1776 - 237 Years Ago - Change You Could Believe In

July 4, 2013 - Independence Day - Thanks to Mother Nature for the wonderful weather and thanks to Coach Realtors Nancy DeMartinis and Christine Daddio for the lawn flags.  The flags were a wonderful reminder that 237 years ago people opted for freedom over oppressive government. Without any guarantees of safety or success, a nation was born granting people the right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happines.” 

Pat

Young And Looking For Something To Do? Week Of July 7-13

July 7-13

By Cristen Feeney

While summer is well underway, there are many events this week in Smithtown that are just beginning!

Smithtown Township Art Council (STAC) has age specific art programs for high school students and students of all ages check out the programs by clicking on the link Click Here to Open or Print PDF Summer Classes and Camps Brochure

For delicious locally grown fruit, veggies and so much more, head to the Kings Park Farmers Marker on July 7. The Market is set up in the municipal lot near the Kings Park Library. The Market is open from 9AM-2PM.

July 8 is the start of the 9th Annual Smithtown Summer Concert series. These concerts are held every Thursday evening at 8PM and are free of charge. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and head on down to the Smithtown Library Main Building. At these concerts, The Smithtown Rotary Club will be collecting any donations of non-perishable food, baby items, pet food and toiletries, starting at 6:30PM.

If you’re looking to get fit this summer without breaking out those dusty running sneakers, try yoga! Amba Yoga in Smithtown offers many yoga classes of all different levels and types. Your first class is only $10! For the schedule, visit  HYPERLINK “http://www.ambayoga.com/schedule.html” http://www.ambayoga.com/schedule.html

On July 11th, the Smithtown Youth Bureau is hosting an event for middle schools girls called L.E.A.P. (Learn, Empower and Perform), which teaches girls how to dance, while also giving them a place to talk about issues that concern them. For more information, visit  HYPERLINK “http://smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/513” http://smithtownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/513

On July 11th, there is also a Yoga Class for adults between the ages of 20 and 30 at the Hauppauge Library at 7PM. It is a complimentary night of yoga, hosted by White Lotus Massage and Yoga.

Hightower Homes - Is An End In Sight?

By Maureen Rossi

Eyesores, rodent infested, ugly and unsafe are comments neighbors have used to describe the “Hightower” homes located at 77 and 81 Main Street in Kings Park. For years neighbors pleaded with Smithtown’s Town Board to do something to help them with the dangerous, deteriorating properties. 

After years of complaints the board took action earlier this year and it looked as though the homes would be demolished.  Enter Jeffrey K. Brown, an attorney in Nassau County, who claimed possession of the buildings and pledged to rehab them and make them habitable. Mr. Brown received the properties as part of a settlement involving the previous owner Frederic Powell who is serving time in federal prison.

In March of this year, the board members reluctantly allowed Mr. Brown time to get the paperwork in order.  Mr. Brown was given a two-week time frame to file site plans, get the necessary building permits and to pay thousands of dollars in building fees. Oversight was to be provided by the town’s building department and Councilman Thomas McCarthy.

Although there isn’t a time frame for the completion of the project, Mr. Brown appears to have kept his word. Visitors to the area can still see a chain link fence cordoning off the area but they also see a dumpster for debris, a bobcat and lots of work taking place.  Walls are being replaced, the property is being cleared windows, doors and outdoor siding is being replaced. 

At a March board meeting, Councilman McCarthy promised to hold Mr. Brown’s feet to the fire.  Apparently, it is working because for the first time in years neighbors are “hopeful” that there is an end in sight.

Public comments on proposed Whisper Landing Assisted Living Facility

By Taylor Fleming

 St. Johnland Development Group Makes Its Case For Whisper Landing Assisted Living Facility

Public comments on proposed Whisper Landing Assisted Living Facility

After St. Johnland attorney Rich Scheyer made his presentation to Smithtown’s Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) the Board of Zoning Appeals then opened up the meeting to members of the community. First to the Glen Gruder addresses the BZApodium was Glenn Gruder who applauded St. Johnland for its compromises, but insisted that the building was against Town Code, which states that construction of anything on environmental sensitive lands is prohibited. According to Gruder, the three exceptions to that rule do not apply to St. Johnland. “Everything tonight is void,” said Gruder.  

Jan Vanderbaan, who lives on the corner of 25A and River Heights Drive stressed the dangers of intersection in front of his house and adjacent to the proposed site. “We’ve pulled a lot of people out of accidents,” said Vanderbaan. He urged the Board to “do something about it” before this site is considered. 

Kristie Golden, doctor and administrator, raised many concerns about the residents of the assisted living facility, including the use of wheelchairs, which St. Johnland had originally said it would not allow and the dangers of having memory impaired residents near 25A. 

Residents line up to address concernsBill Kearney presented five boards of photographs and maps to illustrate his problems with the project. He showed pictures of erosion and accidents that already occurred near the proposed site. “There’s no traffic expert better than me,” said Kearney. “I sit in my living room and watch it everyday.” He also told the Board that he has called a realtor who told him he has already lost a lot of value on his house. Following his arguments, Kearney noted that he was not unwilling to compromise, but this was not the appropriate location for this project. “There’s a lot of alternatives,” said Kearney.

Other members of the Town of Smithtown, who are in support of the development, spoke about the positive aspects of this project. Craig Andreoli, attorney in Smithtown who specializes in elder law, said he believes in the benefits of these facilities. “Living alone accelerates depression,” said Andreoli. He noted the safety, socialization, nutrition and health care aids that assisted living facilities provide senior citizens. 

Diane Carroll said she and seven of her neighbors met to discuss the project, which they were all originally opposed to. Following a very positive meeting with the developers, however, she said she believed the project was the most appropriate for this site. “We need to be careful what we wish for because this property will be sold,” said Carroll. “We feel this is the best use for the property.”

Mario Gino,  former president of the  Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, stood before the Board and reinforced the fact that developers of the St. Johnland project are residents of Smithtown. 

Following the input from the community,representatives from St. Johnland came back to the podium to address some of the questions. Overall, the group and the Board wanted to reiterate the fact that this meeting was called for and appropriate. Responding specifically to Gruder’s arguments against St. Johnland, Flynn said, “They have the right to be here.” 

The meeting was adjourned after almost three hours of discussion. 

Professors Diner Kicks Off Summer With Classic Car Show

Kevin Denis owner of Professors Diner in Kings Park hosted the annual Classic Car Show Thursday evening, June 27th.  Seventy cars were registered to participate in the fundraiser to benefit Angels Without Faces. The Key Food parking lot was transformed into  a car enthusiast’s dream world with cars from almost every generation imaginable.  

With music as a backdrop and the bbq’s fired up, visitors were treated to seeing and speaking with owners who shared the history of their cars.  Children walking with parents stared with disbelief as people talked of a time when cars didn’t have disc players, car seats or seat belts. 

The funds raised by the event went to Angels Without Faces, an organization dedicated to helping people anonymously, providing emergency financial assistance to families and individuals who have experienced hardships.  To learn more about “Angels Without Faces ” visit their website at www.AngelsWithOutFaces.com.