Rain didn't stop an estimated 500 residents from gathering outside of the former Cerro Wire Site on Robbins Lane in Syosset on Saturday to push the Oyster Bay Town Board to pass a building moratorium on the Robbins Lane corridor.

A building moratorium for Robbins Lane would, according to those pushing for the issue, put a hold on all building on Robbins Lane, including the former Cerro Wire property and the possibility of a Lowe's Home Center, and possibly re-zone the entire Robbins Lane corridor.

In June, Lowe's Home Centers submitted a pre-application to the Town of Oyster Bay regarding the possibility of building a 167,000-square-foot home improvement store and garden center on an approximately 18-acre parcel opposite the highly-contested Mall at Oyster Bay on the Cerro Wire Site on Robbins Lane in Syosset.

When the Mall at Oyster Bay was first proposed, many residents opposed the project for a number of reasons, including the fear of further development to the area if the mall was built. After Lowe's submitted their pre-application to the town, many saw that fear turning into a possible reality.

"Passing a moratorium could lead to the Oyster Bay Town Board re-zoning the entire Robbins Lane corridor, which could ultimately stop the proposed mall on the former Cerro Wire site and any other large retail developments from ever happening," said Warren Church of the Syosset Groves Civic Association, one of a number of organizations supporting the rally.

According to Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, on Nov. 8, a group of local residents made a formal request to the town board for a moratorium with an accompanying study of the Robbins Lane corridor. "I told them at that time that we would need about 30 days to study the request and weigh the pros and cons," he said. "I expect to meet with the town attorney, a representative from planning and development and the town's planner probably next week and will give the answer in the 30 days."

Venditto called the rally "impressive," and said that it is always nice to see that kind of community concern being expressed.

Todd Fabricant, chairman of the Cerro Wire Coalition, which consists of 27 community groups that represent more than 40,000 homeowners and 6,000 local businesses spoke to those who attended the rally. "Do not be concerned that because there are no more buildings on the Cerro Wire site that the mall is coming - nothing could be further from the truth," he said regarding the Taubman Company's recent demolition of all structures on the property. "All they have is a demolition permit and the decision is still in the hands of the courts."

Fabricant spoke to residents, who were carrying signs saying "No Mall Here" and "Pass the Moratorium" about the importance of a Robbins Lane corridor. "We have to send a unified message to our elected officials that we want to protect the quality of life surrounding the Robbins Lane corridor. Passing a moratorium to further study how to accomplish that is the first step in that direction," he said.

As far as the ultimate question is concerned on whether there will be a moratorium and/or a study completed, Venditto said that looking at the town's track record with this case shows a lot. "Time and time again we have stood very strongly with the residents in opposition of the mall and our position has not changed," he said. "We will continue to do the right thing to prevent the mall from being situated in that area. Whatever decision we make is calculated and designed to defeat the mall and that has not and will not change."

According to Fabricant, the mall will generate 3,000 more cars on Robbins Lane and adding Lowe's to the area would increase that number to 4,000. "If we don't do something about this now, where you are standing - you are looking at Glen Cove Road in your back yard," said Fabricant.

Venditto explained that in addition to the impact that the study and the moratorium will have on the local area, the board needs to consider the impact it could possibly have on the pending litigation. "The matter is now in the Appellate Court and this could have an adverse impact on the litigation," he said. "We are still about two years away from any kind of a final decision and there is a lot to consider."

Although Venditto and the town are still considering the request made my local residents, Venditto said, "it is safe to say that we certainly have enough time, with the lawsuit pending and with the ultimate decision still many months if not a year or two away, to conduct that study. Whether or not we need the moratorium in the interim is another question. The request for the study is a reasonable and sensible request and it is one that I am likely to go along with. The likelihood is that we will conduct the study that is being requested. I will give a full response within the 30 day time period on the study and the moratorium."

Fabricant pleaded with those present to help support the moratorium and asked that all residents write, call and e-mail the Town of Oyster Bay board showing support for the cause. "Tell the supervisor that we want to pass a building moratorium now. We still have a voice and we can make a difference. This is not only about the mall, but what is going to happen in addition to it," he said.