In response, a SUNY Stony Brook spokesperson did not address Klein's comments and tells GlobeSt.com, the university was "pleased to have had the opportunity to explain the importance of the research and development park to the community and Long Island, and the opportunity to answer their questions."

The university, one of Long Island largest employers, plans to develop the site as the Stony Brook University Research and Development Campus. The first building to be completed would be the approximately 123,000-sf Center for Excellence in Wireless Information Technology, which would be finished in 2007. Following that construction, the master plan calls for nine additional research and development buildings that would be constructed over a 10-year period. The total for the project site would be approximately 830,000 sf. Stony Brook also plans to construct a dedicated roadway providing vehicular access to the campus via three existing entrances.

Klein also notes that the short time period between distribution of the environmental document and the hearing date was inadequate. "The foregoing scenario and timetable has guaranteed that neither Gyrodyne nor the public will have a reasonable opportunity to prepare themselves for one of the largest potential social, economic and environmental impacts upon the communities of Stony Brook, St. James and their environs second only to the development of the existing University mega campus complex."

Gyrodyne officials say they would like the public and the university to evaluate an alternate proposal. The Flowerfield property is also the subject of applications to develop a luxury residential golf course community with 336 home sites.

"The University owes to the public and to Gyrodyne the obligation to present thorough, credible and reliable information constituting legal and practical proof of the real public purpose to be served by this acquisition and its impact on its neighbors and the region," Klein says.

Instant Insights /

GlobeSt.com UPDATE: R&D Campus Plan Controversy Continues

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