Construction is underway at the Mayfair Shopping Center to add a restaurant expansion onto the property.
Levin Management’s request to add a 3,568-square-foot restaurant next to Bagel Boss was approved by the Town of Smithtown May 2. Previously, this space served as the drive-through facilities for the Bank of Smithtown.
While the plans were approved, some residents are not happy about the decision.
Commack residents have had mixed reactions to the potential addition. At a hearing April 3, some homeowners expressed concerns, citing heavy traffic and garbage.
Commack resident George Gibbons opposed the proposed expansion, stating that the neighborhood has a rat infestation due to the shopping center.
"I've had to hire an exterminator and I am paying a monthly fee because of the rats. Their dumpster in the back isn't properly secured," Gibbons said.
Anthony Guardino, an attorney representing Levin Management, said at the hearing that he's provided testimony from an engineer to the town stating the shopping center's dumpster is more than large enough to handle the expected trash.
In addition, Guardino said Levin Management has offered to install of several traffic calming measures, including several speed humps, additional stop signs and forcing access to the road behind the shopping center to become 90-degree turn with the expansion.
It is not yet known which restaurant will fill the space, once construction is complete.
Two empty storefronts will soon be filled at the Mayfair Shopping Center, as well. Chico's clothing store will take over the 2,971 square feet of empty retail space between Rite Aid and New York & Company by the end of July. H & R Block will also return to its location, next to Red Mango, this fall, a representative from the company said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
