St. James residents are pushing back against a proposed development plan that would build an assisted living facility on the site of the former Bull Run Farm that dates back to 1917.

As the Smithtown Town Board considers the plan for the 97-unit assisted living facility, neighbors say they would like to preserve the space for its agricultural history and protect it from pollution.

"Both Suffolk County and the Peconic Land Trust did want to purchase the property and preserve it as open space. That's still an option that exists. We're hoping that's something the current homeowners consider,” said resident Judy Ogden.

A special exception permit to change the site's zoning could go before the Town Board on April 4.