In photo, John Zollo looks over property he is planning to purchase and redevelop. He is awaiting approval from the Town of Islip. A proposal to build a 6,000 square-foot, two-story office building on property that is now the site of a vacant building at 248 Union Boulevard in West Islip, is before the Town of Islip. The developer, local attorney John B. Zollo, said he is hoping that the Town will consider his proposal, which will significantly upgrade the area and remove what has become a blight, and approve it.

Zollo's plan also includes building a single-family home facing Hawley Avenue, but he requires relief from setbacks. "What I am asking is in conformity with the surrounding area," said Zollo as he toured the site recently. "Nothing in the area meets the 25-foot setbacks that is part of the town code."

Zollo is in contract to purchase the property that formerly housed the Loyal Order of Moose 2044. It is zoned for commercial use such as a bowling alley, retail stores or a bar or restaurant. The building on the site is 7,500 square feet, and is in deteriorating quickly. There is an opening on the roof, the facade is falling and some of the walls are bowed. Zollo's plan calls for 8,000 square feet of development including the house and the office building.

Islip Town officials said, however, that they have been down to the site and inspected the building, which is sound and secure. "We respond to all complaints," said a town spokesperson. "Notices of violation were sent out and the owners complied."

At one point, the owners placed a blue tarp across the opening on the roof but that has since blown off. Zollo said he hopes the Town will act quickly on his application so that he can tear the building down and rebuild on the site, which will generate tax revenue for the Town. He met with Town officials last month, outlining his plan.

"We were pleased with the results of the meeting and with the interested buyer and are eager to move forward with plans to make improvements on a piece of property that has been left vacant for too long," said Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan.