New Senior Living Community Planned For Former East Islip Lanes Site

EAST ISLIP, NY — A new senior living community is planned for the former East Islip Lanes property, officials said.

Benchmark Senior Living and National Development said they have acquired and financed the East Islip property, which will be developed into Benchmark at East Islip, a 90-unit assisted living and memory care community.

The community is expected to open in 2028 and will include 64 assisted living apartments and 26 memory care apartments, totaling 104 licensed beds, officials said. Construction is scheduled to begin in July on the two-story, 88,000-square-foot building.

The site is located near retail shops, restaurants and a post office in East Islip, officials said.

Planned amenities include multiple dining venues, a theater, fitness center, on-site salon and landscaped outdoor spaces. As a nod to East Islip Lanes, which previously occupied the site, the community’s interior design will include elements inspired by the former bowling alley, officials said.

Benchmark at East Islip will be Benchmark Senior Living and National Development’s second community together in New York, both on Long Island.

The companies have partnered on Whisper Woods of Smithtown since 2024. Benchmark also operates Benchmark at Mount Pleasant in Thornwood and Orchard Estate of Woodbury on Long Island.

“This acquisition marks another important milestone in Benchmark’s strategic growth in New York and reflects the strength of our ongoing partnership with National Development,” said Tom Grape, founder, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Senior Living. “As demand for high-quality senior living continues to grow across Long Island, Benchmark at East Islip represents an exciting opportunity to bring our personalized approach to assisted living and memory care to more seniors and families.”

Benchmark operates 70 independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic.

National Development has developed and invested in more than 40 senior housing communities throughout the Northeast, officials said. The company’s senior housing portfolio includes independent living, assisted living and memory care properties across the Boston-to-New York corridor.

“We are excited to bring a new senior living community to East Islip and deliver a high-quality assisted living and memory care residence for Long Island seniors and their families,” said Andrew Gallinaro, chief investment officer of National Development. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Benchmark on a thoughtfully designed community that will offer seniors and their families an exceptional new option.”