To Build Or Not To Build That Is The Question: Officials Take A Stand Against New Construction Slated For Syosset

Do you think there are already enough malls here on Long Island and with little diversity among them? Well, brace yourselves; if Michigan builders get their way, we can add one more to the list.

In fact, Taubman Centers has been, for the last 11 years, vying for the former Cerro Wire property in Syosset in homes and notes that another mega shopping complex is their vision for the future. And, this in spite of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor’s pleas for using the land for housing instead.

In fact, Taubman recently files the latest round of court papers seeking the approval from the state Supreme Court for its application to construct an 860,000-square foot mall on the 39-acre parcel bordering the Long Island expressway.

For four years, courts have been noting the need to revisit the 2001 decision denying Taubman the right to build the mall, a decision the town has appealed but that sent Taubman back to court subsequent to negotiations with the town regarding a mall that would be less than 750,00 square feet stalled.

According to town supervisor Venditto, the talks reached a standstill with respect to environmental concerns. So, now all that’s left is litigation. And, the town says it’s prepared to litigate for as long as it takes, though they prefer an amicable resolution with the applicant withdrawing the application and collaborating with the town on a more “acceptable” plan for the development of the land.

And, while Taubman anticipates a green light form the Supreme Court of Suffolk County, some locals extended their kudos to the Town Supervisor for taking a stand, and asking the applicant to withdraw its petition and consider alternative development