to one resident who's called Hicksville home for 65 years, the proposed development is too big for the town to handle.

"There’s nothing in this site plan that benefits the residents of Hicksville," the lifelong resident wrote on social media. "We do NOT need another movie theatre as there are 12 screens across the street at the Broadway Commons Mall. We don’t want 425 apartments with all their additional cars when 2,200 parking spaces are needed."

Some residents worry that the proposed development would lead to a traffic nightmare that the town is unprepared to handle. Others worry that the new retail space is not needed when there are stores in Hicksville that currently sit empty. And still others worry most won't be able to afford to live in the proposed apartments.

"Another over priced excuse of apartments that young professionals with students loans will never be able to afford. Just one more way to bilk Long Island residents," one person commented.

"These are gonna be the typical apartments that average middle class people are looking at to live in but still won't be able to afford the price," another said.

The Oyster Bay town board will host the hearing on the Heritage Village project Tuesday, March 10, at the Hicksville High School auditorium. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. At the meeting, the developers will explain their plans for 26.4-acre project. The town board will also listen to feedback from neighbors.

"Our voices will let them know how the residents feel. It's OUR chance to be heard!" one person posted.

For residents who can't attend the meeting, they can submit their comments on the town's website.

SEE ALSO:

• Hearing Set On Developer's Plans For Hicksville Sears Property