Community Forum To Discuss Masera Property To Be Held This Week

WEST ISLIP, NY — A community forum will be held to discuss plans for the Masera property at West Islip High School this week. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25 starting at 8 p.m. at the auditorium of the school on 1 Lions Path.

During the forum, the developer will provide an overview and the community will have an chance to comment. The 11-acre property, located on the west side of Udall Road north of Sunrise Highway, is currently owned by the West Islip School District. According to the district, officials have been exploring a several options for the site, but "due to the age and condition of the school," the school board contracted Winkler Real Estate, based in West Islip, for offers to build a proposed senior citizen housing.

The building was originally home to Paumanok Elementary School in 1955. Now, the district believes that a senior housing development is the best use of the space.

"West Islip is the only hamlet in the Town of Islip that does not have condominium or rental options for its seniors," the district wrote on its website. "The District is sensitive to the fact that it is a residential area and a 55-and-older development would stabilize the student population and not be a burden on the school system. However, this use has not been finalized."

The district addressed several frequently asked questions on its website here.

What do you think of the proposed plans? What should go in place of the former school? Let us know in the comments below.