Town Of Islip Hosts Public Workshop On Comprehensive Plan TOI-360

ISLIP, NY — The Town of Islip is hosting a workshop to inform the public about its TOI-360, a comprehensive plan designed to guide the community’s growth and development over the next 20 years and beyond, the town announced in November.

The town said the initiative marks the first update to the Town's comprehensive plan since 1979, aiming to address key areas such as sprawl and congestion while promoting coordinated development and informed infrastructure investment.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the workshop will take place in the Auditorium of Town Hall West, at 401 Main Street, Islip. According to a statement, the workshop aims to inform the public about the planning process, present a snapshot of the town’s existing conditions, introduce key themes and preliminary goals, and hear from the public what their priorities are.

According to a statement, the TOI-360 plan derives its name from the town’s rich history. In two decades, it will be just over 360 years since William Nicoll purchased land from the Secatogue Nation in 1683. The number 360 also represents this full-circle opportunity to reflect on Islip’s past, thoroughly examine growth patterns and land use trends, and develop a shared vision for the future. This comprehensive plan will address issues like sprawl and congestion while promoting coordinated development and informed infrastructure investment.

The statement said the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan is essential for several reasons. First, it provides a clear vision for Islip’s future and offers a framework for decision-making. This ensures that the community’s needs and aspirations guide all policies and actions by the local government. By accommodating diverse views, values, and interests, the plan fosters collaboration and builds consensus among stakeholders with varying perspectives.

The public engagement process will be one of the key challenges in a Town of this size – Islip is the third most populated municipality in New York State. The Town is committed to ensuring there is broad public input from the diverse population within the Town of Islip, which is home to over 330,000 residents spread across multiple hamlets, each with its own unique character, historical land use patterns, and strong community ties.

Engaging a wide range of voices is critical to understanding the needs and priorities across different communities, neighborhoods, and hamlets. While the plan will primarily address issues at a townwide level, it will also provide an opportunity to identify specific community concerns and local priorities.

Furthermore, the TOI-360 planning process is driven by public engagement, with input from local government representatives, community organizations, businesses, and residents playing a critical role in shaping the plan. There are several opportunities for public participation, including both in-person meetings and online activities, with dates and locations for public workshops to be announced this fall.

Three online surveys are now live at TOI360.com to gather input on key issues and priorities for both the Town and individual hamlets. The first is a traditional online survey, inviting residents to share their thoughts on topics such as housing, economic development, and parks. The other two are interactive tools that encourage collaboration, allowing users to engage with and build upon others' comments. The "Ideas Wall" lets participants post suggestions in a format similar to sticky notes, while the "Interactive Map" allows users to pinpoint specific locations, such as parks or intersections that need attention. All three online surveys will remain open through the end of the year.