Developer battles Freeport landmarks panel

The developer behind plans for a large apartment complex on historic property accused the Freeport Village Landmarks Preservation Commission of exceeding its authority and threatened to sue if the proposal isn't approved.

An attorney for Huntington developer Gary Melius said in a letter disclosed at last week's commission meeting it could only consider exterior design, colors and materials, and not public opposition, in making their decision.

The commission for two months has held meetings on the proposed six-story building at the site of the old Brooklyn Water Works. The plan calls for 121 apartments with ground-level parking for 200 cars at 25-01 Brookside Ave., next to the Long Island Rail Road. The original building was granted village landmark status in 1986 and demolished for safety reasons last summer.

Rosenberg also wrote that some residents may be attempting to "improperly negatively influence" the commission as part of a "vendetta" against Melius, who owns Oheka Castle in Huntington.

"If the application is denied and it is determined that this has indeed occurred, our client intends to seek appropriate legal redress against all those who are involved," Rosenberg wrote.

Freeport resident Steve Malone told commissioners an environmental impact study needs to be reviewed before the application process could continue. He called for the application to be dismissed without prejudice until that review took place.

Residents expressed concerns about the building's appearance and size, its proximity to the Brookside nature preserve and the Milburn Stream, as well as effects on the environment and traffic.

The commission tabled a decision until Sept. 20.