Developer Of West Islip Senior Complex Creates Community Website

WEST ISLIP, NY — The developers hoping to construct a 126-unit senior apartment complex in West Islip recently launched a website to help provide the community with more information on the project. Farmingdale-based Terwilliger & Bartone Properties LLC together with Kelly Development started stayinwestislip.com earlier this month.

The 11-acre property, located on the west side of Udall Road north of Sunrise Highway, is currently owned by the West Islip School District. The site originally opened in 1955 as Paumanok Elementary School and has remained closed in recent years.

According to the district, officials have been exploring several options for the site, but in September, "due to the age and condition of the school," the school board contracted Winkler Real Estate, based in West Islip, for offers to build a proposed senior citizen housing. The proposed development would consist of 26 condos with over 100 rental units.

The district hosted several public forums over the past year to provide additional information to the community on the sale. For the sale to be finalized, it will require approval from the community through a vote.

The vote is scheduled for Jan. 19 at West Islip High School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents can also submit for absentee ballots by Jan. 12. Click here for more information.

The developer stated that the purpose of the website is to provide new resources about the development vision, including videos to provide an in-depth look at economic benefits, architecture and character, engineering, and more.

On Dec. 5, the company invited residents to a socially distanced tour of one of their senior living facilities, the Cornerstone at Hauppauge property.

“We appreciate the valuable feedback residents provided at recent Community Open House events to guide the vision for the architecture, design and more, and we are excited to continue the conversation to craft plans that are uniquely tailored to the West Islip community," Anthony Bartone, Managing Partner of Terwilliger & Bartone Properties said. "This community-led effort is a pivotal opportunity to keep a vacant property from deteriorating, while achieving the maximum benefit for the West Islip community."

The West Islip school district stated they believe senior housing is the best use for the property and would "provide the best financial outcome." West Islip is the only hamlet in the Town of Islip that does not have any condominium or rental options for its over-55 population.

"Active adult residences create much needed options which do not currently exist in West Islip for empty nesters, retirees and others over age 55 who desire to stay in the area and live maintenance-free lifestyles –all while generating significant revenue with virtually no impact on schools," Bartone said.

The company stated that the property currently generates zero taxes, but will mature to $1.2 million per year within 10 years as a result of this project.

Several residents have opposed this project, some even starting a competing website, stopmaserasale.com, to highlight some concerns that some community members have.