Mariano Rivera Honda Scores Port Jefferson Station Zoning Change

PORT JEFFERSON STATION, NY — Mariano Rivera, a New York Yankees legend who finished his career with the all-time saves record and an induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, scored another big win Thursday. Mariano Rivera Honda, the closer's proposed car dealership, had its zoning change proposal approved.

Following the green light from the Brookhaven Town Board, Mariano Rivera Honda could open later this year if the town planning board approves a site plan, Newsday reported. No date has been set. The dealership would be at 1435 Route 112, an existing car dealer site.

The town board voted 7-0 to rezone a portion of the 8.1-acre property, according to Newsday. A new building would be constructed, while an existing one would be expanded.

Brookhaven Councilman Dan Panico wrote on Facebook that Rivera remained for nearly an hour after the meeting to take photos and sign autographs — "[he] must have signed more autographs and took more photos tonight than during a typical Yankees game."

"A class act all the way around and I’m happy to have had the opportunity to meet him," Panico said.