Public hearing to be held amid concerns over proposed 25-acre trucking station in Kings Park
The project, proposed by Cox and Sons, would transform the former landfill site into a facility for parking construction vehicles.
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A proposal to build a 25-acre trucking station on the site of a former landfill in Kings Park is drawing concern from nearby residents ahead of a public hearing Tuesday night.
The project, proposed by Cox and Sons, would transform the former landfill site into a facility for parking construction vehicles. While the plan includes capping contaminated ground at the property, some neighbors worry the development could bring increased noise, traffic and air pollution to the area.
Seth Catandella, who lives near the proposed site, said residents are concerned about the impact of diesel emissions on nearby homes.
“You're talking about all these diesel fumes with houses that back up right to the land,” Catandella said. “So, I don't think that's going to be good to breathe.”
According to the Smithtown Planning Department, the developer plans to cap contaminated material at the former landfill and pave the site for vehicle storage.
In a letter to the Town of Smithtown Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Department acknowledged benefits associated with the proposal, but suggested additional measures may be needed to limit impacts on neighboring properties.
“Town staff recognizes the advantages of the proposal to cap the existing contaminated material, but more can be done to minimize potential impacts on surrounding properties,” the department wrote.
For some residents, increased truck traffic is another concern. They say Old Northport Road is already a busy corridor with frequent commercial vehicle activity.
“On Old Northport Road, yes, you always have trucks coming in and out,” Kings Park resident Cosmo Racco said. “Plus, you have a lot of businesses over there.”
A notice posted on Arlene Place has alerted residents to Tuesday’s public hearing, where community members are expected to share their views on the project.
Catandella said he hopes town officials will take neighborhood concerns into account before making a decision.
“I want you to consider the residents that live there,” he said. “This is in our backyard.”
The Smithtown Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled to hear testimony from the developer Tuesday night regarding plans for the proposed trucking station. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to comment on the project.
The Town of Smithtown provided the following statement:
"Tonight’s hearing is simply the first step in a much longer review. No decisions will be made this evening. The Board of Zoning Appeals is required to follow established procedures, including reviewing recommendations from qualified experts and providing the public with an opportunity to be heard. Residents can be assured that their concerns will be taken seriously and that a fair, thorough and transparent review must take place before any decision is made."
