Plan for BJ’s Wholesale in Commack met with opposition over traffic concerns

The owner of the property says it wants to tear down the Macy’s building and erect a 100,000-square foot building for the mega wholesale club.

News 12 Staff

Jan 27, 2020, 5:23 PM

Updated 1,557 days ago

Share:

News 12 Long Island has learned that once the Macy's in Commack closes its doors, there are plans to put a BJ's Wholesale Club in its place. However, the idea is not sitting well with some residents.
The owner of the property says it wants to tear down the Macy's building and build a 100,000-square foot building for the mega wholesale club. The Macy's is scheduled to close this summer after nearly four decades in Commack.
However, officials say the property owner will need a variance, because there isn't enough parking according to code.
The owners have petitioned the town, saying that the parking lot along Veterans Memorial Highway is large enough, but residents and a civic group aren't convinced.
Residents say warehouse club parking lots are always jammed, and the property needs possibly 500 to 700 more spots to bring it to the code. They also say the traffic the warehouse store will bring will overwhelm area streets and bring in dozens of trucks that will have to come and go to the store daily.
"We don't want the extra traffic, we are becoming Queens," says Maureen Veprek, of the Commack Community Assocation.
New 12 has been told the town is now reviewing a traffic study for the proposed warehouse store.
A request by News 12 for comments from the developer and the town have not been returned.
 


More from News 12
2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

2:38
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Police: Farmingdale woman scammed Texas man out of $9,000 with fake lotto scheme

Police: Farmingdale woman scammed Texas man out of $9,000 with fake lotto scheme

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:32
Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

Residents organize rally to demand cleanup of Bethpage Community Park

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:29
Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

Students at Wyandanch HS take part in 'Shark Tank' competition

0:44
Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

Top LI basketball players compete in annual Alzheimer's All-Star Classic

1:03
Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

Long Island Game Farm responds to USDA report on Bobo the giraffe's cause of death

0:22
Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

Police: Man stole over $1,200 worth of clothes from Ralph Lauren in Deer Park

0:23
3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

3 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:21
DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

DEC: 2 additional 'anomalies' found under baseball field at Bethpage Community Park

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!