of more than 200 housing units on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa has been approved by the Town of Oyster Bay, moving the project one step further to becoming a reality. The Town approved a change of zone for The Seasons Residential Development from R1-7 (one-family residence) to RMF-16 (multifamily dwelling), which will allow construction of 128-multifamily residences, 54 townhouse units and 30 next generation dwellings. This change will allow 16 units per acre, as opposed to one-family homes on a minimum of 7,000 square feet per home. The initial hearing was held on January 24.

The applicant, Engel Burman Group at Massapequa and WSNCHS East Inc. also known as The Long Island Home, received another change of zone approval June 8 across Sunrise Highway where 308 senior residences will be built. That zone was changed from a R1-7 (one family) to RPH-25 (Golden Age District). This property is part of the 30 acres that Lowe's sold after its application to build a retail store there was turned down.

It is the impact of both new developments that has raised the concern of Massapequans. Some local leaders have said the 16.619 acre development on Sunrise Highway between Louden Avenue and Carmans Road in East Massapequa will add traffic and congestion to an already congested area.

"Residents and community leaders are concerned because this area is already notorious for traffic and accidents which will increase with this development," said Wally D'Amato, president of the Nassau Shores Civic Association. "We do need the next generation and senior housing, but not in this area."

Others, such as the Long Island Housing Partnership, believe that the Next Generation and Golden Age housing are a much-needed component to the Town. According to L.I. Housing, they already have a waiting of list of 1,812 residents.

Phyllis Barry, a spokeswoman for the Town of Oyster Bay, said the plan still requires a sub-division approval from the Nassau County Planning Commission, before a construction date can be set.

In other news the Town approved:

the operation to acquire and demolish an existing business at 103 Broadway to convert to a park is in full swing. As of March 14, the firm Cashin Associates PC, has begun paperwork to acquire the 13,254 square foot land at 103 Broadway, now the home to Broadway Automotive and an abandoned ice cream stand.

Last year the Massapequa property, bounded on the north by Sunrise Highway, on the west by Hicksville Road and on the east by Broadway, was rezoned by the Town of Oyster Bay from a general business to a neighborhood business district because neighbors were concerned a larger establishment could open.

Since that time, the Town looked at several options in addressing concerns about the condition of the site. In the end, it decided to turn it into a park, which Town officials said would be a "gateway" into the community. No date for condemnation or redevelopment has been set.

plans to improve several roadways in Massapequa. The eastern portion of Violet Street is in its design phase to receive improved storm drainage and improvements.

Streets in the Tree Haven area between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road near Seaford Avenue are in the process of receiving new storm water drainage piping, having their catch basins replaced and roadways improved.

According to the Town, although every effort is made not to damage trees during construction, some may have to be taken down in this area for the construction which also includes new curbing and driveway aprons. New trees will be planted after the improvements are completed.