Dieting was clearly not on the minds of Town Board members Tuesday, January 5 as they began 2016 by unanimously approving Serota Smithtown LLC’s application for a Sonic Restaurant and Cosentino Realty Commack/PJ Venture LLC’s application for demolition of a strip mall in Commack to build a Chick-Fil-A restaurant.
Sonic Restaurant will be built in Nesconset on Alexander Avenue and Jericho Tpke. across from the Smiththaven Mall. After a four-year ordeal in which the original application was denied resulting in a court challange the Town Board moved forward with the project. Discussions at the Board’s work session on Tuesday focused on curb cuts, access on Alexander Ave. and a contiguous roadway behind the restaurant. The proposed roadway would connect with Ragazzi Italian Restaurant and provide access to Alexander Ave. to traffic from Costco. With the exception of Councilman Wehrheim, Town Board members were opposed to the roadway. Allowing vehicular traffic behind the buildings they felt would place an unnecessary burden on the residents. The applicant agreed to the change its applicationremoving the road. Approval was granted. The decision to approve comes after a four-year battle in which the town rejected the application and was taken to court by the applicant. The judge ruled that the Town’s denial was not based on fact. After vowing to appeal the decision the Town relented and did not file an appeal.
A 4,876 square foot Chick-Fil-A restaurant will be built on Commack Rd. south of Henry Street. The restaurant will have interior counter space. The Town Board granted the application for demolition of a strip mall and office building which will be replaced by Chick-A-Filet and an 11,000 sq.-ft building which will house Sabrosa Restaurant, a pizza restaurant, Dunkiin’Donuts/Baskin-Robbins with a drive-thru and possibly a pet store. Last year residents from Huntington complained about increased traffic and quality of life impact. Town Board members noted that the area was already zoned and used for commercial purposes.