No Deal - The Town Will NOT Be Building A Parking Lot On Pulaski Rd. In Kings Park

No deal!  That’s the word from Councilman Robert Creighton on his proposal to purchase a vacant piece of land on Pulaski Rd. in Kings Park to be used as a 20-22 parking space municipal parking lot.

According to Councilman Creighton, the  property owner and the town could not reach an agreement on the purchase price.  In 2013 Councilman Creighton made a proposal to town board members that Smithtown purchase property and use it to relieve some of the parking problems that exist in Kings Park.  Town Board members in February 2014 authorized the expenditure of $2,000 to be used for an appraisal for the property.

Town Attorney Matt Jakubowski notified the seller of the Town’s interest and the appraisal amount, which according to Jakubowski, was roughly $70,000 less than the seller wanted. 

At the September 9th work session it was mentioned that the seller was unwilling to accept an offer the town had put forward.  Councilman Creighton asked Mr. Jakubowski to continue the negotiations.  Today in a phone conversation with Smithtown Matters, the Councilman stated that the seller increased the selling price for the piece of property and negotiations have ended. 

Town Attorney Jakubowski concurred with Mr. Creighton that negotiations between the town and Mr. Lupoli the property owner have ended.  Although Jakubowski was uncertain if the owner had received other offers, he stated that the property owner was not interested in doing business with the town at the price the town was offering.  

A disappointed Creighton said that there was little that could be done giving the reluctance of the property owner to reduce the price of the property. 

Editorial - McCarthy Vote An Ethics Board Issue

When elected officials appear to be acting inappropriately or unethically it is a citizens responsibility to try to seek a remedy. At the September 9, 2014 town board meeting Councilman/Deputy Supervisor Thomas McCarthy voted on a salary increase for the position of deputy supervisor. The very position he holds. The resolution, item 4.O,  authorized an increase and set the salary for deputy supervisor at $35,000 per annum. The resolution was approved in a three-two vote with Councilmen Creighton and Wehrheim voting NO and Councilwoman Nowick, Supervisor Vecchio and Councilman/Deputy Supervisor McCarthy voting YES.  

As it was a week ago it remains my opinion that Mr. McCarthy, as the sole beneficiary of the resolution, had an ethical and professional responsibility to abstain from voting. Over the past week I have sought professional opinions from a broad spectrum of knowledgeable people. It is my informed opinion that Mr. McCarthy violated Smithtown’s ethics code.  For this reason I have submitted a letter to the Town’s ethics board requesting that they investigate this matter.

Pat

Letter To The Editor - Conflict Of Interest In McCarthy's Vote

RE: Smithtown Deputy Supervisor’s salary increase voted on September 9, 2014

What part of “conflict of interest, or appearance of a conflict of interest” does not apply to Councilman Thomas McCarthy’s vote for his own $30,000 increase?  The answer is of course “NONE”.  It is so blatantly unethical, and untenable, that I can’t imagine how this action can stand.

Had McCarthy recused himself, as he should have, this vote would not have passed.  Should the position of deputy supervisor get a raise? Maybe… But the public has a right to discuss it first.  And is a $30,000 increase defensible? Maybe… but only if the Supervisor is really unable to handle his daily workload.  And should any increase be retroactive to the beginning of the year? Never! Any vote to increase Town Board salaries should be for future Town Board members.  Let each member who votes for his or her increase in salary, stand the test of the vote by the voters at their next election.  Only if re-elected, should an elected official ever benefit personally from their own vote.  

No conflict of Interest… Period. Enough is enough.

Sandy Trehy, Kings Park NY

Smithtown Historical Society Honors Community Leaders At Oct. 16 Heritage Ball

Smithtown Historical Society Honors Community Leaders at Heritage Ball

In appreciation for their leadership, generosity, service, and vision in protecting, preserving, and promoting Smithtown’s distinct history, the Smithtown Historical Society will be recognizing four exceptional individuals from the community at this year’s annual Heritage Ball. Scott Posner, Glenn Williams, and Inge Sobel with Kathryn Tusa will be presented the Partnership in History, Anna Blydenburgh, and Rockwell Awards respectively. 

Kathryn Tusa, Rockwell AwardThrough their participation in civic organizations, their businesses, and volunteerism, each of these Scott Posner - Partnership in History Awarddistinguished persons have made significant contributions to ensure Smithtown’s history is cared for and shared with the community. “Their support in sharing our mission is substantial and we are grateful to be able to celebrate their efforts,” remarked Executive Director Kiernan Lannon. Mr. Posner is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones. He is the founder of the Deepwells Farm Historical Society and is active in the St. James Chamber of Commerce and Smithtown Rotary. Mr. Williams is the President of  Williams and Williams, Inc., a Smithtown insurance agency. He is a supporting member of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and a former Smithtown Historical Society Trustee. Mrs. Sobel is an office manager at a Smithtown law firm and has been a Smithtown Historical Society Trustee for more than 10 years.  In addition to serving as an executive officer for multiple terms, she has also filled several leadership roles as a volunteer for many of  Smithtown Historical Society’s Glenn Williams, Anna Blydenburgh Awardeducational programs and fundraising events. Mrs. Tusa is a practicing attorney and a Inge Sobel, Rockwell Awardmember of the Suffolk County Bar Association and Women’s Bar Association. She has sat on the Planning Board for the Village of Head of the Harbor, and currently serves as a Smithtown Historical Society Trustee and Board Secretary, as well as a supportive and energetic program and event volunteer.

The Heritage Ball will take place on Thursday, October 16^th at the Watermill in Smithtown beginning with a cocktail hour at 6:30p.m., followed by a Presentation of Awards & Dinner Dance at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required for this event. Please call the Smithtown Historical Society at (631) 265-6768 for additional information or to make your reservation.

Smithtown's Senior Citizen Department Throws Birthday Celebration For 106 Seniors Age 90 And Above

By Dana Klosner

(click on photos to enlarge)

The Town of Smithtown Senior Citizen’s Department hosted it annual 90^th Birthday celebration on Wednesday, September 10^th. One hundred six seniors and their guests attended the lunch to celebrate those seniors that reached their 90^th birthday and above in 2014. 

Carol Atkinson and Alice PertornyCarol Atkinson is 101 years old and has been coming to the center for at least 20 years. She brought her friend Lillian Hursky to the lunch.

“I used to dance at the center,” Atkinson said. What does she attribute her longevity to? “Good living,” she said. “I watch my diet.” And her friend Alice Pertuny, 92 of Nesconset, said Atkinson goes to St. Pat’s Church every Sunday.

Supervisor-Patrick Vecchio behind Josephine Stable and Irene TatoThe day was filled with good food, good friends and entertainment. Supervisor Vecchio was on hand to greet all the seniors, tell a few jokes and hand out certificates and flowers to each person who celebrated their 90^th birthday and above.

Josephine Ramano, 93, comes from Kew Gardens and has been living in Kings Park for 2 years. That’s how long she’s been coming to the senior center. 

“I think it’s wonderful, I’m overwhelmed,” she said of the birthday celebration. She stays so young by “A lot of hard work,” she said. “I’ve been a widow for over 40 years. I take care of my grandchildren and great grandchildren.” She worked in a bank for 15 years after she became a widow and she worked in the Federal Reserve Bank before she was married. 

“I’ve made a lot of friends at the center,” she said. 

Suzanne Cofman and daughter Monique SchwenderSuzanne Cofman, 97, was born in France and has lived in Smithtown for 50 years. She’s been coming to the center for at least 40 years.

“My father used to come here to play cards and he was 11 years older than her,” said her daughter Monique Shwender who was born in France as well. “She raised her kids here. She’s got two kids, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

“She always loves coming here. She enjoys saying hello to Mr. Vecchio, he tries to speak French to her,” Shwender said. 

Florence Milleisen, 94, has been living is Smithtown since 1959. Her 5 kids all went to Hauppauge High School.

“We came here because of the schools,” she said. “My sons played football and baseball. Two of my sons and one of my daughters all work at Hauppauge High School.”

She attributes her long life to being happy.

“I enjoy everything in life,” she said. “This is the first time I am really ill. I used to go to all the picnics and the trips [that the center offered.]”

Alice Cahman will be 99 on January 12.

“It’s like a dream,” she said. “I never thought I’d make it this far.”

She attributes her long full life to staying busy.

“I’m the Corresponding Secretary of the North Shore Jewish Center Seniors, “she said. “I do a lot of reading and I’m very involved with people. The secret to a long life is staying busy.”

Godetia Kearney, 90, of Kings Park appreciates Mr. Vecchio.

“Mr. Vecchio is kind to seniors,” she said. “He thinks of us and has given us many enjoyable clubs to join and many good times. He is very thoughtful and honest and we all love him.”

The day ended in entertainment by the staff and a rousing sing-a-long.