The Oyster Bay Town Board is still gathering public input on an application to expand the Best Western Motel on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa, following a public hearing on the matter held Feb. 27.

Deepak Patel, owner of the establishment, is seeking a special use permit to expand the motel from 51 rooms to 90 rooms. During the public hearing, many local residents expressed opposition to the project, because it would entail increasing the structure's size from one story to three stories.

"The record will be closed two weeks after the date of the meeting. Then the town board will begin deliberations," said Town Public Information Officer Phyllis Barry, noting that it could be months before a decision is rendered. "There are a lot of things for them to consider, and they wanted to hear from the applicant about whether or not it might be possible to scale it down a little bit."

The motel lies in the "F" Neighborhood Business District, and the proposed structure is allowable under the height requirements of that zone. However, the town board has the option of rejecting the proposal based on concerns that the three-story structure would not fit in well in the area, according to Barry.

"It's an allowable height within the business zone," said Barry, adding however, "If they don't think that it's good for the area, they have the option of not approving it."

Public comments on the motel proposal may be sent directly to Supervisor John Venditto at: Oyster Bay Town Hall East. 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY 11771.