Patchogue Residents Voice Concerns Over Riverfront Development

PATCHOGUE, NY —On Wednesday night, Patchogue residents concerned about a proposed apartment complex voiced their concerns during a remote village planning board meeting. The proposal by Cornerstone Apartments is for a 50-unit, four-story complex at the end of Mulford St., on the Patchogue River.

Residents, who have coalesced around an opposition to the project since it was first proposed in 2019, objected to the proposal's amendment that they say does not address the planning board's objections.

David Bowman, a Patchogue resident, told Patch: "The planning board recommended denial of a permit to the Board of Trustees on Sept. 25, 2019. Despite public outcry two years ago, the developers have introduced a slightly amended proposal that does not address the planning board's objections and is, in fact, even larger than the proposal that was denied previously."

The 2021 proposal now has a two-story parking garage, sparking neighbors' concerns over building height and the existing character of the neighborhood.

Some who spoke during the planning board meeting noted that a multi-story development on the river would be new and possibly precedent-setting in Patchogue.

A website developed by a group called Patchogue Coalition Against the Cornerstone Development states that they aren't opposed to development in general.

"This isn’t about advocating for no development. It’s about advocating for the best development for this neighborhood. We are a group of concerned citizens that oppose the Cornerstone Waterfront at Patchogue development. We believe that this project has a significant potential to negatively impact our neighborhood."

The builder, Terwilliger & Bartone Properties, constructed Cornerstone Hauppauge, a 55-and-over complex, in 2018.

The company's website states, "feedback from the community has been incorporated throughout the review process to ensure The Cornerstone is a good neighbor, and the current revised proposal has addressed every single concern raised by the Planning Board."

On February 10, the planning board will close the public hearing and deliberate and create a letter of referral to the Patchogue Village Board of Trustees.