In a stunning turn of events, Plainview Properties, LLC, has withdrawn its application to rezone property in Plainview for a development known as "Old Plainview." Charles Wang made the announcement at a Town of Oyster Bay public hearing held on March 6 in the auditorium of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School.

"We don't want to set neighbor against neighbor," said Wang to the town board and the overflowing crowd in the auditorium, "Therefore, we withdraw our application." This brought applause from some, but not all, of the local residents in attendance. Wang also announced that the developers would instead build "what the town has previously approved."

Charles Wang, founder of Computer Associates and owner of the New York Islanders and New York Dragons, is partnering with real estate magnate Scott Rechler to develop the 166 acres of land in Plainview. Their plan was for a major development known as "Old Plainview" in which village style condominiums, townhouses, senior residences, next-generation housing, offices, retail shopping and a luxury hotel would be built on the 166 acre site. They have met resistance in the community from residents who have raised concerns regarding overcrowding, environmental impact and other issues.

The day and night public hearing was originally scheduled for January 23, but was rescheduled to March 6. At the morning session, held at Oyster Bay Town Hall, all of the hearings were moved to the evening session, leaving five hearings to be discussed at that session. Despite the cold and blustery weather, a large group of local residents filled the auditorium forcing some to stand in the aisles. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the roll call, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor, John Venditto, spoke to the crowd. Venditto told the crowd about the five hearings that would be discussed and that everyone would have a chance to be heard. At that point, he gave Wang the opportunity to speak.

Wang began his talk by discussing his Long Island roots. He spoke of living on Long Island for 55 years and in the Town of Oyster Bay for the last 20, as well as having five businesses headquartered in Plainview. He also said that he built his company on Long Island when others told him that Long Island was not the place to build a technology company, and that decision spawned countless other businesses. Wang also said that he purchased 144 acres of the land in question from Nassau County when he received a call from former county executive Tom Gulotta at a time when the county was in a serious financial crisis. The additional 22 acres were bought in 2003 as Wang described them, in "poor condition."

Wang then went on to describe his vision for Long Island's future. "I know how Long Island was built," said Wang. "I know where change is needed and how best to do this." Wang said that he received input from the best architects, landscapers, engineers and others to formulate this plan that "would allow our children to live and work on Long Island".

However, because of residents' concerns, the application was withdrawn at the meeting. Wang said that he did not want local business owners to not be patronized because of their support for Old Plainview nor did he want himself to be threatened.

"I don't need the racist e-mails and threats directed at me," said Wang.

Following Wang's talk, Venditto addressed the crowd and thanked Wang for his concern for Oyster Bay.

"Charles Wang has the best interests of the town at heart," said Venditto. "Charles is putting the interests of the community ahead of huge financial costs."

Councilman Angelo Delligatti made a motion to accept the withdrawal of four of the five applications, which was seconded and unanimously approved. A fifth application regarding AvalonBay Communities Inc. was closed with a caveat to re-open.

Before the meeting concluded, Wang asked to show a brief video about the development plan. According to the video, Old Plainview would have transformed "the gateway to Old Bethpage-Plainview into a warm, welcoming and distinctive neighborhood." The video also claimed that Old Plainview would have generated $50 million in excess tax revenue over the next decade as well as $10 million in up-front contributions from the developers.

Following the presentation, the meeting was adjourned with Supervisor Venditto saying, "Today has been a great day for Plainview and the Town of Oyster Bay."

Although most in attendance appeared to be against Old Plainview, there were some local residents who supported it. Some senior citizens came to support the plan, as it would create many places for shopping within walking distance of their homes. Additionally, employees of ShopRite also came in support of Old Plainview as a ShopRite Supermarket was one of the retail stores planned for Old Plainview.