Politics & Government

North Shore Report: It's All About Vacancies

When it came to reporting on empty spaces, the news was either good or controversial this week.

In the last week we saw some big stories break about the vacant properties that hundreds of people have told us they'd love to see filled. In some cases, the news was good, but not always.

The biggest story of the week came when a Suffolk County Grand Jury issued a report damning the actions of Town of Smithtown officials for their handling of a 2008 demolition of the Nassau Suffolk Lumber and Supply Company. The jury said the town acted in a way that was dangerous for residents. However, the jury also said nothing criminal had taken place, just utterly irresponsible.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Residents of Commack cheered news this week that Dick's Sporting Goods will set up shop at a spot left vacant when Pathmark closed last spring. While no open date has been set, workers are already prepping the location.

Find out what's happening in Port Jeffersonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Michael's craft supplies store will leave its current Lake Grave home to take over the vacant Borders bookstore next to Lowe's on Route 347. Of course, that move creates another vacancy in Lake Grove. At the same time, the recently emptied Office Max in the same shopping center , according to signs posted on the shop. We could not confirm whether the Staples nearby in Lake Grove – located right next to Michael's – would be moving. If not, then the office supplies company would have two shops less than a mile apart.

Though there was nothing new to report about this empty bagel shop in Rocky Point, there fact that is hasn't found a new life set off a storm of comments about the community's downtown. Take a look and jump in if you have something to add.

This historic home at Campus Drive in East Setauket has seen better days since its circa 1860 building date. A sign out front lists it for sale, but the condition of the home suggests it's more than just a fixer-upper. At the same time, calls from locals since we posted this suggest it's been a bone of contention for those with homes nearby for years.


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