Report: BJ's Coming To Bellport Outlets

A BJ's Wholesale Club will be coming to the location of the abandoned Bellport Outlet Center, reports Newsday.

According to the report, Suffolk County Planning Commission unanimously approved Wednesday a site plan that will demolish three retail buildings in the Sunrise Highway location to construct the wholesale club.

The BJ's would be 87,778 square feet and 515 parking spaces.

"This is sorely needed because the area has been a mess," David Sloane, attorney for applicant Portwood LLC, told Newsday. "We're excited and I think the community is also excited because they want to see it redeveloped."

The report also said that while the property is zoned for retail, the Brookhaven planning board must approve the site plan. Sloane also told Newsday the proposal needs several variances that he hopes will come up before town zoning board in May and then planning board in June. The County planning commission will also discuss the project since it is within 500 feet of state-owned road Sunrise Highway.

If everything goes through, Sloane told Newsday construction would begin this fall and open by next summer.

Check the original report in Newsday (subscription), which includes history on the outlet center.

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