An application to construct a Lowe's Home Improvement Center in Massapequa that received mixed reactions from residents was recently denied by the Oyster Bay Town Board. "After a thorough review of the record, the board determined that the proposed rezoning would not be suitable for the area," Supervisor John Venditto stated.

Decisions on requests to construct 308 co-ops for older residents and an 160-bed assisted living facility on adjacent parcels are still pending. The planned development, near the intersection of Sunrise Highway and County Line Rd., also calls for an additional 136 senior housing units in Amityville.

The applicants, Lowe's Home Centers, Inc., and WSNCHS East, Inc., d/b/a Long Island Home, were seeking a change of zone from RI-7 Residential to GB General Business District to construct the warehouse and garden center on a 16.62-acre parcel located on the east side of Carmans Rd., north side of Louden Ave., and northwesterly side of Sunrise Highway.

At a Nov. 18, 2003 public hearing convened specifically to hear this and the two related applications, the Town Board listened to the applicant's experts and to the residents. After a thorough review of the record, the board determined that the proposed rezoning would not be suitable for the area.

Venditto explained that the board was particularly concerned that the applicant did not adequately address some basic traffic issues. "Additional traffic in the area would definitely impact the quality of life for residents who live near the proposed Lowe's site, as well as the safety of motorists and pedestrians who travel on Sunrise Highway and other roads in the vicinity of the site."

Decisions on the proposed senior citizen complex and assisted living facility will be made in the near future, according to Venditto.