By Amy Fortunato
The good news is that the Smithtown residents have been heard. It’s a relief to finally hear that our Town Council discussed Smithtown United Civic Association’s appeal for an authentic business analysis of the properties that could be consolidated and turned into Transit Oriented Development near the Smithtown LIRR station. At the close of the Town Council’s working session on 4/10, the request was mentioned but really only revisited to complete an appraisal of the outlier Town owned buildings to the Town Attorney. This request for appraisals of the 18 outlier buildings that belong to the town has been made before. Smithtown has 28 various departments and 18 buildings – with lots of walking imposed between the numerous buildings/departments!
It’s not a new request. The New York Ave. neighbors presented the same request during numerous Town Council meetings more than a year ago when the Town Council was approached to possibly consolidate into the Joseph Barton Administration Building and retain the athletic fields for a town green and recreation near the heart of the downtown business district. At that point in time, the appraisals were predicated on the current zoning and not the potentially changed zoning for that property. There’s no way to address a possible consolidation without all the appraisal figures – although the Smithtown taxpaying residents asked for these appraisal results last year. Clearly, the citizens were patient but ignored – when they asked for the appraisals of the Town Dept’s buildings. Transparency was avoided during those Town Council meetings.
During the last Smithtown School Board regular meeting held on 4/10, our Superintendent, Dr. James Grossane and School Board President, Mr. Jeremy Thode assured those in attendance that the NY Ave. properties are NOT for sale and that the Town has NOT been in contact with the School Board. Both Dr. Grossane and Mr. Thode publicly described their intentions to engage with the local community in the future regarding any possible sale or development BEFORE any real estate issues are presented. In another recent meeting 4/6 with the School Board Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Andrew Tobin – the same assurance of commitment to our community and transparency was emphasized by the School Administration on behalf of the School Board. The rumors were dispelled, participation and engagement with Smithtown’s taxpaying residents was reassured.
It’s good to know that we’ve been heard. This level of commitment and communication is honorable, ethical and necessary for Smithtown to prosper – developing for the future while preserving our historic past.
Amy Fortunato is a Smithtown resident who ran for Town Council on the Democratic line in 2017.