Smithtown School District Sells District Offices to Tennessee-Based Developer

The Smithtown School District recently approved a contract to sell its district offices to a Tennessee-based developer.

According to a letter from Superintendent James J. Grossane, the Board of Education sold the property, located on 26 New York Avenue, to Southern Land Company, LLC to build one- and two- bedroom apartments.

The land was sold for $14.8 million or $71,000 per unit.

In addition, as part of the contract, there is a 75-day “due diligence” period, during which the developer has the right to back out of the purchase.

"The Board of Education and administration believe that the proposed use of the property is one that would benefit our school community," Grossane wrote in the letter. "If finalized, the sale will potentially expand our tax base, lowering the burden on our residents, and provide additional resources to enhance our educational programs."

The district offices will be relocated to the former Nesconset Elementary School, which closed down in 2012, and proceeds from the sale will go towards reserves, Newsday reports.

One proposed plan includes 13 buildings with a total of 250 apartment and another proposed plan includes 14 buildings with 252 apartments.

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