Parks, Beaches, Roads: State Of Smithtown From Supervisor Wehrheim

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim released the first part of his 2023 "State of the Town" address, focusing on infrastructure, traffic, parks and beaches, and more.

"We embark on a new year together with exciting plans to improve services and facilities, equipped with the financial strength to do so," Wehrheim stated. "Throughout this fiscal year, the Town of Smithtown will continue to complete a number of initiatives which include improving accessibility for people with disabilities, protecting and preserving our environment, open space and historical properties, rebuilding and expanding our parks system, revitalizing our downtowns, and finally breaking ground on construction of modern wastewater infrastructure."

The town has also taken a systematic and innovative approach to issues that impact residents, from traffic, road and pedestrian safety, to erosion and water quality, according to Wehrheim.

Roads and Infrastructure

The Smithtown Department of Highways, led by Superintendent Robert Murphy, will aim to improve roadways, bridges, culverts and vital infrastructure. Over the last year, the highway department paved approximately 18 miles of roads, throughout every hamlet in the Town of Smithtown. The upcoming 2023 road program is slated to cover approximately an additional 18 miles of roadways.

The town plans to conduct an updated bridge and culvert report, allowing it to prioritize repairs to areas such as the culvert at Landing Avenue. Work on Brooksite Drive was completed in 2022.

The highway department will replace the guardrail on the Brooksite Drive Bridge without tapping into 2023 road program funds, according to Wehrheim.

The town started a two-year equipment upgrade program geared towards maintaining safer roads while saving taxpayer money.

The investments will give highway crews the ability to repair roads, potholes and pavement before further costly and dangerous damage can evolve.

Highway teams repaired approximately 100 concrete defects this year — aprons, curbs, and sidewalks — throughout the township. Areas include:

• Commack: Wayne Place, Wyoming Street, and Saratoga Street.
• Fort Salonga: Tarleton Lane, Tarleton Court, Truxton Lane, Tulane Court, and Truesdale Court.
• Hauppauge: Sarah Drive, Libby Road, Sequoia Drive, Clifford Boulevard, and Space Way.
• Nesconset: Atlas Place, Suburban Lane, Gemini Lane, Southern Boulevard, Maple Glen Lane, and Schoolhouse Road.
• Smithtown: Cygnet Drive, Kingfisher Drive, Thrush Drive, New Mill Road, and Elm Avenue.
• St. James: First Avenue (partially completed).

In 2022, an American Rescue Plan-funded camera and drain study was done at known "trouble spots" — Meadow Road, Old Northport Road, and Woodlawn Avenue at Moriches Road — to make a plan and timetable for infrastructure repairs, according to Wehrheim. This study helped the highway department to prioritize areas to work on over the course of the next three years.

In addition to road work, repairs will include replacing drainage infrastructure for sustainable stormwater management. Additionally, the highway department formed a blueprint to upgrade six essential roads — Brooksite Drive, Old Willets Path, Plymouth Boulevard, Morewood Drive Edgewood Avenue and Meadow Road — that have been identified as candidates for major road improvement. Estimates for drainage, concrete and paving are underway.

The Smithtown and Hauppauge school districts called on the Smithtown Highway Department to handle repairs and roadwork on school grounds. The work is done on weekends and saves taxpayer money.

Work has been done on potholes, sidewalks, curbs and asphalt, as well as to improve drainage, sumps and walkways. The highway department estimated a savings of at least half of the cost of the work, based on current rates.

Traffic Safety Director Mitch Crowley plans smart lighting, which will save funds on electricity while aiding in traffic study data collection, according to the town. The Traffic Safety Department will be able to monitor operational status and electricity use of the street lighting from the office, or degrade the lighting to a specific percentage if needed.

The technology can also conduct speed and noise analysis and work as cameras for additional security. The department will be able to maintain and replace broken lighting, as well as assist Smithtown's public safety and highway crews with their work.

Park and Beach Renovations:

The town's Flynn Memorial Ballpark project became a focal point to generate commerce and foot traffic in the surrounding area.

"We are confident that plans to upgrade the venue spaces at Landing Country Club and the grounds at Hoyt Farm will have the same success for surrounding hamlets," Wehrheim said.

This year, Smithtown will build six new restrooms with wheelchair access, improve beach facilities and continue makeovers for a number of sports fields, courts, playgrounds and facade landscaping across the six hamlets. Kelly Brown, the town's planning and community development coordinator, attained funding for improved restroom accessibility.

Park Improvements Planned for 2023:

Hoyt Farm: At the popular Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, parks department crews will replace the existing pavilions with two new ones along with brand new barbecue stations and new concrete landings. A new playground and surfacing will be completed in time for warmer weather. The restroom areas were repaved last year. Most recently, the water tower was restored and hoisted up on Jan. 3. The wood boards used to reconstruct the water tower were made at the Harned Sawmill. This project was paid for by Cosentino Realty Group in memory of their former employee, local resident and veteran, John E. Baker.

Landing Country Club: The Parks Department is set to begin making major repairs and renovations inside the venue’s event spaces over the next year. The existing bar and lounge areas inside the Riverview Room will be completely renovated, along with the cafeteria. Outside, the concrete slab will be replaced with a new open pavilion, reinforced by steel bar joists.

Merrywood Cottage will receive a new bar area and kitchen interior, along with retaining walls, walkways, and front steps with new railings at the entrance.

The Nissequogue Room will be revived with a cathedral ceiling, interior alterations and two new handicap accessible bathrooms.

The town will also install state-of-the-art HVAC systems to all three venue spaces and restore the gazebo and walkways at the circle in front of the buildings. The Smithtown Parks Department will begin renovating the inside of the kitchen and seating area at the Country Club Halfway House.

Recently, the pool area, restrooms and small concession area were renovated at Landing Country Club. Other repairs included a new handicapped ramp with a connecting sidewalk to the buildings, golf cart paths and roadways, a custom-built starter shack, halfway house, new landscaping at the entryway island, sidewalks, benches and fencing. The handicapped ramp and connecting sidewalk were funded by Suffolk County and orchestrated by Brown.

Brady Park: The restrooms at Brady Park will be renovated with new stalls and sinks to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The town will add new fencing around the tennis and basketball courts and build a pickleball court. Previously completed improvements include the refurbishing of the tennis and basketball courts, new playground, fencing and all new energy efficient LED lighting.

Kings Park Memorial: The construction of a new pavilion and concrete surface is underway, which will provide shade and an area to relax at Kings Park Memorial Park. Additionally, the restrooms at the park will be remodeled for improved handicapped accessibility. This work is in addition to the completed state-of-the-art new playground, surfacing, sidewalk and fencing at the park.

Savatt Square: The Smithtown Parks Department will install a new sprinkler system and cobblestone to the park area at Savatt Square this year. These improvements will compliment the previous facade work and sustain the new landscaping. Many concerts and community events are held at Savatt Square in the spring, summer and fall. The improvements will bolster the downtown area, which will be receiving a streetscape makeover as sewer installation and roadwork is completed.

Improvements to Sports Fields: The town will renovate the baseball fields at Gibbs Pond, Gaynor and Veterans Memorial Parks this year. At Gaynor Park, the town is adding sod and a sprinkler system to the outfield at the newly turfed little league field. At Gibbs Pond Park, the town is regrading the existing infield, adding new outfield fencing, backstop replacement and new dugouts equipped with a covered roof. At Veterans Memorial, also known as Moriches Park, the town will be renovating the existing baseball field, adding a new backstop and new retaining walls to make the baseball field wider. In addition to the ball field construction at Veterans Memorial, the Smithtown Parks Department will add synthetic turf to the third soccer field to help improve playing time. New tennis courts will be installed with pickleball court compatibility, as well as a new basketball court. New fencing will be built around the basketball and tennis courts.

Pickleball: The Town approved the addition of four new pickleball courts. The location of each court will be determined in the coming months.

Beaches

Callahan's Beach: The town is awaiting permits from the Department of Environmental Conservation to begin repairing the walkway and bluff wall at Callahan's Beach. All bids and funds are in place to start work when the town receives authorization.

"As long as we get these permits in the next few weeks, we are on track to complete the project in time for the community to enjoy during the summer season," Wehrheim said. "We did not receive FEMA support for the damage caused by Tropical Depression Ida and the unexpected storm that took place in August of 2021. Thus, this was an incredibly arduous process to get underway, given its environmentally sensitive nature, DEC permit process, in addition to identifying funding."

The town plans to install new drainage, seawall, walkways and curbing. A new playground and surface are being built on top of the camping area at the beach.

Kings Park Bluff: Parks teams will also begin building new floating docks and decking.

Long Beach: Both the men’s and ladie's restrooms will be remodeled with new ADA-compliant handicap accessible stalls and sinks. The town will be adding new showers to the patio area, replacing the current retaining walls with an expansion of the walkway, new handrails and façade renovations.

Last year, the town added a roof over the stage at Long Beach and state-of-the-art lighting for concerts. The town held an unveiling and dedication ceremony in memory of Parks Labor Crew Leader Don Misuraca, a town resident who loved working at Long Beach.

Improvements are expected to be completed in time for the upcoming beach season.

Schubert Beach: Further down the road at Otto Schubert Beach, the town's parks teams will renovate the restrooms with universally accessible ADA compliant stalls and sinks.

Short Beach: A major facelift is underway at Short Beach which includes new landscaping and curing at the island circle, upgrades to the exterior entrance, curbing and sidewalk for improved handicap accessibility to the building and bathroom areas. Parks teams will be replacing new concrete landings and walkways throughout the facility, and adding new fencing around the playground and walkways. The town will also add outdoor shower areas to two locations, building a new gazebo and adding a pergola to the beach area.

"These renovations will both modernize the beach amenities and give Short Beach a much needed makeover for residents to enjoy all summer long," Wehrheim said.

Other Improvements

Bay Constable Headquarters: The town's bay constables and harbormaster, who regularly patrol Smithtown waters, assist boaters, and maintain waterway safety, will soon have a new headquarters. This project is already underway and includes the addition of a second story. The headquarters is equipped with a new entryway and second story, stabilized by Helical Piles. The base of operations includes the construction of two offices, locker room, bathroom, and kitchen.

Hauppauge Recreation Development Association:

"In continuation of our community engagement with Hauppauge Recreation Development Association, we are unrelenting in our commitment to restore parks in the Hauppauge area," Wehrheim said. "Over the last year, we’ve made improvements to parks such as Burr Winkle, in addition to major renovation work at Hoyt Farm and the total makeover of John E. Baker Park, formerly known as Laurel Drive Park."

The town resurfaced the basketball and tennis courts and converted one tennis court for pickleball at Burr Winkle Park. The town completed infrastructure work, new sidewalks, and drainage repairs at Whitman Hollow Park and cut back the tree line to level out a much larger park space. Director of Parks Joe Arico has been working with members of HRDA on plans for a larger renovation there.

Town Hall: This year, the town plans to complete renovation work with all new restrooms and the restoration of the back hallways where people tend to gather near the Tax Receiver's office. Last year, the town completed a much needed makeover to the exterior, with automated handicap accessible entryway and facade beautification at Town Hall. Smithtown Parks Department crews installed a new platform and steps, brick pavers at the Main Street entrance, new landscaping and lighting. Inside the mailroom, security post areas were renovated to improve access for residents to conduct business. The highway department regraded and paved portions of the parking lot, in addition to installing new drainage infrastructure to help prevent flooding issues. Traffic Safety designed and marked the parking area to allow for closer handicap parking to the entrance.

Revitalization Efforts

Over the last 4-and-a-half years, the Town of Smithtown advanced the public's calls for revitalization throughout the small business areas.

"As we press on with our endeavors to sewer Downtown Main Street in Smithtown, we’ve made great strides in improving the unofficial entryway to Smithtown, at the headwaters of Nissequogue, where the historic Bull Monument watches over Paul T Given Park," Wehrheim said.

In May 2021, the Smithtown Town Board unanimously approved the purchase of the former Oasis gentlemen's club, located across from the historic bull monument. In January, ownership of Paul T. Given Park was granted to the Town of Smithtown in a park swap (Bill Richards Park) with Suffolk County.

Upon receiving final approvals from DEC, the Town will begin to plan for minor remediation and repairs to the infrastructure to improve the quality of life for both its visitors and the local ecosystem. Tentative plans include the removal of invasive Japanese knotweed, adding bioswales to protect the Nissequogue Headwaters from stormwater runoff, added street trees and new landscaping along Main Street.

"We remain committed to preserving the client base of the local canoe/kayak rental business which operates from Paul T. Given Park," Wehrheim said. "As such, it was laid out in the State Alienation Bill, that this park will be open to residents throughout the county and state, in addition to Smithtown residents."

Lake Avenue Revitalization:

"What once was a neglected and vacant Lake Avenue is now a very vibrant and walkable downtown area, packed with small boutique shops, restaurants and offices," Wehrheim said. "Last year we completed the final phase of the Lake Avenue Revitalization with the unveiling of the Municipal Off Street Parking Lot and Celebrate Park."

Smithtown Traffic Safety recently installed a new LED pedestrian crosswalk at the entrance of the park to improve safety and access for surrounding businesses.

"If you have yet to traverse the new and improved Lake Avenue, I highly recommend taking a stroll or stopping by Celebrate Park to relax or enjoy an ice cream cone in the sun," Wehrheim said.

A feasibility study is currently underway by Suffolk County to determine a plan to connect the sewer line to a wastewater treatment facility. The feasibility study is expected to be completed in approximately two months.

Off Street Parking: In addition to improving traffic conditions and pedestrian safety, off-street parking lots are a "vital component" to downtown revitalization, improving foot traffic and property value for small businesses, said Wehrheim.

Lake Avenue, St. James: Lake Avenue is now home to the third municipal off-street parking lot completed in a central business district in a four-year span. The municipal lot features 33 parking spaces, E.V. charging station, ornate street lighting and two entrances.

Pulaski Road, Kings Park: In 2020, the town completed the Jumpstart Grant-funded Municipal Parking Lot in downtown Kings Park, located on Pulaski Road, just off Main Street. The municipal lot contains 23 spaces, an electric vehicle charging station with two spaces for EV vehicles, and state-of-the-art LED cost-efficient lighting.

Bellemeade Avenue, Smithtown: In 2018, the town completed the Bellemeade Avenue Municipal Parking Lot, providing 139 spaces of customer parking for 13 small businesses.

Sewer Infrastructure Update

Kings Park:

"I’m very pleased to announce that the construction process for sewer infrastructure in Kings Park is set to break ground in the spring," Wehrheim said.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone recently signed off on an additional $5.4 million in funds to go toward reconstructing the roads once the infrastructure has been installed. The funds will allow the project to move forward uninterrupted. In addition to the installation and expansion of the sewer district into downtown Kings Park, the county and the town allocated revitalization funding for streetscape work, (street lighting, sidewalks, crosswalks, etc.) giving the Kings Park business district a "much-needed facelift" once the infrastructure is installed, Wehrheim said.

Smithtown: Suffolk County is conducting due diligence on a derelict building site owned by the New York State Office of Mental Health at the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center as the only known viable location to recharge clean water back into the ground. The plan would involve removing an abandoned building, using 2-and-a-half of 17 acres of the land for the recharge basin, while preserving the remaining 14.5 acres of land as open space.

"This process is vital to construct much needed sewer infrastructure in downtown Smithtown, using a $20 million NYS Transformative Investment Program (TIP) grant to partially fund construction," Wehrheim said. "This is a very large and delicate step in a bigger plan to restore economic growth and the health of our precious waterways."

Wehrheim thanked the Smithtown Sewer Working Group, led by Smithtown United President Tim Small, Suffolk County Deputy County Executive & Water Czar Peter Scully, Smithtown’s Planning Director Peter Hans, Principal Planner Allyson Murray, and Environmental Director David Barnes, in conjunction with Council on Environmental Quality Vice Chair Michael Kaufman, Kings Park Chamber President Tony Tanzi, Smithtown Chamber Executive Director Barbara Franco and representatives from surrounding neighborhoods.

Downtown Facade Grants for Small Business: Last year the Town of Smithtown launched a Small Business Facade Grant program, which would provide funds of up to $20,000 to property owners to enhance or renovate the exterior of their storefronts. Funding for this program was allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act.

This program, intended to assist small business owners to get back on their feet in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic while beautifying the downtown areas is overseen by Brown.

"I’m pleased to announce that we’re currently in the process of facilitating four grants, with expressed interest from a handful of other local businesses," Wehrheim said.

Interested property owners/businesses can apply and learn more about the program by clicking the Facade Grant Button here.

Environmental Efforts:

Last year, the Department of Environment and Waterways, Highway, Engineering, and Parks departments worked with Suffolk County crews to form a Stream Team. The program is spearheaded by department leadership; Joe Arico and Assistant Town Park Maintenance Director Tom Heester, David Barnes, Mark Riley, Robert Murphy, and his deputy superintendent, Jim Deutsch.

The team studied and inspected the small streams beneath the town for blockages, sediment and invasive species.

"They did an incredible job engaging with the various neighborhoods, residents and each other to clean and maintain areas where sediment buildup and poor water flow caused flooding issues for the residents," Wehrheim said. "The plan moving forward is to maintain these clean streams through proper management and partnership, hence giving local residents peace of mind during significant rain events."

Hazardous Waste: In 2022, the Town of Smithtown collected approximately 50 tons of household hazardous waste from residents for safe disposal. More than 665 households safely shredded over 16 tons of paper during the free shred events in the spring and fall.

Stormwater Runoff: The Department of Highways ramped up stormwater runoff and drainage efforts, cleaning 466 catch basins throughout the town. Additionally, with the use of ARPA funds, crews were able to clean the vegetation of all 25 town recharge basins. Cleanups such as these involve removing debris, harmful plastics and other pollutants to groundwater.

Tree Planting & Preservation: In addition to the Town of Smithtown’s 2022 Tree City USA recognition, the Town received its third consecutive growth award from the Arbor Day Foundation. In 2022, the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) planted 600 trees, with an additional 150 trees planted by the Highway Department, totaling 2,000 trees planted over the last three years.

At the end of 2022, Smithtown Urban Foresters were able to maintain a one to one ratio of street trees planted to removed and plans to exceed that ratio this coming year. They will do so by applying for new forestry grants, expected to be announced this month.

Additionally, the town's tree inventory program helps its department experts find and treat ailing trees before they need to be removed, without needing to rely on residential calls or inquiries. This database also aids in protecting trees from harmful invasive species such as the Emerald ash borer beetle.

STEM Partnership:

"The Town of Smithtown is pleased to begin the process of expanding the very popular STEM partnership program to include Kings Park School District along with the Smithtown Central School District," Wehrheim said.

New STEM presentations include recycling/solid waste, shellfish repopulation, forestry & invasive species, stormwater pollution and nitrogen reduction. The objective of the program is for students to apply lesson plans using the branches of science to address real world issues and uncover ways to preserve and protect the local environment.

"On behalf of the Town of Smithtown administration, and municipal workforce, we look forward to rolling our sleeves up to go to work with the community on the opportunities, public matters and all that lies ahead," Wehrheim said. "We will continue to prioritize innovative ways to improve quality of life at every step of the way. Inclusivity for individuals with disabilities, traffic and pedestrian safety, our drinking water, ecosystem and local economy remain our highest priority. Thanks to outstanding fiscal management, grant programming, and outside the box thinking we are able to achieve these goals for the people of Smithtown, despite a less than desirable economy. I’d like to close by thanking the incredible Smithtown workforce, department leadership and my fellow elected public servants who go to work each day with a constant passion for serving our community. It is a great privilege to serve the People of Smithtown together with this remarkable team."