South Jersey Avenue Development, East Setauket New York

A group of civic leaders came to the developer with the idea that there is a need for housing for elderly residents that do not want to move away from the area in their retirement and that this site would better serve the community as a place to live rather than its current zoning for a small office building. Within walking distance of shopping, churches, parks and the post office the site became a candidate for following the principles of Smart Growth.

Planning for the site is difficult due to its shape and dimensions. The project team realized early in the process that numerous variances from the Town of Brookhaven and the Suffolk County Health Department would be required. This also includes a change of zoning on the property from the Town Council.

The units are arranged to be two-stories in height and are arranged about a private courtyard garden. This gave each unit maximum access to light and air on as much exterior surface as was possible. Parking was de-emphasized and placed at the rear of the units with any additional parking available on the street. To the south of the site a high technology compact wastewater treatment plant is placed below ground and the leaching field is used for a neighborhood park. The park is designed to draw in the surrounding community and as a waiting space for parents from the preschool across the street. Ten units total occupy the site and make the best use of a small space. The development’s impact on the environment is minimal due to the density of the units and still provides the open space within a congested town center