Hicksville Sears Development Hearing Postponed

The public hearing regarding demolition and development plans for the former Sears building on Division Avenue has been postponed due to health officials' warning against gathering in crows amid the spread of the new coronavirus.

HICKSVILLE, NY — A public hearing is planned for Tuesday on demolition and development plans for the former Sears building on Division Avenue. The hearing comes as a part of the process in a plan to build 425 rental apartments, retail and office space and much more in the lot.

The Oyster Bay town board will host the hearing on the Heritage Village project Tuesday, March 10, at the Hicksville High School auditorium. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

Comments can also be made on the town website.

Seritage, a real estate investment trust spun off by Sears Holdings, proposed razing the building at 195 North Broadway and turning it into 425 rental apartments, as well as retail and office space, restaurants, a grocery store, movie theater, fitness center and food-service kiosks. The existing TD Bank and Chipotle restaurant would remain at the site under the plan. The proposal includes about 5 acres of green space.

A 60-day public comment period ends March 29 to ensure neighbors get the chance to provide feedback on the plan. The full proposal will be presented March 10 and neighbors will be able to comment on all aspects of the project, the town said. This includes environmental concerns and the developer's special-use permit application.

Newsday reported James Bry, executive vice president of development and construction for Seritage, as saying the spot will be targeted toward millennials and retirees.

"You want to be able to go have a meal, get a cup of coffee, go do some entertainment, go do your grocery shopping, go to the gym, all without having to get into your car," Bry said, the outlet reported.

Related:

• Hearing Set On Developer's Plans For Hicksville Sears Property
• 'Too Big': Residents Sound Off On Hicksville Sears Site Plan

A copy of the draft environmental impact statement can be found on the town's website as well. Hard copies of the statement are available at the Town of Oyster Bay's town clerk office, Hicksville Public Library, and town Department of Environmental Resources.

Residents and the public are encouraged to submit feedback at the hearing or in writing through Friday, March 27.