Ronkonkoma business demands fair price for its land; calls for delay in airport project

At least one Ronkonkoma business is calling for a delay in the multibillion-dollar proposal to transform MacArthur Airport and the surrounding area.
North Fork Express bus company officials say it feels like they are being kicked out the property they operate on instead of being given a fair price for the land. The business is located next to the train station on Hawkins Avenue.
At a public hearing Wednesday held by the town of Brookhaven, business owners said they are becoming increasingly worried about falling victim to eminent domain.
Mark Mensch, vice president of North Fork Express, says the company is in favor of the expansion project but wants it under the right terms.
"We think the project is great. We think the work they have done so far has definitely proven that they are a good company and that they are going to have a great, great product at the end," says Mensch. "But we own the property. And if you just look at property in the last five years on Long Island, the price has escalated, yet their offers haven't."
All comments and concerns about the project can be sent to the town's Industrial Development Agency through June 18.