Community Gives Input on Proposed Shirley Gas Station

A community meeting arranged by the property owner of the northwest corner of William Floyd Parkway and the Sunrise Service Road in Shirley garnered input from residents on a plan to build a new gas station and convenience center at the site, which previously contained model homes. After a lively discussion about traffic, security, lighting, and the need for a new station in the area, the representatives of Bayat Market, which has a similar facility on Horseblock Road in Medford, pledged to keep working with the residents to make sure their concerns and ideas for the station were addressed.

“This is one of the first times a property owner came to the community first before submitting development plans for approval,” said Project Coordinator Fred Towle. “We want to hear what the residents have to say and do everything we can to win their support before we move forward with an application.”

According to Eric Meyn of Bohler Engineering, the project’s designer, any plans would be subject to a lengthy review process involving town, county, and state agencies. Since it was previously used for model homes, the site would require a zoning change from Brookhaven Town and a special use permit. Also involved would be the county health department and the state DOT, he said. Public safety, environmental considerations, and traffic flow would all be part of the review process, according to the engineer.

Community members participate in a question and answer about proposed project. File Photo

On the drawing board is a plan for a two-island service station with seven pumps, including a charging station which residents suggested at previous meetings with local civic groups and officials. The Bayat Market will have coffee, beverages, and all the items typical of a Long Island convenience store. The project will have maximum landscaping, sound mitigation and directional lighting which, by town code, will not shine beyond the property. There will be 24 parking spaces on the 1.85-acre property as per the preliminary layout. The building is proposed at 2,400 square feet and the business will employ up to eight workers.

The meeting, which was attended by about 60 people, was well advertised with notices in the South Shore Press and a mailing to 1,500 area residents, which included Towle’s cell phone number so he can be contacted directly. “We want to make sure everyone knows about the project and are engaged from the very beginning,” Towle said. “This is the first time that I know of where a project is being vetted before the public prior to an application being filed. Usually it’s the other way around.” After the meeting, a few residents approached him with additional input. “We will have more community meetings and we will also be meeting with residents one-on-one. The owner lives in Suffolk County, he strives to be a good neighbor,” he said, adding that Mr. Bayat is a hands-on businessman, not a large corporation, who is frequently at his stations. “He knows his customers; he’s a very generous contributor to any number of community groups and causes.”

Modern filling stations, Meyn said, must meet strict environmental standards including double-lined tanks, leak detection systems, and fire extinguishing capabilities. Pumps have vapor return features, as do delivery trucks to ensure that fumes do not enter the atmosphere. He said he was unaware of any studies linking health issues to stations built under current regulations.

Discussing traffic concerns, the representatives pointed out that any vehicles utilizing the station will be local and already traveling past the station. “No one from Smithtown is going to come here to get gas,” Towle said, noting that other uses for the property, such as a medical park, would draw vehicles from other areas. Traffic studies will be part of the review process, he noted, and traffic mitigation, if required as part of the approval process, will be implemented. The best location for curb cuts will also be determined. Another issue, security, was brought up by the residents prompting Towle to note that it’s in the best interests of the business owner to make sure his customers and nearby residents are safe. “Any untoward activity will be shut down immediately,” he said.

Vincent Lauria pointed out that the car wash just south of Montauk Highway is in a bad place and contributes to the heavy traffic in the area, especially during the rush hours. “No one goes the speed limit,” he said. “It’s t-bone city.” He expressed concerns that the station will cause a similar situation if the curb cuts are not properly sited.

Responding to a question from Michael Walker regarding the economic feasibility of a gas station at the proposed location, Towle said that this would be Bayat’s sixth facility on Long Island and he is well aware of the financial risks of developing a new business. “This is his line of work, his expertise. I don’t think he would be making this investment if there wasn’t a demand for this type of service in the community,” according to Towle, who added that it would be the only station on the west side of William Floyd Parkway all the way from Route 25A on the North Shore to just over the railroad tracks in Shirley.

Eric Meyn of Bohler Engineering shows proposed gas station and convenience store to community members. File Photo

Resident Toni Trapani said she was worried about delivery trucks coming into the station–the time of day, whether they can come in on Victory Avenue or Revilo Avenue–a matter Towle said will be covered during the traffic review process. Worries about kids accessing a propane tank service was also addressed with the understanding that security will be tight around all facility operations.

Beth Wahl of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley asked about which organizations the representatives have met with so far, to which Towle listed the Bay Area Civic Association, Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, Pattersquash Creek Civic, Mastic Beach Fire Department, and local officials including Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, and Brookhaven Council Members Dan Panico and Mike Loguercio, who had a representative at the meeting. He said more meetings are scheduled and reiterated his offer to meet one-on-one with residents or talk on the phone.

Ava Torres of the Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce said she is supportive of the station. “It’s a good use for the property and will enhance the area’s tax base. I’d rather see a modern gas station and convenience store servicing the community than an office building with people coming in from all over the place,” she said. “Judging by his Medford operation, he’s been a model business owner and we look forward to working with him to get his proposal to where it needs to be.” The state and county would also benefit from the sales tax revenue the businesses would generate, Torres pointed out.

“Mr. Bayat is a success story, growing his business by providing a necessary service to the public with hands-on concern for his customers and his community,” said Peter Costelloe, President of the James V. Kavanaugh Columbian Club, whose members have also met with project representatives during the preliminary design stage. “They've incorporated our suggestions for maximum landscaping, a charging station for electric vehicles, and even putting in a flagpole. Those who have visited the Medford station and the other Bayat locations will say they are well-run and impeccably maintained. They would be an asset to any community.”

“He’s the type of person when you ask him to contribute to a local cause, he is very generous,” said Donald Marriott, manager of the Shirley project and another station Bayat currently has under construction in Islip. “He is a local owner, not a big corporation, and he is always on site,” Marriott continued. “I’ve seen him pay for gas and groceries for those who didn’t have enough. He truly is a humble, caring guy who has worked very hard to grow his businesses and serve his neighbors.”

James Calfa, a local resident formally with the state Department of Transportation, said he would like to see the final application before making up his mind. “They are working with the community, which is good; having an open meeting where everyone can be heard is a good idea,” he said.