Stony Brook University Research and Development Park:
Recent Developments
Dear Neighbor:
Since its inception, we have shared with you our plans for Stony Brook University's new Research and Development Park. Through door-to-door visits in the community, letters, brochures, and our Web site, we have kept you apprised of our progress. Our communication has been directed especially to residents of Long Hill and University Heights Drive, as homes in these communities are, in some cases, immediately adjacent to the R&D Park.
By 2008, the University hopes to open what will be this country's first dedicated wireless and information technology research center, establishing this region as a national leader in that field. Ultimately, plans call for the R&D Park to contain ten buildings, hosting activities that will create new high-technology businesses, create jobs, and foster economic benefits for generations to come.
IBelow I will update you on recent developments at the R&D Park. I would also urge you to check the Facilities Web site for the latest information on the progress of various construction projects in our community.
Main Entrance is Announced
In summer of 2006, we broke ground for a utility and construction access road from Stony Brook Road onto the property. In the eight months since, we have continued to evaluate options for what will be the main entrance into the R&D Park. Following ongoing discussions and review by the Town of Brookhaven Traffic Safety Office, the University's Traffic Office, and our consulting engineers, we have concluded that this existing driveway will best serve as the future main entrance for the R&D Park.
Why did the University select this as the main entrance?
Primarily because it is the straightest and flattest section of Stony Brook Road bordering the new campus. Compared to other locations, it offers the greatest site distance for vehicles traveling both north and south. Traffic experts from the Town, the University, and consulting engineers were involved in this decision.
What is the status of construction?
The first stages of construction of the Center for Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) began last fall with completion projected for 2008. Preliminary designs are also underway for another building, the Advanced Energy Research Technical Center.
What will be the route of construction traffic?
All construction traffic will access the R&D Park through the utility and construction access road. (Note: the current utility and construction access road will be improved to serve as the main entrance, once the first building is complete and operational.) We expect that the majority of construction traffic will travel either north or south on Nicolls Road, cross Stony Brook's campus on South Drive, then proceed the short distance north on Stony Brook Road to the
construction entrance.
Is there a plan for a traffic signal at the new entrance?
There is no plan at this time for a stop sign or traffic light on Stony Brook Road. Consideration for these devices will be safety and traffic flow. The University will continue to monitor those considerations to determine if and when traffic control at the intersection is warranted.
Is there a plan to widen or alter Stony Brook Road?
There is no plan at this time. However, like traffic control devices, conditions on the roadway will determine whether future improvements of the road must be considered.
Will the buffer along Stony Brook Road be kept?
The University plans to maintain a minimum 300-foot buffer along the perimeter of the R&D Park along Stony Brook Road to the east and on the southern property line, adjacent to University Heights Drive. While the new main entrance does cross the 300-foot buffer, it is the only encroachment to the buffer. The new CEWIT building is set back approximately 600 feet west of Stony Brook Road.
Is there a plan to build a bridge or underpass to the main campus?
There are no plans to connect the two campuses at this time. The Town of Brookhaven has said it does not believe that construction and operation of the CEWIT will impact traffic enough to require a connection between the two campuses.
Will the existing south perimeter road serve as a main roadway?
No. The entrance off Stony Brook Road to the south perimeter road has been ruled out as the main entrance to the R&D Park because of safety concerns. The current plan calls for that existing roadway to be maintained for emergency vehicles.
Are there any other plans for that perimeter road?
The University plans to resurface and maintain the roadway, and will install a gate that will ultimately eliminate through-traffic with access restricted to emergency vehicles. Working with the St. James Water District, we are improving fire protection to the existing and future buildings. To maintain the integrity of the trees along the access road, we found it necessary to spray, and made notifications as required by the Environmental Conservation Law.
Please feel free to contact me directly with questions or concerns at (631) 632-6129 or Helen.Carrano@stonybrook.edu. Also, please visit this Web site for updates.
Sincerely,
Helen Carrano
Director of Community Relations
IIn this revised map, the main entrance to the R&D Park is shown off Stony Brook Road. It connects to the new CEWIT building and the proposed Advanced Energy Research Technical Center, set back approximately 600 feet west of Stony Brook Road. A 300-foot wide buffer on the east and south sides is being maintained, preserving the more than
55 treed acres that surround the campus.
