Wading River Plot Could be Retail or Could be a Park

Suffolk County Legislators decided on Tuesday to move forward in preserving a "strategically located" parcel in Wading River for the future use of a hamlet park.

But the property owner, who says he has sold land to the county in the past, is already in the process of moving forward on a commercial project on the parcel and is hoping to get an offer sooner rather than later.

"I'm trying to be fair, but I don't want to be jerked around forever," said John Zoumas, the property owner. "I've owned this piece for a long time and have to do something with it."

The 18-acre parcel, which is located adjacent to the CVS Pharmacy in Wading River and also abuts a Pine Barrens Compatible Growth Zone, is currently the subject of a site plan which contains 55,000 square feet of retail space. Zoumas' project contains plans for a restaurant, bank, and medical offices. 

Tuesday's approval serves as a step toward appraising the land and possibly making an offer to Zoumas to preserve the land from future development.

While Suffolk County Legis. Ed Romaine, R-Center Moriches, said he believes the plot is a "wonderful place for a hamlet park," he said there's only so much he can do, and Zoumas will have to wait if he wants to sell. It's just a matter of how long he'll have to wait.

"What I tell a willing seller is that it could be as little as three to six months, or longer, depending on how quick the appraisals are," Romaine said. "A lot depends on how far they are backed up ... and there are a lot of steps involved. But they can get it done fairly quickly if there are no encumbrances to do survey work."

A handful of individuals, including Riverhead elected officials, civic leaders, and private citizens, supported the measure, against which Legis. Ken Barraga, R-West Islip, cast the lone dissenting vote.

"We're trying to save what's left," said Mike Foley, a Reeves Park resident. "Because once the strip malls take over, there's no turning back. The only way to continue is to take pieces of land once they become available."

Should the county purchase the property, the land would be purchased through the county's Drinking Water Protection Program and maintained by the town.