Planning board reapproves two‑lot clustered subdivision on McConnell Avenue with bamboo-remediation condition

The Town of Islip Planning Board on Tuesday granted final reapproval for a two‑lot clustered minor subdivision at 165 McConnell Avenue, subject to conditions in the staff report that include bamboo remediation and engineering requirements.

John Farrell, representing the applicant and identifying his firm as San Ward Graph Kashagnano, told the board the property was previously approved in 2008 but building permits were not issued and the prior approval expired. He said the proposed reapproval would create two lots — the wider lot one with about 92 feet of frontage and roughly 22,000 square feet of area, and a larger lot two of roughly 43,000 square feet — and that the cluster design complies with the town’s zoning standards.

Neighbors at the public hearing raised concerns about an existing bamboo infestation and the proximity of a proposed garage and driveway to their property lines. Deborah Stalker, who said she lives on an adjacent lot, asked for a clear dimension for the setback from the garage to her property and requested plantings to screen the neighbor’s view of the garage. Walter Gallagher, the neighbor to the northeast, submitted photographs and asked that the record reflect the current extent of bamboo, requested a site inspection before land‑clearing, and asked the board to require the applicant to provide a written remediation timeline and interim maintenance plan prior to the certificate of occupancy.

Planning staff explained the procedural steps required after board approval — posting bonds and fees, filing the final plat with the Suffolk County Clerk, and submission of engineered plot plans demonstrating compliance with setbacks, grading and drainage. Staff also noted the draft resolution includes a condition that the applicant remove all bamboo growth, including root systems, and implement measures to prevent regrowth. Farrell confirmed his client accepts that condition.

The board closed the public hearing and approved the application, with Mr. Brown moving to grant the reapproval and Mr. Robinson seconding the motion.

The board’s approval is contingent on the conditions in the draft resolution: submission of required bonds and fees, compliance with engineered plot plans and grading and drainage requirements, fire marshal review and any recommendations, and the bamboo remediation and prevention measures. The town’s staff report indicated the applicant must also demonstrate the final setbacks and drainage compliance as part of the site‑plan documentation before permits are issued.