Town of Oyster Bay Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler held a meeting on Tuesday night at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park to discuss local issues and comprehensive planning. The meeting, which was Eisler's third in a series of meetings to update communities in the Town of Oyster Bay, also focused on Eisler's proposal for a Retail Overlay District (ROD).

The ROD, what Eisler called another comprehensive planning tool, would require that all retail applications of 100,000 square feet or more would have to apply for a change of zone permit rather than a special use permit, which is currently allowed. The ROD would also allow for a six-month moratorium on all retail applications 100,000 square feet or more to give the town board time to study the application.

According to Eisler, the decision by the town board regarding an application requiring a change of zone would strengthen the decision of the board in comparison to a special use permit.

Some in attendance questioned Eisler on the effects the ROD could have on the residents of Syosset, specifically on the proposed mall on the Cerro Wire property and if the proposal would be retroactive if it were to be adopted.

Eisler stressed that the proposal includes the entire Town of Oyster Bay and not just Syosset and the Cerro Wire mall. She mentioned other areas as examples in addition to the Cerro Wire site including Home Depot in Plainview, Cosco in Hickville and Lowes in Massapequa. "This legislation would strengthen the board's decision and give the board a stronger voice," she said. "In regard to Cerro Wire, I believe it would be applicable if we work quickly." Eisler also said that the moratorium would be the first step and it would be very important for the board allowing them ample time to review all applications in detail.

Howard Avrutine, the attorney representing the Birchwood Civic Association, which has been the biggest opposition to the mall, said the proposal sounded very interesting. "If this Retail Overlay District could legally stop the [Cerro Wire] project, it would be a wonderful thing," said Avrutine. "We're hopeful that the town proceeds with this because it is part of the town's comprehensive planning and it would establish a better partnership between the town, developer and community for larger scale development."

This proposal doesn't mean that no retail would be approved, according to Eisler, but she said it would give the board back the control it currently lacks. "This is about coming up with strong planning tools that other municipalities have in their arsenals and we are missing in the town of Oyster Bay," she said.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto said he met with Eisler a few weeks ago regarding ROD to review the information that Eisler had and said it sounded interesting. "This is potentially a piece of legislation of very sweeping proportions and could impact on many retail properties in the Town of Oyster Bay," said Venditto.

Venditto said the ROD is still in a preliminary stage and he didn't want residents to get the wrong impression. "The assignment is not complete and we don't really have enough information yet about this," said Venditto. "It is very dangerous to go out to the public and create false hopes or scare some people when all of the details are not in place for this proposed legislation."

Eisler encouraged residents to support this effort and asked for people to voice their opinions on the ROD to the board. She asked residents to write letters and attend board meetings to voice their opinions to the Supervisor and other board members. According to Eisler the town is currently ascertaining how many properties would have to be notified of a hearing for a moratorium. "My last information is that we are shooting for a hearing at one of the two July meetings depending on how long it takes to come up with a list of property owners who have to be notified."

Other issues discussed at the meeting included parking in Syosset, illegal housing, dangerous dog legislation and senior housing. Eisler has been working with local residents for a Hamlet Plan for Syosset and one issue they are working on is the parking situation in Syosset. Eisler said they are looking into a parking garage in Syosset, but this is still in a preliminary stage.

Laura Schulz, who works with Eisler on the committee, said a survey will be distributed to Syosset and Woodbury residents in September. She encouraged all residents to return the survey, which will be mailed to local residents. There will also be meetings in the future regarding the Syosset Hamlet Plan although there are no set dates at this time.