QuickChek weighs smaller plan

The developers of a proposed QuickChek gas station for Merrick Road in Seaford, in response to community opposition, are considering a downsized version of the plan, according the company’s attorney.

Bill Bonesso, who is representing QuickChek with its application before the Town of Hempstead, said developers are not ready to kill the project. “They’re still exploring the possible development of the property,” he said. “They’re looking to see if scaling it back to the commercial portion of the property would work for them.”

About 100 community members came to a meeting at the Seaford Firehouse on Jan. 13, hosted by the Seaford Harbor Civic Association. Many in attendance said they were upset by the size of the proposal, which would include the use of undeveloped, residentially zoned land behind existing commercial property. That would require a zoning change from the Nassau County Planning Commission, before going back to the Hempstead town board for consideration.

Bonesso, as well as several representatives from QuickChek, were on hand and heard the complaints. The proposal calls for a 6,500-square-foot convenience store along with eight gasoline pumps. Many residents said they were concerned that it would turn into a truck stop.

QuickCheck officials responded that the site proposal is large for safety purposes, so cars are not backing up onto Merrick Road while waiting to get gas. It would also ensure adequate parking for customers, they said.

“The neighbors had a various concerns, and they certainly heard them,” Bonesso said, adding that the developers are not yet certain if they will propose a smaller site plan. “As of now, they’re still looking at it.”

Carla Powell, who lives directly behind the woods that would become part of the gas station’s property if it is approved, is opposed to the project as presented. She said she would have no problem with a development that uses the existing commercial property, which currently includes a gas station and vehicle storage lot.

The existing site is contaminated as a result of gasoline tanks on the property, and QuickChek officials say they are willing to clean it up. Powell said she wants to see the site improved, but not expanded, so she is encouraged that the developers are willing to go back to the drawing board.

“As long as they’re even considering it, that’s a plus,” Powell said. “That’s a step in the right direction. I think they’ve realized they’re not going to get the zoning change through.”

A small proposal wouldn’t alleviate concerns. Powell said she is worried about the traffic it would add to an already congested section of Merrick Road. Christine Pyryt, who lives a few blocks south, said she doesn’t see the need for a 24-hour operation, or a large seating area in the convenience store. While she wants to see the site improved, she also in concerned about the impact of construction on adjacent wetlands.

Powell explained that one of the reasons she bought her house in 1970 was because of its proximity to a business district. While she said she has adapted to the many changes along Merrick Road since then, a gas station suddenly abutting her property would be life-altering.

“We are adamantly against rezoning residential for commercial,” Pyryt said. “That’s a game-changer for everyone.”

Bonesso said that if the developers do decide to come back with a scaled-down plan, they would have to resubmit their application to the town.