Site of the former Bavarian Inn in RonkonkomaThe Bavarian Inn is no more. The boarded up, graffiti laden building has been demolished. A few more weeks and all traces of the former restaurant/catering facility will be gone. People who live around the blighted site are relieved. Legislator John Kennedy held a press conference on the day the demolition began attended by many local officials. Pats on the back all around as the elected officials enthusiastically announced their support for the demolition and their relief that the blighted and dangerous building would no longer negatively impact on the community.
Legislator Kennedy advocates the reuse of the property as a park.
“Not so fast”, says Gary Jacobs candidate in the 12th legislative district. Jacobs is looking to unseat Kennedy in November and he points to the Bavarian Inn as an example of what is wrong with government. “The boarded up Bavarian Inn was not just blight it was dangerous. It was dangerous for kids who went there and it was dangerous to the fire fighters and police who were called to the site. Someone could have been seriously hurt. It took over six years for the county to act on removing a danger from the community. If I lived there and my kids had to walk past it I would have been angry.”
Jacobs responded to an open invitation from Smithtown Matters to comment on the future use of the site which is located in the Town of Smithtown. “I would very much like to see the property used as parkland with boat rentals. We can make Lake Ronkonkoma a destination this would bring visitors to the area spending money and visiting business in the area. I would really like to see a clam bar at the site. I understand the issues with septic systems, but there are ways to make it work.”
Undeterred by people who suggest that a clam bar is impossible, Jacobs talks about new technology for septic systems. He points out that the site housed a full blown restaurant and there is a bar within feet of the site. Paper dishes and plastic utensils could be used eliminating the need for huge dishwashers.
“It can be done.” said Jacobs.