On The Town's Agenda For Thursday's Town Board Meeting - Hess Commack

Town Board to grant approval to Zoning Petition #2011-07 by Hess Corporation, c/o Eugene L. DiNicola, Esq., 200 Railroad Ave. Sayville, NY 11782 , for a change of zone rom WSI (Wholesale Service Industry) to NB (Neighborhood Business) for property located at the southeast corner of Jericho Turnpike (NYS Rt. 25) and Harned Road, Commack (SCTM#: 90-3-2.1 & 2.4) with conditions suggested in the memorandum from the Town Planning Director dated March 19, 2012. Public Hearing: February 23, 2012 SEQRA: March 22, 2012

Update on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:34PM by .

In a three - two decision the resolution passed. Councilmen McCarthy, Creighton and Malloy voted in favor.  Supervisor Vecchio and Councilman Wherheim voted in opposition. 

Public Hearing Tomorrow - Insignia Owners to Make Their Case

Town Board and BZA to hear local restaurant’s plans for parking, noise concerns

By Chad Kushins

This week, the owners of upscale restaurant, Insignia, will be appearing at a public hearing before the Smithtown Town Board. They are hoping to achieve the needed approval to legally increase the size of their parking lot which, over the past few months, has become a hotly-debated topic in town. 

For the past few weeks, the owners of the popular eatery have faced criticism from local residents, many of whom claim that Insignia’s patrons have been parking along the nearby residential streets when the provided spaces maxed out capacity.  In addition, homeowners living directly behind the restaurant – which stands at the former location of Boulder Creek Steakhouse on the corner of Nesconset Highway and Mount Pleasant Road – have faced noise pollution, some claiming that a sound buffer would be needed to ease the negative effects of having a packed restaurant in such close proximity. 

At the March 22^nd meeting, to be held at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizen Center in Smithtown at 7:00pm, the owners are expected to make their presentation, angling for the needed variances which would allow the parking lot expansion. 

 “The variance has two major elements,” Assistant Town Planning Director David Flynn initially explained to Smithtown Matters.  “Firstly, the request to set the parking lot from 100 feet down to 50 feet is one part.  The second element would be altering what has been deemed ‘environmentally sensitive land’ – which really encompasses the first part of the variance, as putting in the parking lot is the alteration in itself.”

“There are two major things that this meeting will present,” Town Planning Director Frank DeRubeis concurred.  “When Boulder Creek had its original zone changes, there was the 100-foot buffer on the structure’s north side.  When the owners converted the restaurant into Insignia, changes were made to that site plan – something that would have come with its own restrictions.”

DeRubeis continued, “You have to request a Public Hearing, like this week’s meeting, for such zone changes.  Also, whenever someone constructs a parking lot in town, one of the major standing restrictions is that it cannot be done on an area with less than 10 feet of groundwater … Insignia’s owners are expected to address both of these concerns.”

As previously reported in Smithtown Matters, the property on which Insignia now lies was already labeled environmentally sensitive due to its current groundwater table of less than 10 feet below the surface.  Insignia owners previously received a summons for building a gravel parking lot without the receiving the necessary permits.  The town had stipulated that co-owner Anthony Scotto and his partners leave a 100-foot gap – 50 feet of buffer and 50 feet of easement – between the restaurant and nearby residential properties when approving the building plans, but further construction could bring the parking lot closer to the homes in back of the restaurant by half that distance.  Upon receiving the summons, the restaurant’s owners filed an application for an area variance to expand the parking lot and reduce the buffer from 100 feet to 50 feet, increasing the restaurant’s parking past what is required under town code.

Once closed in 2007, the Boulder Creek structure stood dormant for over two years, until plans for a massive renovation and reconstruction of the business was announced in June of 2010.  At that point, residents quickly voiced their concerns over the groundwater impact, as previously, flooding had been a substantial problem during Boulder Creek’s existence on the same property.  However, in April of 2011, the Smithtown Town Board unanimously approved owner Anthony Scotto’s site plan for the Insignia construction, which included a 3,011 square foot addition to existing building, increasing the total square footage of the building to 9,960 square feet.  An outdoor dining area, measuring 1,751 square feet, was also added to the restaurant – the reason for the owners’ original ‘special exemption’ application.

Insignia is owned and operated by more than one investor, including Scotto, one of the original owners of the Boulder Creek Steakhouse which initially stood on Insignia’s spot.  Scotto and Mario Sbarro, Boulder Creek’s other founder, ended their business partnership after it closed; Scotto now remains an owner of Insignia with three new partners.

“[Insignia’s owners] are going to make a presentation, showing what they need to do as far as the parking lot concerns,” said Town Councilman Ed Wehrheim, who explained that the Smithtown Planning Department has been composing its own suggestions and recommendations for the restaurant’s alterations.  “Our Planning Department has been working on coming up with what we think could be a solution – a 10-foot buffer which would be fully landscaped … If it ran 40 or 50 feet deep, I think that it could make a huge difference and even enhance that small area.”

According to Wehrheim, the Town is set to present the buffer “suggestion” at the March 22nd meeting, as well.  If then the Town Board sees fit to grant Insignia’s owners their variance, the owners will still require a recommendation from the Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, making the ultimate goal the dual approval of both the Town Board and the Board of Zoning Appeals [BZA].  Depending upon Thursday’s outcome, the issue could carry over to the latter’s March 27th meeting. 

 “When Boulder Creek came in, the original owners had promised us that it would be a low-key restaurant – and it was,” said Larry Vetter, a resident homeowner whose street, Brilner Drive, runs directly behind Insignia.  “They did a pretty good job, initially, and even installed the buffer and kept an eye on the groundwater situation.” 

According to local resident Larry Vetter, whose house runs directly behind Insignia’s back parking lot where the proposed buffer would lay, circumstances changed when the switch was made from Boulder Creek’s family steakhouse format to Insignia’s upscale reconstruction. While it was promised that the restaurant would remain the same size with little alteration, it soon became apparent to he and other residents that the construction would enhance the size of the full structure, as well as style.  To many residents, Insignia’s current style and business practice is more akin to a nightclub than a restaurant – an accusation that the owners adamantly deny.  In addition to the added noise that the popularity of the restaurant has caused, residents also remain greatly concerned over the property’s groundwater issues.

“As far as the groundwater,” Vetter previously told Smithtown Matters, “during the winter, it’s not really too much of a concern.  In the past, however, spring and fall brought the most problems.  In a particularly rainy season, the whole area is impacted.”

Insignia’s owners their Insignia’s owners could not be reached for comment.

Update on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 10:37PM by .

The Town presented a new proposal for applicants and residents to consider. The proposal allows for a 10ft. berm to be constucted and landscaped.  According to Planning Director, Frank DeRubeis, in addition to minimizing the visual aspects of a parking lot the berm will reduce noise. 

The applicants and residents will take time to review the proposal and will meet with Mr. DeRubeis before the Board votes on the applicants petition.

No Cell Tower For The Kings Park School District

There will not be a cell tower on the Kings Park School District property.  Addressing a packed gymnasium Board Of Education members were unanimous in their decision.  The audience responded with applause.

After receiving emails all week the Board anticipated a large audience at the meeting. They were not disappointed.  Many residents attended the meeting to express their concerns and angst at the district’s consideration of a proposal to enter into an agreement with Suffolk Wireless, LLC. 

The proposal allowed for the construction and operation of a cell tower on district property.  

Board members received emails from residents all week.  Mr. Motherway said he received one hundred emails and two phone calls urging a no vote on the proposal.  Other Board members concurred.

At the beginning of the meeting President of the Board, Mr. Motherway, announced that the agenda had been altered to allow the board to discuss the cell tower proposal as the first item on the agenda.  Mr. Motherway went on to explain that while the Board has a responsibility to explore options to relieve the economic pressures facing the district his opinion was that the district “not proceed.” Mr. Locascio, Ms. Barrett, Mr. Weber and Ms. Goldstein agreed. Ms. Goldstein, the last board member to speak, stated, “I will not be voting in any way other than to not go forward.” 

At this point item #5 on the agenda – Approval of Memorandum of Agreement with Suffolk Wireless, LLC was struck from the agenda. Again the audience applauded and that ended any discussion of the Kings Park School District’s exploration of generating revenue through receipts raised from a cell tower.  

Click here for cell tower article

It's Not Us - Rudy Massa Owner of Quick Stop - Smithtown

Rudy Massa - Owner of Quick StopIt is not us! That is the message Rudy Massa, owner of Gasoline Heaven and Quick Stop, wants people to know. It has been an endless morning of talking to people on the phone explaining that the Quick Stop he owns on Rte. 25 in Commack, Smithtown, is not the one identified by Suffolk County Police as having served alcohol to minors.  

The store identified by SCPD is located at 6077 Jericho Turnpike, Commack in Huntington.  

There was some confusion when the Commack Patch erroneously identified the Commack Quick Stop as being the one owned by Rudy Massa. The phone calls started and an employee of Massa’s took a look at the article, saw negative blogs about the store and Rudy decided to take action. 

According to Rudy, “The Commack Patch, after a conversation, immediately printed a retraction and removed the article. What I want people to know is that we have been in this community a long time we abide by the laws. Only two months ago there was a police operation in our area and we were identified by the police as having NOT sold alcohol to minors.  It has been a long morning and I am glad it’s over.”

History of The Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps

By Rita J. Egan

After the tragic loss of a child in 1964, local residents joined together to create the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps (CVAC).

Richard RafleRichard Rafle, one of the founding members, said up until the mid 1960s there was no ambulance service in the area. Many times a hearse owned by a local funeral parlor had to be used when an emergency occurred. When a child on a tricycle was hit by a developer’s truck, residents waited almost three hours for an ambulance and watched helplessly as the child died.

Even though she was only four years old, Doreen Murphy still remembers that day. After the tragedy her father, Hank Magnani, joined Rafle and other men in the community to develop an ambulance corps. The new volunteers began going door to door in the Commack Fire District to collect donations.

Murphy said she remembers the whole family getting involved with the fundraising efforts. On Wednesday nights her parents would pick up hamburgers at Buddy Burgers, located where Boston Market is today, and bring them to the first garage at Christ the King Church on Indian Head Road. She said the children would help the woman record the donations on index cards, and working together gave everyone a sense of community.

“I have wonderful memories of all that,” said Murphy.

Rafle said the ambulance corps became official in 1966 with their first call. In the first three months the volunteers answered 140 calls, according to a June 15, 1967 Long Islander article.

The first ambulance used was an old Cadillac model that the volunteers needed to buy an engine for, according to Rafle. After a short period the group moved their ambulance from the Christ the King Church property to a potato barn on Veteran’s Highway where today we find Catz of Long Island. The garage remained at this location until the early 70s.

As for uniforms, Rafle said the volunteers would wear white jumpsuits that they ordered from a mail order company. Murphy also remembers those white jumpsuits and her father coming back from his first call covered in blood.

The August 31, 1967 Commack News reported that the company was waiting for its second ambulance at the time. The “disaster rig” was a 1967 Cadillac and would cost $15,000.

While not their original ambulance, CVAC still possesses a 1967 Cadillac. Assistant Chief Mike Hoddinott said the old ambulances could hold up to four patients and hooks on the roof of the car enabled two cots to hang. Rafle said the old ambulances didn’t leave much room for the crew.

In 1973 still located on Veteran’s Highway, the organization became a 24 hour residence crew, according to a June 14, 1973 Long Islander article. It made them the second on Long Island, and their number was 864-8484. Prior to this, residents would call the Suffolk County Police. In the article, then CVAC president Jack Cotter said it would save between five to ten minutes.

Volunteers were alerted of emergencies by phone in the early days, according to Rafle. He also said that once a volunteer was out on the road, the only way to stay in touch were CB radios.

Rafle, who spent a decade as an active member with the corps, said, “Every one of those calls you never forget.”

The former ambulance volunteer remembers many tragic scenes, but the one call that stands out most to him occurred on a New Year’s Day when a woman was in labor. In the ambulance ride, Rafle delivered twins who were premature. Later he was informed that both survived, and 20 years later he ran into the mother, who remembered him as the man who delivered her babies.

It was in September of 1974 when the volunteers finally broke ground at their current location on Burr Road, according to a September 19, 1974 Long Islander article. The property was given to CVAC from the Commack School District. According to Hoddinott, the structure has been added on through the decades. The front with a dispatcher’s office, crew lounge and kitchen is the original part of the building, while the meeting rooms, bunk rooms that sleep eight and two back bays were added after the 80s.

As the area’s needs grew, so did the need for up-to-date ambulances. Jamaica Savings Bank donated a fully-equipped 1976 Dodge van ambulance to CVAC, according to an April 24, 1976 L.I. Reporter article.

Chief C.W. Schwalbe said over the decades their fleet has grown to four ambulances, two first responder cars and four chief vehicles.

A youth group was started in the 80s and still exists today. According to Schwalbe, the group consists of 40 teenagers ranging from ages 14 through 18. At 15 members can dispatch calls and at 16 ride an ambulance. Through the decades many members of the youth group have gone on to volunteer with CVAC or work in the health field. Former volunteers also make up a support group where members help with filing and setting up for events.

The sense of community experienced in the past still remains with Rafle and Murphy. Rafle returned to CVAC as a member of the support group, while Murphy and her mom still go to the corps annual dinner.

A few years ago when Murphy’s father became ill before his death it was the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps that came to his home and brought the former volunteer to the hospital. For Murphy who cherishes those early years, knowing that CVAC was there for her father brought comfort. She said she felt as if everything came full circle for her father.

The ambulance corps now receives 3,500 to 4,000 calls a year, according to Schwalbe, and the volunteers are planning for their future. Covering the Commack Fire Department area, as well as parts of Hauppauge, Smithtown, Elwood and East Northport, CVAC is hoping to expand the garage’s bays and build another bunking area above them. Schwalbe said they also hope to renovate the electrical services and fix the pot holes in the parking lot.

With almost 50 years in the hamlet, the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps continues to remain a staple in the community.