The Bottom Line on the Tanzi/Cornerstone Development in Kings Park
Shala Pascucci
•
Jul 23, 2025
•
The Tanzi/Cornerstone project is a proposed 46-unit luxury apartment complex near the Kings Park LIRR station, developed by Tanzi Properties LLC and Terwilliger & Bartone Properties.
The Core Conflict
Developers’ Perspective:
The project is seen as vital for economic growth, job creation, and avoiding downtown decline.
It supports the town’s long-term revitalization plan for the train station area.
Developers expect new residents to boost foot traffic and help local businesses thrive.
In response to concerns, the developer reduced the building height (from four to three stories) and cut the number of apartments from 50 to 46.
Community Members' Perspective:
Infrastructure Strain: Concerns include traffic congestion, parking shortages, and whether sewer and water systems can adequately accommodate increased density.
Community Character: Many feel the project’s size, density, and design are out of sync with Kings Park’s single-family, small-town identity.
School Impact: There’s uncertainty about whether new students from the complex will increase enrollment and whether the development will contribute enough in taxes to support them.
Environmental Review: The project received a “negative declaration” under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), meaning it was approved without a full Environmental Impact Statement. Some residents believe this decision rushed the review process and left key environmental questions unanswered.
Residents are concerned that tax abatements will reduce revenue for schools and local services, potentially increasing the burden on existing homeowners. To make the project financially viable, the developers are seeking a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement through the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), which would allow them to pay reduced or fixed property taxes over a set period instead of the full amount. In other words, it’s a form of temporary tax relief meant to support private development, though many question whether it’s truly necessary in this case, especially for a luxury project in a desirable location.
The Way I See It:
Public vs. Private Benefit: Is revitalizing downtown worth the cost in lost tax revenue and increased strain on infrastructure? What has the Tanzi Construction Agency done for the community itself to warrant a tax break?
Vision for Kings Park: Should the town pursue higher-density, incentive-driven growth or prioritize slower, fully tax-contributing development that preserves existing character?
Fairness & Public Trust: Is it fair for a luxury development to get tax breaks while regular homeowners pay the full amount, and does the approval process feel open and unbiased?
Governance & Transparency: Developer Tony Tanzi is president of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, which supports the project, and also sits on the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals. While he says he recuses himself from decisions related to this project, some residents see this dual role as a potential conflict of interest that raises questions about transparency and influence in the approval process.
What’s Next
TWO MEETINGS ON JULY 24TH, 2025:
10:30 AM – Special Town Board Meeting
The Town of Smithtown is holding a special meeting to discuss matters related to the project. It’s not entirely clear what’s on the agenda, but given the timing and public concern, residents should attend or stay informed.
12:30 PM – Suffolk County IDA Meeting
H. Lee Dennison Building, Basement Media Room (Hauppauge)
The IDA will consider tax abatements (including a PILOT agreement) for the project. This is the first formal opportunity for public comment on whether a luxury development should receive long-term tax breaks.
A public hearing in Kings Park is expected in the coming weeks, but by then, some decisions may already be moving forward.
This isn’t just about one development. It’s about how decisions are made, who gets a say, and what kind of future we want for Kings Park. Whether you support the project, oppose it, or are still undecided, this is the time to get informed and involved. Because once the approvals are granted and the deals are signed, it’s too late to weigh in. The more we show up, ask questions, and demand transparency, the more likely it is that development truly reflects the needs and values of the people who live here.
The Bottom Line on the Tanzi/Cornerstone Development in Kings Park
Shala Pascucci
•
Jul 23, 2025
•
The Tanzi/Cornerstone project is a proposed 46-unit luxury apartment complex near the Kings Park LIRR station, developed by Tanzi Properties LLC and Terwilliger & Bartone Properties.
The Core Conflict
Developers’ Perspective:
The project is seen as vital for economic growth, job creation, and avoiding downtown decline.
It supports the town’s long-term revitalization plan for the train station area.
Developers expect new residents to boost foot traffic and help local businesses thrive.
In response to concerns, the developer reduced the building height (from four to three stories) and cut the number of apartments from 50 to 46.
Community Members' Perspective:
Infrastructure Strain: Concerns include traffic congestion, parking shortages, and whether sewer and water systems can adequately accommodate increased density.
Community Character: Many feel the project’s size, density, and design are out of sync with Kings Park’s single-family, small-town identity.
School Impact: There’s uncertainty about whether new students from the complex will increase enrollment and whether the development will contribute enough in taxes to support them.
Environmental Review: The project received a “negative declaration” under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), meaning it was approved without a full Environmental Impact Statement. Some residents believe this decision rushed the review process and left key environmental questions unanswered.
Residents are concerned that tax abatements will reduce revenue for schools and local services, potentially increasing the burden on existing homeowners. To make the project financially viable, the developers are seeking a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement through the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), which would allow them to pay reduced or fixed property taxes over a set period instead of the full amount. In other words, it’s a form of temporary tax relief meant to support private development, though many question whether it’s truly necessary in this case, especially for a luxury project in a desirable location.
The Way I See It:
Public vs. Private Benefit: Is revitalizing downtown worth the cost in lost tax revenue and increased strain on infrastructure? What has the Tanzi Construction Agency done for the community itself to warrant a tax break?
Vision for Kings Park: Should the town pursue higher-density, incentive-driven growth or prioritize slower, fully tax-contributing development that preserves existing character?
Fairness & Public Trust: Is it fair for a luxury development to get tax breaks while regular homeowners pay the full amount, and does the approval process feel open and unbiased?
Governance & Transparency: Developer Tony Tanzi is president of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, which supports the project, and also sits on the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals. While he says he recuses himself from decisions related to this project, some residents see this dual role as a potential conflict of interest that raises questions about transparency and influence in the approval process.
What’s Next
TWO MEETINGS ON JULY 24TH, 2025:
10:30 AM – Special Town Board Meeting
The Town of Smithtown is holding a special meeting to discuss matters related to the project. It’s not entirely clear what’s on the agenda, but given the timing and public concern, residents should attend or stay informed.
12:30 PM – Suffolk County IDA Meeting
H. Lee Dennison Building, Basement Media Room (Hauppauge)
The IDA will consider tax abatements (including a PILOT agreement) for the project. This is the first formal opportunity for public comment on whether a luxury development should receive long-term tax breaks.
A public hearing in Kings Park is expected in the coming weeks, but by then, some decisions may already be moving forward.
This isn’t just about one development. It’s about how decisions are made, who gets a say, and what kind of future we want for Kings Park. Whether you support the project, oppose it, or are still undecided, this is the time to get informed and involved. Because once the approvals are granted and the deals are signed, it’s too late to weigh in. The more we show up, ask questions, and demand transparency, the more likely it is that development truly reflects the needs and values of the people who live here.
The Bottom Line on the Tanzi/Cornerstone Development in Kings Park
Shala Pascucci
•
Jul 23, 2025
•
The Tanzi/Cornerstone project is a proposed 46-unit luxury apartment complex near the Kings Park LIRR station, developed by Tanzi Properties LLC and Terwilliger & Bartone Properties.
The Core Conflict
Developers’ Perspective:
The project is seen as vital for economic growth, job creation, and avoiding downtown decline.
It supports the town’s long-term revitalization plan for the train station area.
Developers expect new residents to boost foot traffic and help local businesses thrive.
In response to concerns, the developer reduced the building height (from four to three stories) and cut the number of apartments from 50 to 46.
Community Members' Perspective:
Infrastructure Strain: Concerns include traffic congestion, parking shortages, and whether sewer and water systems can adequately accommodate increased density.
Community Character: Many feel the project’s size, density, and design are out of sync with Kings Park’s single-family, small-town identity.
School Impact: There’s uncertainty about whether new students from the complex will increase enrollment and whether the development will contribute enough in taxes to support them.
Environmental Review: The project received a “negative declaration” under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act), meaning it was approved without a full Environmental Impact Statement. Some residents believe this decision rushed the review process and left key environmental questions unanswered.
Residents are concerned that tax abatements will reduce revenue for schools and local services, potentially increasing the burden on existing homeowners. To make the project financially viable, the developers are seeking a PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement through the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA), which would allow them to pay reduced or fixed property taxes over a set period instead of the full amount. In other words, it’s a form of temporary tax relief meant to support private development, though many question whether it’s truly necessary in this case, especially for a luxury project in a desirable location.
The Way I See It:
Public vs. Private Benefit: Is revitalizing downtown worth the cost in lost tax revenue and increased strain on infrastructure? What has the Tanzi Construction Agency done for the community itself to warrant a tax break?
Vision for Kings Park: Should the town pursue higher-density, incentive-driven growth or prioritize slower, fully tax-contributing development that preserves existing character?
Fairness & Public Trust: Is it fair for a luxury development to get tax breaks while regular homeowners pay the full amount, and does the approval process feel open and unbiased?
Governance & Transparency: Developer Tony Tanzi is president of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, which supports the project, and also sits on the Town’s Zoning Board of Appeals. While he says he recuses himself from decisions related to this project, some residents see this dual role as a potential conflict of interest that raises questions about transparency and influence in the approval process.
What’s Next
TWO MEETINGS ON JULY 24TH, 2025:
10:30 AM – Special Town Board Meeting
The Town of Smithtown is holding a special meeting to discuss matters related to the project. It’s not entirely clear what’s on the agenda, but given the timing and public concern, residents should attend or stay informed.
12:30 PM – Suffolk County IDA Meeting
H. Lee Dennison Building, Basement Media Room (Hauppauge)
The IDA will consider tax abatements (including a PILOT agreement) for the project. This is the first formal opportunity for public comment on whether a luxury development should receive long-term tax breaks.
A public hearing in Kings Park is expected in the coming weeks, but by then, some decisions may already be moving forward.
This isn’t just about one development. It’s about how decisions are made, who gets a say, and what kind of future we want for Kings Park. Whether you support the project, oppose it, or are still undecided, this is the time to get informed and involved. Because once the approvals are granted and the deals are signed, it’s too late to weigh in. The more we show up, ask questions, and demand transparency, the more likely it is that development truly reflects the needs and values of the people who live here.