If you did not attend the Town’s work session held last week you have the opportunity to see it on the Town’s website. I suggest you watch it.
The work session is a rare glimpse into how government is supposed to work – in public view.
The intent of the meeting was the presentation of three proposals for the Town Board’s consideration regarding the development of Lawrence Road and the surrounding area.
The audience included representatives from the Commack Community Association, Kings Park Civic Association, Hauppauge Industrial Association and Property Owners. The former Planning Director, Mr. Fred Myers, was also in the audience.
Planning Director, Frank DeRubeis, provided three options for the Board. Option one is for the town to remain on the current course a “do nothing option”. Option two – a proactive approach, means the town would take control, using planning and zoning, to develop the area in a manner the Board deemed acceptable. Option three calls for the board to work with existing landowners and be reactive to the decisions the property owners make.
The Board, with the exception of Councilman McCarthy who was absent from the meeting, listened and questioned Planning Director DeRubeis regarding his proposals. The Q & A gave insight into how the Board members think about zoning and planning for the Town of Smithtown.
Supervisor Vecchio gave his historical analysis of the area. Supervisor Vecchio’s position seemed to be; over the years, the Town had done everything possible in the area and has been unsuccessful in gaining control over the activities property owners choose to conduct on their property. The Town has failed in the Courts and that leaves little recourse for the Town.
Councilmen Creighton and Wherheim asked questions about the proposals. Councilman Creighton surprised most of the audience by suggesting the Town does not want or need more control. Councilman Wherheim’s questions indicated he was weighing the options.
The Board tossed the issue back to Planning Director DeRubeis and asked for more information about the options. While no decision was reached, there was a discussion. The public got to learn about options and how planning and zoning impacts business and residential areas. They got to view their well paid elected officials at a work session for the second time this year. This is a good thing.
I Don’t know if we will see it again any time soon, but as Warner Wolf was fond of saying, “go to the video tape”. See for yourself how your government is supposed to work.
Pat