Town Employees Continue The Herculean Task Of Isaias Clean-up

The Towphoto Smithtown Mattersn of Smithtown is busy compiling a detailed assessment of the destruction caused by the August 4th tropical storm Isaias.  

Damage includes upwards of 400 uprooted trees as well as beach and park damage.

The Salt Barn located at the highway department sustained structural damage and the roof was torn off the Parks Department Building in Kings Park. 

Minor damage has been reported at the Assessor and the Suffolk County Water Authority buildings. 

Parks Department working in the Morewood area of Smithtown photo courtesy of Ed SpinellaHighway Project Inspector Daniel G. Ryan and Steve Cameron assess damage on 6th Ave. in Kings Park. Photo Smithtown MattersCurrently highway crews are being assisted by teams from the Parks Department and private contractors. 

Crews are working from 5:30AM-8PM Monday through Friday, on Saturday from 6AM to 6PM and on Sunday from 8AM to 2 PM. Cleanup crews have been assigned to every hamlet.

photo courtesy of Ed SpinellaAccording to the Town’s update: Larger crews have been assigned to clear some of the hardest hit areas, including the hamlets of Commack and Kings Park, the Forestwood area, Brooksite Drive at 347 and northward, the Pines, Bow Drive below 347 & Townline Rd, and Browns Road. Trees and stumps marked for removal by the Urban forrester are mapped out digitally for a planned for excavation schedule.

Residents are reminded to separate leaf bags from brush. Highway crews are using heavy machinery and loaders to clear brush. This process is slowed greatly if crews have to manually remove leaf bags, which can also damage equipment.   

photo courtesy of Ed SpinellaWorkers have collected approximately 2400 tons of brush and debris at the Municipal Services Facility and there is at least 1,000 tons of debris at the Montclair Yard.

photo Smithtown MattersResidents should attempt to keep all brush clear from blocking any fire hydrants. Public Safety and Smithtown Fire Marshals have noted that residents still using generators should take a moment to confirm that the exhaust is facing outwards and at least 20’ away from a building. Dozens of individuals have been rushed to the hospital with CO poisoning. In addition, numerous homes have been damaged by fire caused by generators incorrectly positioned.