Residents speak at hearing on eminent domain plan to seize Ronkonkoma bus company for Hub project

The Brookhaven Town Industrial Development Agency board will vote in a month or more on a proposal to seize a bus company by eminent domain to clear the path for part of the $750 million Ronkonkoma Hub project. 

Chairman Frederick C. Braun III told Newsday the board would await the findings of IDA lawyers, who will prepare a summary of arguments for and against the plan, after supporters and opponents of the condemnation spoke Wednesday during a two-hour online public hearing.

The hub project, part of which was completed two years ago, calls for construction of hundreds of apartments and new shops, restaurants and offices on 53 acres around the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station. Backers have said the project would revitalize a blighted neighborhood.

But officials of East Setauket developer Tritec Real Estate said part of the plan is blocked by the North Fork Express charter bus company, which occupies a 2.2-acre spot at Hawkins and Railroad avenues.

"We have paid above appraisal prices" to purchase other land for the project, Tritec principal James L. Coughlan said at the hearing. "It is critical that the board keeps moving this project forward."

North Fork Express owner Greg Mensch said Tritec had refused to offer a fair price for the land. Mensch said exorbitant real estate prices would make it difficult for the company to relocate.

"No one wants a bus terminal in their backyard," Mensch told the board. "I could lose my business."

Condemnation is a legal process by which governments take property for public works projects such as roads and parks or certain private developments deemed to be in the public interest.

Property owners may appeal condemnation decisions and are owed fair market value if their land is taken. Market values are determined by appraisers.

Tritec spokesman Christopher Kelly said last week the company has purchased 15 tax lots covering about 20 acres, or almost 40% of the land needed for the project.

Supporters of the project, including labor unions and nearby business owners, said it brings jobs to the community and transforms a desolate section of Suffolk County.

"To stop that project would be a travesty," said Phil Sorrentino of Lake Grove. "We want that area cleaned up."

Susan Edwards of Holbrook said she supports the project but added the bus company should get "a full and fair market value" for its land. "For them to lose everything they have worked for ... would be a really bad hardship all around," she said.

The IDA board on Dec. 8 approved condemnation of more than a dozen other parcels. Kelly said Tritec is "in positive negotiations with many of the [other] property owners."

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.