A proposal to impose a year-long moratorium of the issuance of building permits in a section of Massapequa will be the subject of a June 18 public hearing by the Oyster Bay Town Board.

The area is a triangular-shaped block bounded on the north by Sunrise Highway, on the west by Hicksville Road, and on the east by Broadway.

The proposal comes in response to rumors of plans to develop the property in a commercial manner. "There were suggestions that a 'big box' store, such as Loew's, was planning on moving into the neighborhood," said Town Supervisor John Venditto. "Indications were forthcoming from employees and owners alike that properties were going to be sold, that some were already sold. The rumors got stronger and stronger, the anxiety was mounting, and some residents of the area reached out to me to find out what was going on."

According to Venditto, an exhaustive search of town records to determine if there had been any movement on the property in terms of change of ownership or applications for permits revealed that the rumors were unfounded. However, now that the property has been highlighted, the board is moving to deal with concerns with respect to the potential future development, and possible redevelopment, of properties located in this area which could impact the attractive residential and, in some cases, historic character of the area.

"It occurred to me that now is as good a time as any to consider the future use of the property, short term and long term, and among other things, to restore a sense of calm in the community," Venditto said. "The one-year moratorium would give us time to study the situation."

The proposed moratorium would prohibit the granting of building permits and other regulatory approvals until a study was completed and its recommendations, if any, were carefully and fully considered, and, if determined appropriate, put into place.

Currently, the properties immediately abutting Sunrise Highway are zoned for commercial use. Since the mid-60s, the parcel of land directly behind these properties, instead of being zoned residential, which is the typical configuration, was zoned for general business. From Venditto's point of view, changes might include rezoning the balance of land behind the Sunrise Highway properties as residential.

"Throughout the Town of Oyster Bay, and really throughout the length of the south shore, you see the same pattern--commercial properties that front on Sunrise Highway, and then immediately behind them, residential areas begin," Venditto explained. "The Verizon building, which currently sits on the property in question, is one of the few exceptions."

Venditto said that the town might also look into acquiring the "tip of the triangle"--the triangular parcel that begins at the intersection of Broadway and Hicksville--with consideration for passive park use, or as a gateway for the community. "Planners will have to determine if this is feasible, of course," Venditto said.

The meeting will be held in the hearing room of Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. Beginning at 10 a.m., the regular town calendar, including the hearing, will be called. Following the regular town business, the town board will be available to listen to public comment on the matter.

For more information, call 624-6380.