Residents clash over proposed Wyandanch industrial park
Many residents argued that the project would overwhelm the neighborhood with truck traffic and pollution.
Tempers flared at Babylon Town Hall Monday night as residents from Wyandanch and Wheatley Heights packed a public hearing on a proposal to build a massive industrial park near Little East Neck Road and Long Island Avenue. The project has sharply divided the community, with supporters touting economic benefits and opponents warning of environmental and quality-of-life impacts.
The proposal calls for a 1.5-million-square-foot industrial complex featuring nine buildings, 380 truck bays and nearly 2,000 parking spaces. To move forward, the plan requires a zoning change from residential use to a new classification — “Planned Industrial Park Two” — created specifically for the site.
Many residents argued that the project would overwhelm the neighborhood with truck traffic and pollution.
“I have many concerns about this project, but my greatest concern is the truck traffic and the nitrogen dioxide and other pollutants emitted by a massive number of diesel trucks,” said Theresa Wallace of Wheatley Heights.
Others voiced deeper worries about overdevelopment in the area.
“When does it get considered overdevelopment?” asked Kevin Key, also of Wheatley Heights. “When it expands too much and it starts encroaching on residents, it’s considered overdevelopment.”
But supporters — many from Wyandanch — said the community desperately needs investment, jobs and tax relief.
“Wyandanch is starving. We need help,” said Robert Johnson, urging neighbors to consider the project’s potential to bring economic opportunity. “If this is going to help us and give stability in our community, I don’t understand why people don’t even think about that part.”
Others echoed that message.
“The construction of this park puts us in a specific space to compete,” said Latesha Walker of Wyandanch. “We don’t have a dollar. We need a dollar.”
Town officials say they are still reviewing the proposal. A decision on whether the industrial park will move forward is expected in the coming months.
