A six-month extension of a moratorium on the issuance of building permits for the construction of new and expanded buildings; demolition permits for buildings except for unenclosed additions such as decks and porches; preliminary or final approval for any subdivision plat or partitioning map; building demolition permits; and variances related to lot area, lot dimensions or setbacks for new buildings in certain residential areas of Massapequa has been approved by the Oyster Bay Town Board, according to Town Supervisor John Venditto.

The moratorium, Supervisor Venditto added, includes all residentially zoned property south of Merrick Road between the Town of Oyster Bay's borders with the towns of Hempstead and Babylon. The approval vote itself took place following an Aug. 5 public hearing on the extension.

"Because of recent construction trends that are changing the character of residential neighborhoods in Massapequa, the Town Board enacted a six-month building moratorium, during which time the Town's planner would conduct a study of the area and make recommendations concerning zoning and other measures that would provide the proper balance to allow for development and redevelopment while protecting the character of the community," Supervisor Venditto stated. "The planning consultant has requested additional time to analyze the results of the study and make recommendations for the Town Board's approval."