New York Real Estate Journal

Zere Real Estate closes on sale of 6.3-acre land parcel; To be developed into $40 million, 125,000 s/f assisted living facility

January 13, 2014 - Long Island
Zere Real Estate Services has closed on a land parcel located along the Smith Haven Mall business retail corridor. The new site will be developed by The Engel Burman Group for a three-story, 125,000 s/f, $40 million new construction development deal for a Bristal Assisted Living Facility & Memory Loss Center with a total of 136 suites. The property consisted of a 6.3-acre corner parcel on Jericho Tpke. Rte. 25 and the corner of Dietz Ave. with access to two means of egress. The site was selected based on demographics, and close proximity to Stony Brook University Hospital, St. Catherine's Hospital and the Smithtown and Stony Brook medical corridors. "I have represented this property for over twenty five years and this is the fifth time it has been in contract. The owner of the property has been a gem to work with over the years and without his patience and cooperation this deal could not have happened," said Marie Zere. "There were multiple meetings before the Village of Lake Grove town board to approve the architectural and facility design. At first, the public came out with their pitch forks to quell the deal with some ridiculous claims and concerns. This project is a jewel and beneficial to the community. This property has been a blight on the landscape for over two decades in the town of Brookhaven. Originally, it was actually zoned for a 52,000 s/f retail center before this new development with fabulous Victorian architecture and manicured landscaping selected the site and fought with all the powers that be to make this development deal happen," said Michelle Marie Zere. Both Michelle Marie and Marie Zere of Zere Real Estate represented the seller, local landlord and businessman Les Raphan and Wolf Realty represented the buyer The Engel Burman Group. The sales price was not disclosed.