TOS Officials Say Kings Park Is The Answer To Downtown Smithtown's Sewage Problem

By Stacey Altherr

A 17-acre site located inside Nissequogue River State Park may be the answer to downtown Smithtown’s sewage problem. Town officials have proposed the building of drainage basins in Kings Park to address the sewage issues that that are holding up the revitalization of Main Street, Smithtown.

The proposed drainage basins are part of Smithtown’s proposal to address downtown revitalization. The plan will allow for increased development on Main Street by pumping sewage to Suffolk County’s sewage treatment plant in Kings Park where it will be treated. Due to restrictions on the release of treated water into the LI Sound the construction of drainage basins which collect the treated water before it drains into the ground are necessary.

While town officials and some business leaders are in favor of the proposed drainage site to advance the long-awaited sewer project in the town, others, including longtime proponents of the park, say it is the wrong place for it. 

“It is literally in the middle of the park,” says John McQuaid, president of the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation, which raises money and is working with the state on the development of the park for public use.

At first, officials said the water would be piped underground and not pool on the surface, which would have been more acceptable, McQuaid said. He even talked to county and town officials about finding a less obtrusive location on the 527-acre park. “This is so much good going on here. It doesn’t make sense.”

Town officials say they looked at six possible sites to transfer excess treated sewer water, but for one reason or another, the other sites didn’t work. The Kings Park site was the most agreeable, according to town officials for several reasons, including proximity to sewer plant and topography. About 90 percent of the town is currently using cesspools and septic systems, which lead to large amount of nitrogen and other contaminants into the ground.

Some of the other sites considered and rejected were the St. Catherine of Sienna site, which was too close to well water and had topography problems, and St. Johnland Nursing Home, which is too close to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Corridor, according to officials.

While the rest of the park is owned by New York State Parks Department and was legislated as parkland in 2000/01, a small part of the property known to residents as Building 1, is owned by the Dormitory Authority for the State of NY which oversees construction projects and financing of those projects. The land was once owned by the state’s Office of Mental Health.

Environmental guidelines for sumps used for treated sewer water only allows the town to dump 600,000 gallons a day of effluent into the Long Island Sound. The drainage basin would accommodate the extra treated water.

“It is not a done deal,” said Peter Hans, Smithtown Planning Director. The master plan up on the state website currently does not include the leeching pools.

Approximately 1.5 to two acres will be used for the drainage basins, with the other acreage used for a continuation of a planned bike path and other recreational uses. The sewer money, provided mostly by state and county funds, would pay for the remediation of the site including removal of the abandoned building on site.

Hans said the sump will be camouflaged with landscaping to fit in the other beautification efforts of the park, with a chain-link fence around the sump, and with berms and other landscaping. He added that it would not emit any smell.

Maple Sugaring At Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve

Sheryl Brook teaches the process of Maple Sugaring to Hauppauge Girl Scouts Troop 428 (Credit: Town of Smithtown)Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve hosted another successful season of maple sugaring for families, scout troops and nature enthusiasts. This unique educational program, available to the general public, teaches the ancient process of making maple syrup/sugar, which was passed down by the Native Americans to the Colonists. The maple sugaring program is a demonstration, encompassing the history of Native American early life, how maple sugaring was originally discovered, all the way up to present day, the equipment now used and how anyone can tap a tree to make maple syrup or sugar in their own backyards. An interactive portion of the program enlists the help of younger students to teach the anatomy of the tree, the importance of chlorophyll, and the role of photosynthesis in making maple syrup. 

“I can’t tell you how special this program is… it is one that every Long Islander should partake in at some point in life, as it is a part of our history that should be treasured for all time. I am so grateful to Sheryl Brook and Jeff Gumin for continuing in the tradition of passing this demonstration down to the generations. I love their passion and genuine enthusiasm which shines through the work they do every day.”  - Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim

The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve maple sugaring program is unique in that Black Walnut trees are also tapped for sugaring, in addition to making maple syrup from Maple trees. Maple sugaring season is approximately three weeks out of the year. In order to produce the sweetest sap, weather conditions must be below freezing at night and over 40 degrees during the day. Hoyt Farm taps trees and conducts the maple sugaring program throughout February and in the beginning of March. 

“We love every program we offer at Hoyt… teaching young people about our history, wildlife and our caring for the natural habitat is not a job for us. It’s our calling. Sheryl Brook takes special care to put these programs and classes together so everyone leaves with a big smile and plans to come back. She doesn’t do it for the credit, but she truly deserves all the recognition. We’re beloved by the people who visit here because of the tireless work she puts in, together with the assistance of our dedicated team. We had an incredible maple sugaring season and program this year and I can’t wait to top it next year!” - Jeff Gumin, Director, Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve

The maple sugaring program began in the late 1970’s, and started with one class. It is now a full blown family-oriented interactive experience, available to the general public, (not restricted to Smithtown residents) appropriate for all age groups. School classes, girl scouts, boy scout troops, kids and adults of all ages are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of this unforgettable experience. 

Town Collects 39 Tons Of Hazardous Household Waste

Town of Smithtown Sets New Record in Largest Hazardous Household Waste Ever, Collecting 39 Tons of Waste from 860 Homes

Smithtown, NY: The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways collected 39 tons of waste at the hazardous household waste event this weekend. On Saturday, April 24th, approximately 860 Smithtown households participated in safely disposing 78,000 pounds of toxic items, which are prohibited in regular curbside waste pickups. This was a record number of residents for a single collection event since the hazardous waste event program began in 2009.

 Residents were asked to wear face masks and not to leave their cars, to protect everyone’s wellbeing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to personally commend Mike Engelmann and Rich Kitt, the Department of Environment and Waterways, along with Neal Sheehan, his foreman Tom Passariello, the amazing team at MSF,
Fire Marshall Nick Kefalos, and the Department of Public Safety, all who devoted their Saturday to tirelessly serving the community and our precious environment. We’ve added additional collection events to the calendar year and still, we are seeing growing community participation. Setting a record such as this one is proof positive that the residents of Smithtown are increasingly more committed to preserving our home and our ecosystem for future generations to come.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

Smithtown Municipal Services Facility employees worked in conjunction with the Department of Environment and Waterways Environmental Director David Barnes and Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann to safely secure over forty three (55) gallon drums, twenty seven (1) cubic yard boxes and two full 30 cubic yard roll-off containers loaded up with paints/solvents, etc. The exact weight collected was 39.00 tons (scale house net) in hazardous materials. Materials were collected and manifested for disposal by Radiac Research Corp. In addition to residents dropping off hazardous household waste, many circled their vehicles around to pick up bags of free mulch on the way out.

A portion of the waste collected for manifested disposal include: waste oil based paints/flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds. The New York State DEC is expected to reimburse the Town for 50% of the contractor expense for this event.

The next Household Hazardous Waste events are scheduled for Saturday, July 10, 2021 and Saturday, October 2, 2021. These events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be strictly enforced.

DID YOU KNOW:

Residents can also dispose of Electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center (also located at 85 Old Northport Road). Electronic Waste such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling. This is a free service. Proof of residency is required.Mulch is also available FREE OF CHARGE to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for Pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of ten (10) bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. (Cover required)

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.
Regular Operating Hours: Tuesday through Saturday From 7:00 am to 11:45 am and 12:45 pm to 3:15 pm)

Smithtown’s Fields of Dreams Becomes Reality

Smithtown’s Fields of Dreams Becomes Reality

The Town of Smithtown hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park in Commack on April 23. Elected officials, town employees, veterans and family members assembled to mark the rededication of the park which first opened in 1979. It is a state-of-the-art ballpark.

Daniel J Flynn, a Kings Park hero, lived only twenty years. He graduated from Kings Park HS in 1965. He had a passion for baseball and a love of country. A talented baseball player, he was invited to try-out for the St. Louis Cardinals. Flynn, instead of pursuing a career in baseball, enlisted in the U.S. Army.  Daniel Flynn was sent to Vietnam and was killed in action on May 25th, 1968. Twenty days after his arrival. 

In 1979 the park located on Old Commack Rd. was dedicated in Flynn’s honor. The park, once state-of-the-art, aged and was not up to the standards of many other ball parks in Suffolk County. As other towns upgraded their fields leagues and playoff games went elsewhere. In 2018 Smithtown’s Town Board decided to dedicate $4.5 million to remediate the park. That figure grew almost $3 million by the time of the rededication ceremony.

The park is truly a field of dreams or four fields of dreams. The fields, Indian Head, Lawrence, Old Dock and Pulaski, have lights for nighttime play that function with a smartphone app. There are individual scoreboards, infield and outfield turf (upgraded for a life expectancy of 15 years) special drainage, four broadcasting positions are housed in the concession building. A playground is scheduled to be installed and a parking field renovation is still in the works.

According to Smithtown Recreation director Thomas J. McCaffery, all little league teams throughout the township are eligible to play on the fields and have been scheduled to do so in this 2021 season. McCaffery said the local 50+ Mens League as well as fast pitch teams are anxious to get the go ahead to play at the park.

The town is expecting to  generate revenue by hosting regional tournaments and selling advertising on field fences.  Organizations interested in using the fields can apply to the recreation department for a permit.

Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park is a wonderful tribute to the all the men and women who served and to thoseTown Clerk Vincent Puleo, Councilwoman Lynne Nowick, Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim, Deputy Supervisor Thomas McCarthy, Councilman Thomas Lohmann, Smithtown Parks Director Joseph Ar who died in Vietnam. Recognition must go to Supervisor Wehrheim, town council members as well as Smithtown Parks supervisor Joe Arrico and Councilman Thomas Lohmann for turning Smithtown’s field of dreams into a reality.

Smithtown To Host Free Shredding Event April 10

Safely Shred Sensitive Documents at the Shredding Event on April 10th

Smithtown, N.Y. - The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in partnership with the Municipal Services Facility and the Department of Public Safety, will host a Paper Shredding Event on Saturday, April 10th. This free event will be held at the Smithtown Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 9:00 AM through 3:00 PM. Residents will be asked to wear face masks and not to leave their cars, to protect everyone’s wellbeing amid the coronavirus. Proof of residency is required. There is a limit of three file boxes per vehicle.

“This has become an increasingly popular event for the community. Residents can safely and securely dispose of unwanted documents from the comfort of their vehicles in time for a good Spring cleaning. The process, orchestrated by DEW, MSF and Public Safety, is seamless… so residents can get in and out fast, while doing their part in protecting the environment.” - Ed Wehrheim, Town of Smithtown Supervisor 

In 2020, over 440 households came down to safely shred sensitive documents in the Fall. The September 2020 event was the largest to date, with over 16 tons of paper safely shredded by the industrial strength “Shreddersaurus.” The turnout was three times the normal volume. The previously scheduled April 2020 shred event was canceled due to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All personal documents are safely destroyed by Data Shredding Service, Inc., a full-service confidential shredding service located on Corporate Drive in Hauppauge.