Amy's Perspective - Town Council Comments On Planning

Town Council Comments, April 26

On the occasion of David Flynn’s retirement, there is an awesome opportunity to publicly thank David Flynn our Town Planning Director who has been extremely accommodating and available to the residents of Smithtown.  Scheduling a public hearing to review the draft of Mr. Flynn’s Master Plan would be a fitting way to highlight and celebrate his dedication to Smithtown’s future revitalization and preservation of our historic heritage.   David Flynn has always acted with financial prudence and in the best interest of Smithtown’s residents and business community.   The work he accomplished on a daily basis has been outstanding.  His commitment to town planning is obvious as seen in his drafted town plan as per the town council’s request.  He and his staff were able to complete this draft while conducting business as usual.   This would be a great time to invite Smithtown’s residents to a public forum as an opportunity to consider his plan, the work involved and attention to the details of our town’s Master Plan.  The drafted unadopted Master Plan includes all five hamlets for a comprehensive approach to Smithtown’s future goals.   

You may have seen the recent articles in Newsday describing various Long Island communities that are concerned and actually protesting over-development of their well-established neighborhoods.  This seems to be a general concern of Long Islanders to prevent the threat posed by contractors and developers who intend to build up our neighborhoods into urban settings without considering those neighborhoods.  

This issue can be addressed through identifying consensus of our residents and by planning our level of development with smart growth practices including our concern for the environment.  Thank you for your interest in developing a Comprehensive Master Plan, we have a good foundation prepared by David Flynn that can be the foundation and then further developed into a working, viable Comprehensive Master Plan for Smithtown.  

Please take into account that planning for the future of Smithtown must work in concert and conformity to the environmental protections established in the State Environmental Quality Review Act whenever the economic interests of contractors and developers are under review.  This is not a mutually exclusive choice between conserving the available real estate in Smithtown and working with outside developers within the confines of Smart Growth best practices.  Smart Growth is an intentional process including a respectful approach to Smithtown’s residential homeowners and their investment in the future of Smithtown.  Our safety and quality of life are also critical concerns.  

Scheduling a  public forum would inform and include Smithtown’s citizens and highlight David Flynn’s contribution to Town Planning.  Thank you.  

Amy Fortunato is a Smithtown resident who ran for Town Council on the Democratic line in 2017.