JENNIFER GUSTAVSON PHOTO | Community leaders testify during the Sandy Hills public hearing. From left, Pine Barrens Society representative Rich Murdocco, Middle Island Civic Association president Tom Talbot and Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organization president MaryAnn Johnston at far right.

Sun reporter Jennifer Gustavson reported in real time from Tuesday night’s Brookhaven Town Board meeting. Here are the updates:

5:00 p.m. The meeting will start late. Everyone is just getting settled now.

5:05 p.m. The Town Board will hold a public hearing later tonight to discuss a change of zone application for the controversial Middle Island mixed-use development project called Sandy Hills.

5:20 p.m. The Town Board meeting is about to get started.

5:21 p.m. There are only about 12 people in the audience so far tonight. Sandy Hills hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

5:25 p.m. Town Board unanimously approves an agreement with Mount Sinai High School for a shellfish mariculture program.

5:27 p.m. Town Board approves to accept a $4,000 grant from the PETCO Foundation for spay and neuter services of shelter animals and to provide a “Trap-Neuter-Release” program for feral animals.

5:46 p.m. Town Board agrees to extend pool hours after 5 p.m. Supervisor Mark Lesko said extended pool hours will be available this week due to the expected heat wave.

5:49 p.m. Town pools are located in Centereach and Holtsville. Many residents may decide to head over to them because the Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced today some local beaches are closed due to heavy rainfall that occurred last night.  We reported earlier today that bacteria levels in those beaches may potentially exceed state standards.

5:57 p.m. Town Board enters into executive session to discuss a resolution rescinding a 2008 bond in the amount of $295,000 for highway building improvements.

6:05 p.m. The Town Board returns to open session, but doesn’t vote on the resolution. Public comment portion of the meeting now underway.

6:12 p.m. A Centereach resident says he’s upset with the $485,000 contract to build the Mott House in Coram. The plan includes solar panel installation. “We’re broke and it sounds like our taxes are going up again,” he says.

6:19 p.m. Town Clerk Patricia Eddington is now speaking about same-sex marriage. The Town Clerk’s office will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. specifically for couples looking to apply for marriage licenses. There’s normally a state-mandated 24-hour waiting period before a ceremony can be performed, but New York City judge Shirley Kornreich will be on hand to waive the waiting period and help Town Clerk Patricia Eddington perform marriages on the spot.

6:23 p.m. A woman who says she grew up in the Mott House is now addressing the Town Board.

6:26 p.m. Jacqueline Gagnon, who sold the property in 1988 and now lives in Ridge, asks the Town Board to have a plaque explaining the history of the Mott House added to the new facility once it’s completed.

6:35 p.m. Public hearings now underway. Sandy Hills application will be discussed later tonight; Six residents have requested to testify so far.

6:36 p.m. The proposal is for a 39-acre wooded lot near Rocky Point Road and Middle Country Road in Middle Island.

6:39 p.m. Sandy Hills public hearing up next. What are your thoughts? Comment here or email your thoughts to [email protected]

6:44 p.m. Under the current zoning, developer Frank Weber is only allowed to build 34 single-family homes. He is seeking J6 Business and Multifamily Residence zoning in order to increase the plan’s size and density to allow for over 100 housing units and nearly 13,000 square feet of commercial retail space.

6:51 p.m. Land preservation is recommended by the town’s Carmans River Study Group because it’s located in the compatible growth area of the Pine Barrens and is within the stormwater contributing area of the Carmans River Watershed.

6:52 p.m. A consultant who developed the environmental impact statement says the plan conforms to water quality standards.

6:56 p.m. Mr. Weber’s attorneys say the project also conforms with the 2006 Middle Country Road Land Use Plan, which includes the community’s vision for Middle Island.

6:58 p.m. Fourth District Councilwoman Connie Kepert (D-Middle Island) says the plan takes a “giant step to turn that vision into a reality.”

7:04 p.m. Affiliated Brookhaven Civic Organization president MaryAnn Johnston says this is “a good project,” but the location is inappropriate.

7:11 p.m. Middle Island Civic Association president Tom Talbot is up next to speak. His group has supported the plan.

7:12 p.m. Pine Barrens Society representative Rich Murdocco now reading a statement from Dick Amper, who says the plan is “flawed.”

7:20 p.m. Mr. Murdocco speaking on Mr. Amper’s behalf asks that the property be acquired as open space, which is recommended by the town’s Carmans River Study Group.

7:28 p.m. Longwood Alliance president Gail Lynch-Bailey describes the land as “the heart of our hamlet” and asks the Town Board to approve the Sandy Hills project in order to “bring Middle Island’s heart back to life.”

7:34 p.m. Sixth District Councilman Dan Panico asks why the proposed 15-acre lot dedicated for open space in the plan isn’t going to be turned over to the town for preservation.

7:41 p.m. David Sloan, Mr. Weber’s attorney, now addressing the Town Board. He says turning over the land to the town “won’t be a problem.”

7:50 p.m. Town Board votes 4-3 to approve change of zone for Sandy Hills project, with Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Jane Bonner and Dan Panico opposing.

7:59 p.m. Mr. Weber will now have to submit his site plan to the town’s planning board for approval.

8:09 p.m. Town Board meeting ends. Check back later tonight for full coverage on the Sandy Hills change of zone approval.