A plan to develop a tract of industrial land in St. James is causing concerns about the impact the project could have on the quaint North Shore community.

The 65-acre tract of green space is one of the largest undeveloped areas remaining in the town of Smithtown. A real estate development company is seeking to build a hotel, two medical offices and two assisted-living facilities on the land.

Kerry Maher Weisse, president of the St. James Community Association, says the project would provide a significant financial boost to the area.

But not everyone is in favor of the plan. Some neighbors are concerned about the traffic the project could bring to Route 25A and Mills Pond Road.

Smithtown Planning Director David Flynn agrees that increased traffic is a serious concern. But he says he's reserving judgment on the project until the developer's final plans are submitted.

That's expected to happen within the next few months.