This time of year, we are reminded of all we have to be grateful for. Here in Smithtown, we have a proud tradition of giving back to those less fortunate. Over the last week, I’ve witnessed many selfless acts of kindness, starting with members of the Town Council joining with local organizations like Heros 4 Our Heroes handing out over 800 Turkeys to local US Veterans. The American Legion Riders post 1244 drove their motorcycles all around Smithtown and Huntington on Saturday, surprising local Veterans with Thanksgiving Dinners. Yesterday morning, our Superintendent of Highways, Robert Murphy invited his fellow elected officials to Stop & Shop, where we helped the Smithtown Food Pantry fulfill a need to provide 200 families with a plentiful Thanksgiving dinner. There is so much generosity in this community and I am truly humbled and grateful to serve each Smithtown resident. You will all be in my warmest thoughts as we gather to give thanks this Thursday. On behalf of the Town of Smithtown, I would like to wish you and yours a very healthy and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
COMMACK:
Demolition of the fields at Flynn Memorial has been completed. The construction of the first two new fields will begin with the laying of synthetic turf with a built-in drainage system underneath. This modern approach to field maintenance is far better on the environment, not requiring nitrogen fertilizers to maintain. It will also allow for playtime after rain. Construction is expected to be completed on two ball fields before the Spring Ball Season.
Beginning November 26th, the highway department will be conducting milling work along Sommers Lane. Asphalt paving will follow milling work post Thanksgiving weekend, pending weather conditions.
HAUPPAUGE
The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) will be conducting Water Flow Tests at various hydrant locations along Frowein Road. Residents may experience temporary rusty water conditions during testing. The potential for additional testing on surrounding streets may be required, based on testing results.
Traffic Safety is awaiting the delivery of the Mast Arm for the traffic signal at the intersection of Marcus Avenue and New Highway. Highway and traffic safety teams have added new trees and plantings to berm around the area of the intersection work.
KINGS PARK:
I’m very pleased to announce that the Draft of the Downtown Kings Park revitalization plan is now completed. The next phase is the Environmental review which has begun. Residents can view the draft via the planning department’s Studies & Reports page on SmithtownNY.gov or click here.
Traffic Safety will be installing a new cobblestone style pedestrian crosswalk at Main Street in front of Savatt Square. This new technique of stamped concrete is more visible to motor vehicles and provides for a safer pedestrian crossing at the busy community gathering square in downtown Kings Park.
Traffic Safety is getting in the holiday spirit this week, installing the Menorah and stringing up lights on the Tree at the Kings Park branch of the Smithtown Library District. Save the date to attend the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce annual Tree lighting, held on December 7th at 4:30 pm at Veterans Plaza. (Kings Park Library, 1 Church St in Kings Park) Save the Date: The Menorah lighting ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 22nd at 11:00 am.
Starting on November 25th, the Highway Department will begin milling off Main Street, behind Kings Park Beer and Soda on Park Ave, Collins Ave & Meridian Ave. Earlier this month, highway teams completed major concrete repairs and construction in the area. Road paving will be done in the following days, based on optimal weather conditions.
Demolition work has been completed at Kings Park Memorial Park. New Concrete sidewalks and the foundation for the new surfacing has been installed. The parks department will begin installing the playground after Thanksgiving. Once the jungle gym style playground is built, the parks department will lay turf resurfacing around the area.
NESCONSET:
Smithtown Traffic Safety teams will be installing the menorah and tree lights at the Nesconset branch of the Smithtown Library. The Nesconset Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Sunday, December 8th at 2PM in front of the Gazebo (127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset, NY) The Menorah lighting ceremony will be held on Sunday, December 22nd. (Time is to be announced.) The 9-11 Responders Remembered park will hold its ninth annual Patriotic Tree Lighting ceremony on Saturday December 7th at 5 PM.
The Smithtown Parks department is working on the installation of brand new steps leading down to the Gazebo from Charles P Toner park. The custom built steps will provide a third access point to and from the gazebo for residents to use while heading to the many live festivities year round.
Traffic Safety teams will be performing intersection striping along Nicholls Road and Smithtown Boulevard where highway teams have previously paved.
Beginning Tuesday, November 26th, the Highway Department will begin milling work along Terry Road. Asphalt paving along Terry Road is scheduled to begin after the Thanksgiving holiday, pending weather conditions.
SMITHTOWN:
Traffic Safety teams are out at Smithtown landmarks, installing tree lighting and menorahs at the Bull monument, Town Hall and at the Smithtown Library. Our fourth annual Tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for December 4th at Town Hall from 5PM to 6:30PM. Feature performances will include the Smithtown High School West Whisperettes Kickline, the Smithtown HS West Jazz Choir, the Great Hollow Middle School Chorus, and the Kings Park High School Orchestra. A special thanks to Just For the Record DJ’s, Animations Balloon Sculptor, Lessing’s & Garguilo’s Bakery for donating goods and services. This event wouldn’t be possible without the Smithtown Recreation Department, who puts a wonderful event together for the community every year. The town will also serve as a collection site for the Smithtown Food Pantry during the event, should residents wish to bring non-perishable items for families in need.
After Thanksgiving weekend, the parks department will begin installing new holiday banners and wreaths which will adorn the street lanterns along Main Street through the end of December. These banners are provided by the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.
The highway department will be continuing with concrete work along Larkspur Drive through the next two weeks. Milling and Asphalt work is expected to follow, pending weather conditions.
The parks department will be working on asphalt repairs to our Municipal parking lots, pending optimal weather temperatures and conditions.
ST JAMES:
St James residents looking to get into the holiday spirit after turkey dinner should mark the calendars for the annual Deepwells Tree Lighting, held on Saturday Dec. 7th 04:30 PM. Deepwells Farm County Park is located at Route 25A and Moriches Road in St James. The Chamber of Commerce's Menorah lighting ceremony will be held nightly from December 22nd through December 29th. The St. James community will gather at the Triangle at Lake Avenue, Moriches Road and 25A each night of Hanukkah at 5:30 PM, with the exception of Friday, which will take place at 4:30 PM.
Two sets of solar powered LED rectangular rapid flash beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossings with push button activation have been installed along Lake Avenue. These crossings are located at the intersections of Lake Avenue & Sherwood Drive, and at Lake Avenue & Takats Lane. Traffic Safety is set to begin pavement marking along the completed first phase of the Lake Avenue revitalization project. Striping will begin at Patrick’s way and down to Jericho Turnpike.
PSEG-LI continues with the installation of the emergency trunk line at Mills Pond Road. Work is nearly completed along the lines route, with minor delays to local traffic. PSEG-LI has agreed to fund asphalt road work that will need to be redone after the work is completed.
Calling all US Veterans:
We are in the production process of filming a special documentary that highlights Smithtown Residents who have served in the US Military. We are still looking for Veterans to interview for our production. Smithtown Veterans interested in participating, should email spio@Smithtownny.gov or call the Supervisor's office at 631-360-7600