{"id":2374,"date":"2016-03-16T16:36:01","date_gmt":"2016-03-16T16:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/?page_id=2374"},"modified":"2025-01-22T23:19:58","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T23:19:58","slug":"nelins-dead-gas-station-and-strip-mall","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/?page_id=2374","title":{"rendered":"New 7Eleven\/Fuel Station Replaces the Dead Gas Station and Strip Mall!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Middle Island Civic officers and members attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new 7ELEVEN\/Gas Station at Rts 25 & 21 on Friday, December 27th at 1pm. We presented franchise owner Imran Ashghar with the hard hat we all signed after the ground breaking, as well as photos of the original occupant of the site, Pfieffer’s General store, and a concept plan for adding a photo of Pfeiffer’s to the new monument sign at the corner.\u00a0 After the ceremony, everyone enjoyed free coffee and Big Gulps inside the new store. It’s great to have a successful business back at the heart of our hamlet after nearly 20 years of blight! We look forward to a second event there in early 2020, when the Longwood HS Marching Band will perform and accept the $711 grant graciously awarded to these Disney-bound musicians.<\/p>\n

\"711<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Groundbreaking<\/a><\/p>\n

MICA was delighted to participate in the official groundbreaking for the new 7Eleven & fuel station at the long blighted northeast corner of Rts 21 and 25 on July 25. The construction timeline is aiming for a grand opening on December 6th.\u00a0 Can’t wait to trade our hard hats for a red ribbon and those big scissors!<\/p>\n

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Demolition, above,\u00a0 began on November 6th, a day after the TOB Planning Board approved the final site plan.\u00a0 On the night of Nov. 5th, the MIFD ran practice drills on the two buildings, with permission of the owner.<\/p>\n

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On August 22, 2018, following MICA’s testimony in support, Zoning Board of Appeals members voted unanimously to immediately grant the two types of variances needed for Nelin Realty’s 7Eleven\/Fuel Station project to proceed.\u00a0 On to the Planning Board! Mike Nelin hopes to take both buildings down in October.\u00a0 The project has a 120 day timeline.<\/p>\n

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The Town of Brookhaven held a Public Hearing on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 6pm to consider a Change of Zone and Special Permit required to construct the 7 Eleven and fuel station on the northeast corner of RTs 21 and 25 in Middle Island.\u00a0 After working with the owner for more than 18 months on this project, MICA spoke in favor of these requests at the hearing. We welcome an end to the two blighted buildings that have stood at the heart of our community for far too long.\u00a0 We will continue to monitor the site plan and work with the owner to fine tune signage, fencing, litter abatement, native plantings, safety and more.\u00a0 We hope to have a historic photo of the former Pfeiffer’s General Store incorporated into the signage. After the testimony of MICA President Gail Lynch-Bailey (shown below), MIFD Commissioner Craig Tunjian and concerned neighbor Lee Abrahamson, the TOB unanimously approved the COZ, Special Permit and waivers, which will allow this plan to move forward to the ZBA and Planning Board.<\/p>\n

“Good evening and a belated Happy New Year.\u00a0 It\u2019s a pleasure to be here tonight on behalf of the Middle Island Civic Association to support of this proposal.\u00a0 We previously submitted a letter to the Planning Commissioner indicating that MICA voted overwhelmingly in favor of the project at out August 17, 2017 regular meeting.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

This property lies at the heart of Middle Island, our community crossroads, where Rts 25 and 21 intersect.\u00a0 Many of you know it\u2019s been vacant and blighted for far too long.\u00a0 So we\u2019re happy to see a viable plan moving forward for this corner.\u00a0 To be honest, we\u2019d rather it was Starbucks\/Gelato Bar\/ Hydrogen refueling station, but it\u2019s not. And that\u2019s okay.\u00a0 Hamlets generally need a McDonalds and a 7Eleven before other brands take notice. In the interest of full disclosure, I LOVE 7Eleven coffee and so do lots of other people.\u00a0 The new residents of Renaissance Village are excited about this project, too.<\/em><\/p>\n

I want to emphasize for those unfamiliar with the site plan that both the dead gas station AND the vacant strip mall will be coming down, to be replaced by a single building and gas pumps.\u00a0 The site plan underwent several iterations which MICA reviewed, including the current one which was approved by the Pine Barrens Commission this summer.\u00a0 Thank you, Supervisor Romaine, for your role in that.\u00a0 We also like the country feel of this type of 7Eleven; Councilman Panico, I know you were instrumental in the design of the Moriches 7Eleven that this one is modeled on, so thank you for that.<\/em><\/p>\n

This combination convenience store\/ gas station is really a resurrection of past uses.\u00a0 I\u2019ve brought along a photo of Pfeiffer\u2019s General Store, which stood at that corner for more than a century.\u00a0 Not only are the old hitching posts still visible, but so are some gas pumps right alongside them.<\/em><\/p>\n

There are inevitable concerns about traffic, litter, crime which the civic shares with our neighbors and has shared with the developer.\u00a0 We will continue to work on these well after the site is open for business. We also hope to have some of the Pfeiffer\u2019s photos incorporated into the signage on the corner. This would be a great counter balance to the lovely signage diagonally across from the site on the Longwood Library corner. Mr. Nelin has expressed a willingness to do this and we will take him up on that!<\/em><\/p>\n

I\u2019d be happy to answer any concerns that neighbors have, and hope that the board will approve tonight the requested COZ, special permits and waivers needed to move this proposal forward. In doing so, you will breathe some life into the heart of Middle Island.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Pfeiffer1\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"SP-1<\/a><\/p>\n

After several iterations, the above plan was submitted to the Pine Barrens Commission for a Hardship Waiver that was heard on June 21, 2017.\u00a0 MICA supported the revegetation plan that would eliminate any potential gathering area behind the proposed 7Eleven that might promote nefarious activities plaguing other areas along the Middle Country Road corridor.\u00a0 The PBC granted the waiver at its August 16th meeting. The approved plan will result in more than 47% of the parcel being landscaped with native plantings and a single, new 2,995 sq ft building replacing the decrepit old station and strip mall.\u00a0 Attorney Keith Brown presented this latest plan at the August 17th MICA meeting. He explained that the plan must undergo three hearings at the Town of Brookhaven: Town Board for a Change of Zone\/special permit, Board of Zoning Appeals for a few minor variances, and the Planning Board for site plan approval.\u00a0 MICA voted to support the COZ application at its August meeting.<\/p>\n

\"No\"No<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Nelin<\/a><\/p>\n

NELI16-01E-Middle Country Road Middle Island – Concept Plan REV 1<\/a><\/p>\n

Realtor Richard Nelin and attorney Keith Brown attended the August 18th MICA meeting to discuss\u00a0 plans (above) for a possible combination 7Eleven\/gas station at the parcels Nelin Realty owns on the northeast corner of Rts 25 and 21 in Middle Island.\u00a0 The project would utilize both parcels that are now home to the empty gas station and strip mall, as well as a portion behind the existing gas station.\u00a0 There would be four gas islands with 16 pumps, and the facility would be open 24 hours.<\/p>\n

Reaction by MICA members at this meeting was mixed: some are happy that this blighted corner could soon be resolved, others would prefer to wait for something — anything– besides a 7Eleven.\u00a0 More details are needed before MICA takes an official position on this proposal.\u00a0 We will work with the property owner and the Town of Brookhaven as this project moves forward.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the questions and concerns MICA has regarding this proposal:<\/p>\n

The public is very aware of the problems at the 7Eleven just to the west: drugs, crime, prostitution behind the store, shootings at people in the parking lot, major bust by US Marshalls earlier this spring, attempted robbery last month. EMTs, ambulance crews and volunteer firefighters respond to this location many times a week.\u00a0 Everyone is understandably concerned about another similar business generating the same types of problems in Middle Island.<\/p>\n

What sorts of requirements or covenants exist \u2013 if any — in TOB Code that could force the owner\/operator\/landlord to keep this a crime-free and good-looking establishment?<\/p>\n

This property has been an eye sore in the heart of our community for 15 years.\u00a0 Nelin Realty has been making money while perpetuating this blight via a rental agreement with Rite Aid that prevents any other competing drugstore from building there.\u00a0 While all are eager to see this blight end, Mr. Nelin should offer some major community beautification givebacks at this site.\u00a0 Landscaping, planting boxes, signage complimentary to that at the library corner (diagonally across the intersection), are important.<\/p>\n

The property is very near what was once Pfeiffer\u2019s General Store. If the project is to be similar to the Center Moriches one, historic photos of the corner, placed along an old fashioned fence, could reference its prior important use.\u00a0 Additionally, if the building looked something like an old fashioned store, with colonial fa\u00e7ade, features and a porch, it might be more palatable. (see photos on page 2)<\/p>\n

What does Mr. Nelin currently have the right to build there, \u201cas of right\u201d so to speak?\u00a0 What else does he need, such as special permits, etc?<\/p>\n

Why is the lease with Rite Aid breakable now?\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t it have been done earlier? What is WalGreens\u2019 role?\u00a0 Is it true that the lease continues to 2026 and the blight could last another 10 years?<\/p>\n

Why can\u2019t something other than a 7Eleven\/gas station be built there?\u00a0 The public has many other suggestions! When polled, the civic members requested anything BUT a 7Eleven.<\/p>\n

Please confirm that both parcels, the dead gas station AND the empty small strip mall, would be used for the project.\u00a0 Mr. Nelin has recently said this is the case. This is important.<\/p>\n

How would traffic enter and exit the combined parcels? \u00a0It\u2019s a very tricky corner. Wouldn\u2019t certain turns have to be prevented for safety? Where would parking be?\u00a0 How many spots?<\/p>\n

How many gas pumps would there be? Aren\u2019t there concerns that a gas station would be fought by environmental groups given its location near the Carmans River?<\/p>\n

Would the developed property generate more property taxes?\u00a0 Details would be helpful here.<\/p>\n

What would the construction timeline be?<\/p>\n

Mr. Nelin and Mr. Brown said the design of the proposed project would be similar to that of the one recently built in Center Moriches, pictured below. We await additional drawings to confirm this.<\/p>\n

\"7-11<\/a>\"7-11<\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s hard to believe it\u2019s been three years since Tom Talbot and\u00a0 Gail Lynch-Bailey met with Michael Nelin at the Coram Diner to talk about these properties. \u00a0 Time sure flies.<\/p>\n

At that meeting, Mr. Nelin was excited about possibly building a Quik-Check there, and he assured us the non-compete lease he has with RiteAid is easily broken. Obviously his subsequent meetings with the TOB proved unproductive, because we still have that vacant gas station and strip mall there for all to see. Although we do not think the community will support another gas station at that site, we know everyone is eager to see something successful there.<\/p>\n

Things are changing for the better in Middle Island \u2013 and we want Nelin Realty to be part of that change. The old Island Squire restaurant was demolished in 2015, and Breslin Realty took down the Kmart building this spring.\u00a0 McDonalds is moving to the King Kullen shopping center. The Longwood Public Library has returned to its beautifully expanded headquarters at our community crossroads \u2013 diagonally across from Nelin\u2019s holdings.\u00a0 And Sandy Hills is almost completed, which means Nelin\u2019s parcels will have access to its STP and its hundreds of new residents.<\/p>\n

Did you know that the Nelin property once functioned as the town center of Middle Island?\u00a0 Pfeiffer\u2019s General Store stood there for more than one hundred years. \u00a0\u00a0It started as an inn and tavern, was a stage coach stop and served as the post office until 1957. The store was a social meeting place where people came to purchase supplies, get a haircut and pick up mail. At its heart stood a potbellied stove, which was the sole source of heat in the store. Around this, people played checkers, discussed the politics of the day, or gathered for just a good gossip. From time to time, farm auctions were held in front of the general store.<\/p>\n

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Let\u2019s work together to return this property to its former greatness!\u00a0 The community is full of ideas for new uses and wants to participate in a good plan.\u00a0 We believe several of our elected officials have been \u2013 or will be \u2013 in touch with Nelin Realty about this property, too.\u00a0 We invite Mr Nelin to meet with us at an upcoming Middle Island Civic Association meeting or in a smaller group, whichever he feels more comfortable with.\u00a0 We urge him to please contact us as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Middle Island Civic officers and members attended the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new 7ELEVEN\/Gas Station at Rts 25 & 21 on Friday, December 27th at 1pm. We presented franchise owner Imran Ashghar with the hard hat we all signed after the ground breaking, as well as photos of the original occupant of the site, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2374"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2374"}],"version-history":[{"count":28,"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2374\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4733,"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2374\/revisions\/4733"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/s453969799.onlinehome.us\/mica\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2374"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}