Smithtown · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Smithtown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Country Pointe Estates Condominium Development
A proposed 288-unit condominium project in Kings Park is up for a planning board recommendation, which will shape future housing density and local infrastructure considerations.
Industrial Manufacturing and Outdoor Storage Operations at Pelkowski Precast
Pelkowski Precast wants to expand its Kings Park concrete operation with outdoor storage, tall walls and reduced setbacks. The case was adjourned to December 15 after the applicant's attorney missed the meeting.
Commercial Hotel Expansion on Vanderbilt Motor Parkway
A 122-room, four-story hotel with a food retail drive-through is proposed at the former Gasho restaurant site in Hauppauge. It needs a stack of variances and a town board special permit; the zoning board held off pending county review.
Beechwood Condominium Development Proposal
Beechwood Smithtown LLC is proposing a large 288-unit condominium community in Kings Park. The project requires special consideration because it involves building on and altering steep, environmentally sensitive slopes.
Cosmic Self Storage Facility on Jericho Turnpike
Residents bordering 882 West Jericho Turnpike raised concerns about a proposed two-story self-storage facility, questioning potential lighting glare, noise from storage doors, and impacts on adjacent wetlands and wildlife.
Residential Additions and Environmental Compliance in Waterfront and Sloped Areas
Residents expressed significant concerns regarding a four-lot subdivision at 20 Sunken Meadow Road, citing risks of severe erosion, stormwater runoff, asbestos remediation, and the preservation of steep slopes and wooded acreage.
Map of Stonebridge Golf Facility Covenant Modification
Stonebridge is asking to change a rule so their golf course and clubhouse can stay open while the town looks at a new subdivision application.
Federal HUD Road Rehabilitation Grant Funding
The town accepted $5 million in federal grant funds to support ongoing road repair and infrastructure improvements.
Emergency Scene Solicitation Local Law
The board scheduled a public hearing for May 21 on a new law to stop aggressive commercial solicitation and board-up companies from interfering at emergency scenes.
Industrial Park Parking and Landscape Island Standards
Neighbors expressed concerns about noise and lighting from industrial properties in Commack. The Board required the applicant to address lighting and planting buffers.
Solid Waste Management Recyclables Containers
The town is changing its recycling rules to require all items to be placed directly in designated bins rather than plastic bags, aiming to improve recycling processing.
Town Line Road Traffic and Industrial Noise Concerns
Residents from Commack and Hauppauge raised serious concerns about a persistent 24/7 humming and tonal noise coming from the Hauppauge Industrial Park that is disrupting sleep and quality of life. An online petition gathered hundreds of signatures in less than a day, and residents urged the town to investigate and mitigate the issue.
Raising Cane's Signage and Visual Impact
Residents and town planners pushed back against Raising Cane's request for oversized and multiple wall signs, arguing it creates commercial clutter and resembles a billboard. The board ultimately denied the sign variances.
Old Northport Road Corridor Rezoning (Francis Popolizio)
A long-standing trucking and storage yard operating on residential land is seeking a rezoning to light industry to match surrounding properties and the town's comprehensive plan.
Digital Beach and Park Parking Pass System
Smithtown is looking to ditch physical windshield stickers for a digital license plate reader system. It would cost $5 per car, but seniors over 65 and veterans would get 100% off, saving the town around $300,000 a year.
Commercial Redevelopment and Signage in Commack
Commercial properties like Bolla EM Realty and Zwanger Pesiri Radiology requested multiple sign variances for wall sign heights, quantities, and canopy displays along major thoroughfares like Jericho Turnpike and Smithtown Bypass.
Burr Winkle Park Playground and Comfort Station Grant
The town is applying for a $1.78 million state grant under the NY PLAYS initiative to overhaul Burr Winkle Park in Commack, adding ADA-compliant playground equipment and winterized restrooms.
E-Bike and Motorized Device Restrictions
The town is moving forward with rules to regulate e-bikes in alignment with state laws and ban them from town parks and beaches, except on designated paths, to ensure public safety.
Split-Zoned Property Regulations and Residential Buffer Protection
The board examined whether to lift a restrictive covenant on a residentially zoned portion of a commercial property in St. James to allow a large accessory garage. Board members emphasized protecting adjacent homeowners who bought properties relying on residential buffers, leading to an adjournment for a redesign.
Industrial Warehouse Expansion at Adams Avenue
Industrial property owners across Hauppauge and Kings Park are requesting substantial parking reductions and setback variances for new warehouse and logistics facilities.