Plans for the proposed Venezia Square retail development in Wading River may shift as Suffolk County moves to preserve the site as open space. The project, which called for a 37,000-square-foot shopping center with restaurants and retail along Route 25A, has faced community concern for years over traffic and environmental impact.
While the Riverhead Planning Board granted preliminary approval, the county stepped in and authorized funding to acquire the 6.34-acre property through its Drinking Water Protection Program. The initiative supports environmental protection and aims to preserve land that plays a role in safeguarding groundwater.
Local residents and community groups have largely supported the preservation effort, citing the importance of maintaining Wading River’s rural character. The proposed acquisition would also compensate the property owner, creating a path forward that addresses both development and community concerns.
The project now depends on a finalized sale agreement, but the site is currently on track to become preserved open space rather than a commercial development.
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