Hundreds of Nesconset residents are fighting a plan to relocate a 7-Eleven store to an old bank building on the corner of Nichols Road and Smithtown Boulevard.

"In the last month, we've had two accidents here," says Marie Gruick, of the Nesconset Civic Association. "We want smart development. This is not smart development. This is stupid development." 

Civic leaders and other residents say Nichols Road is a main artery connecting to the Long Island Expressway. They're arguing the move would make a congested intersection worse.

"That road during rush hour periods is jammed halfway to the expressway," says Walter Gurzynski. "So I think getting in and out of our own neighborhoods is going to be an issue."

The developer, James Nazzaro, says he doesn't believe the new store will be a burden on the community. 

"The majority of traffic going to 7-Eleven is already on the roadways," he says. "So, there will be a minimal impact on traffic."

Critics are still circulating a petition against the project, but it's unclear how much that will help. Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim says the property in question is already zoned for "exactly" what the applicants plan to do.

"It would be almost impossible for us to deny them," he says -- and trying to do so could result in a lawsuit.

7-Eleven did not immediately respond to a News 12 request for comment. Nazzaro says he is hoping to start the project within a month or so.