$33-million sport complex at former Kings Park sand mine moves toward site approval

A study determined that the environment will not be significantly impacted by the construction of a proposed $33 million multisport complex, rehabilitation and training center in Kings Park, moving the project toward site plan approval.

The Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways issued the determination Sept. 9 on the proposal by Prospect Sports Partners LLC to build on a roughly 44-acre former sand mine site on Old Northport Road.

Smithtown Councilman Edward Wehrheim said Thursday he supported the project.

"I think it's a good beginning to start to clean up that industrial area," he said. "It will be a good project for the entire community."

The application includes five outdoor multipurpose fields with a concession building, a 3,600-square-foot pool, a 65,040-square-foot building with indoor sports fields and training center, two medical offices, as well as retail and restaurant space.

According to the environmental impact study, the proposal "does not appear to significantly threaten any unique or highly valuable environmental or cultural resources," and although the site has been "utilized for the disposal of solid and hazardous wastes," it has been reclaimed by state Department of Environmental Conservation order.

The proposal is not expected to have "significant adverse traffic impacts" on neighboring residential areas, since access will be through major roadways. Traffic, the report found, will be further mitigated by use of facilities at different times.

The Smithtown Board of Zoning Appeals also granted 15 variances with conditions for the site on Sept. 9.

Those variances include increasing outdoor lighting height from 18 feet to 60 feet for 55 light poles and increasing the height of buildings from 35 feet to two 52-foot buildings and one 60-foot building. Additional conditions require construction of an emergency access driveway.

Prospect's attorney, J. Timothy Shea Jr. of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP in Hauppauge, said a 40- to 50-foot depression in the ground where the facility will be constructed would make lights and the buildings lower than tree lines, which blocks views for surrounding property owners.

"We're gratified that the town board and zoning board of appeals have issued decisions allowing us to proceed on this project and value working with the town and the community . . . on this important development project," Shea said.