After extensive surveys found there was no presence of an endangered turtle, a commercial development planned for a site next to a wetland area in Mariners Harbor has entered the public comment period.

Earlier this year, it was believed that the eastern mud turtle, which is on the New York State list of endangered species, may reside in the 534 South Ave. lot area — where there are plans to build 226,000 square feet of commercial space, which would house a BJ’s Wholesale Club, a gas station, a supermarket and other retail, and would include 838 parking spaces.

At the request of the Department of Conservation (DEC), developer Manhattan-based Josifa LLC conducted a survey of the species and found no evidence of the presence of the eastern mud turtle at the site.

By Annalise Knudson. Read the full article here.