Target Plans to Build New Location at Attias Flea Market Site

A proposed East Patchogue Walmart is nowhere near opening its doors, but a new Target could be open in Sayville within a year. 

Target is in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals from the Town of Islip to demolish the Attias Flea Market and build a new big box store on the site. 

Jacqueline Hensley, the new Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce president, told Patch that news of a Target opening nearby, is well, news to the board. 

Hensley said the board expected it would learn more about the project in the coming months. 

"That's when we can start discussing," Hensley said, of the possible effects the store may have on businesses in Patchogue. 

The president of the Sayville Chamber, Bill Etts, has already said he believes the Target will hurt businesses in downtown Sayville. 

“We’re in a tough spot [to oppose the store] as they don’t require a change of zone,” President Bill Etts told Patch in a phone interview. 

“This is another big box store that will drain business from Sayville’s business district which is already hurting terribly from the economic recession," he said. "More retail in Sayville is the last thing we need as this will hurt the little shops." 

Some Patchogue and Medford residents have been similarly opposed or in support of a possible East Patchogue Walmart that currently has not yet been voted on. When Patch last checked in with Walmart in July, they were making progress on their next Environmental Impact Statement that it will need to submit to Brookhaven Town to progress. 

Several Patchogue Patch readers have posted comments through Facebook on their thoughts on Target coming to the flea market location:

Sarah MacDonald Don't think Target would be down with having a carnival in its parking lot anymore.

Joanne Gianfrisco DePalma That flea market is a scuzzy hole!! Glad Target is coming !!! We need one close to my job for Lunch hour runs !

Peter Charles That place has always been a dump.

Lisa Bochicchio Fannon I would love a target!! I am always complaining that I need one closer to my job and this would work!!!

Lori Beth Devlin Traffic, we already have traffic, do not see how Target will add to it... honestly, it would be a big improvement.

Beth Metro-Berube Would've like a Trader Joes or Whole Foods!!

Vicki Limoggio-Atkins Yay! Finally something on the south shore very close to Patchogue!

Jennifer Viola Errico No fond memories from when it was the 2002 roller rink?

Target already has a Medford location at 2975 Horseblock Road.

Judy Mottl contributed to this story.

What are your thoughts on Target coming to this area of the South Shore? Talk about it in the comments below.