Plans For Masera Property At A Standstill

WEST ISLIP, NY — Plans for the Masera property are at a standstill after West Islip school officials failed to reach an agreement with the potential developer prior to a public meeting last week. Originally, the community was meant to meet with the developer of the proposed senior complex who was supposed to present plans for the land to the public.

The district scheduled the public forum last Tuesday to allow the developer to provide an overview and give the community will have an chance to comment on the proposed project for the 11-acre property, located on the west side of Udall Road north of Sunrise Highway. However, shortly before the meeting, the district posted on its Facebook page that developer would not be presenting the project.

"The District had hoped to introduce our community to the developer for the Masera School property," the message read. "However, as the Board of Education continues to do its due diligence in selecting a buyer who will serve the best interests of our community, it was determined that there are still some critical components that need to be agreed upon between the District and the prospective buyer to meet the needs of the community."

The district claims they would not be able to present the developer at this time "while the negotiations continue."

However, the meeting did continue and was attended by hundreds of local residents who wanted answers. During the forum, School Board Trustee Steve Gellar addressed the reason the project was stalled and told attendees that "the developer, or any developer contractually agrees not to seek any variances from the Town of Islip beyond the zoning change requested," according to a report in the Babylon Beacon.

Many residents voiced their opinions both for and against building the complex, which would include studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. 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."

According to state education law, residents will have the chance to vote to approve any sell before it happens, the Babylon Beach reports.

What do you think? Do you approve or oppose of a senior housing complex in the area?