Forest Labs, Industrial Zoning on Civic Association's Agenda

Commack residents have the chance to learn about and discuss a number of commercial business issues at their civic association meeting Thursday night. 

Commack Civic Association will host its monthly meeting 7 p.m. Thursday at the Topics on the agenda include plans for the expansion of Forest Laboratories and Town of Smithtown's rezoning of businesses in the industrial area between Commack and Kings Park. 

Forest Laboratories has . It has requested multiple variances to build a 32,600-square-foot expansion. The company states the expansion and renovations are for "new building functions such as laboratories, clinical packaging, data center, office and amenities." In order to do so, it must get permission to increase its height from 35 to 43 feet. 

The pharmaceutical company also hopes to complete several renovations including a new 430-stall parking lot, expanding their sanitary and stormwater drainage, and wastewater tream. 

The industrial zoning of businesses between Commack and Kings Park has been an ongoing issue. Town of Smithtown has recently released a new zoning map, in its ongoing efforts to implement overlay zoning, for which a public hearing will be held April 19. 

The civic association meeting is scheduled to kick off with updates from committees including an update on status of Marion Carll Farm Preservation. Donald James, superintendent of Commack schools, has stated at recent Board of Education meetings there is some possibility of getting the land reverted to the heirs, but the district is still looking to selling the property. 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m., with light refreshments being served. It is open to all Commack residents.