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Town of Smithtown

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Smithtown Concrete, shown in 2018, was a staple in Smithtown for decades. Photo by Gary Woods

A modern car dealership is taking the place of a Smithtown staple along Route 25.

All that is left of Smithtown Concrete. Photo by Rita J. Egan

A few weeks ago, the old Smithtown Concrete Products Corp. building was demolished to make room for CarMax.

A representative for the used car dealer said the business is slated to open in Smithtown toward the middle of next year. The dealership is moving into the location of the former concrete business on the corner of Middle Country Road and Montclair Avenue. A company official called Smithtown “a good fit.”

“We chose the Smithtown site because it was centrally located in the trade area we wanted to serve, in the middle of a very strong car dealer row, and was large enough to meet our needs,” the official said.

According to the CarMax representative, the company “typically invests between $10- and $25 million on each store location, and they are planning on a small-format store in Smithtown which would require an estimate of between 10 and 15 employees.” CarMax stores can have anywhere between 200 and 400 used cars on its lots, and it offers more vehicles on its website and mobile app. Cars can be chosen from any of the company’s locations and can be delivered to homes, according to the company.

CarMax received site plan approval unanimously Nov. 6, 2018 from the Smithtown Town Board. At the time, the site was recorded as 18.31 acres. The irregularly shaped property is composed of 13 tax lots and is not near any wetlands or flood zones.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim was joined by Town Clerk Vincent Puleo and Councilman Tom Lohmann on Thursday, to hand deliver a check to Pat Westlake at the Smithtown Food Pantry. The check for over $1600 was the result of a Battle of the Towns fundraiser organized by the Recreation Department back in March. Town employees and members of the public used the Kilter App in a 30 day fitness challenge against the Town of Riverhead. The proceeds from the event went to a cause of each Town’s choosing. The Town of Smithtown chose to donate proceeds to the Smithtown Food Pantry.

“I want to thank the Recreation Department, under the leadership of Tom McCaffery, for their unique team building and health conscious idea which not only got us in shape for the Summer, but did some genuine good in the community. This was a fantastic effort made by many Town employees and residents alike. I’m pleased to say that the money we raised for the Food Pantry will go towards major improvements which Pat Westlake has planned for this year,: said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “On a side note, I’d also like to commend Pat Westlake for her saintly efforts during the pandemic. Despite enormous heartbreak and the challenges which the pandemic caused for the food pantry, she made sure that families in need did not go without. Westlake went above and beyond during the holidays, and I commend her latest efforts to rebuild a better Food Pantry.”

The Kilter 30-day virtual fitness fundraising event was a competition between the Town of Riverhead and Town of Smithtown, New York. Town employees and Smithtown community members who registered for the event logged daily fitness routines from March 21st through April 19th, 2021. Healthy activities such as running, spinning, swimming, meditating, and even social activities like volunteering and advocacy were logged virtually, using the Kilter Fitness App each day. Points are earned every day for both personal and team scores. The Kilter Fitness App can be used for fundraising events like this or for personal health goals.

Due to NYS restrictions, residents mailed monetary donations and gift cards to Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry (Post Office Box 1663, Smithtown, NY 11787) in lieu of dropping off supplies and goods, during the pandemic. Under the leadership of Pat Westlake, the Food Pantry was able to deliver hundreds of grocery store gift cards on a regular basis to local families in need, giving them the independence of food shopping on their own. Westlake plans to keep this popular method alive by creating a shopping experience at the Food Pantry. Enspire Design Group (St. James, NY) Principal Architect & Founder Michael Morbillo has begun design plans to take the Smithtown Food Pantry into a phenomenal new era.

Community members who wish to help contribute to the renovations or donate to families in need can do so by mailing checks to Smithtown Food Pantry, 90 Edgewater Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787 or via Post Office Box at PO Box 1663, Smithtown, NY 11787. For more information visit SmithtownFoodPantry.org.

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Maria Scheuring

A Smithtown lawyer is hoping to achieve something new in the town by becoming the first female supervisor.

Maria Scheuring recently won the approval of Democrats during the June primaries and will be running on Election Day to unseat town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) who is seeking his second term.

If she wins, Scheuring will be the first female supervisor in the Town of Smithtown, and the first Democrat to win since Patrick Vecchio ran in 1977. He switched to the Republican Party in 1990, his run in 1977 making him the first Democrat on the Town Council in 16 years.

Scheuring said “it’s about time for some female representation” and whether a candidate is Democrat or Republican shouldn’t matter.

“In a town that is majority female, we deserve to have our voices heard,” the candidate said. “Since this is a town race, it should not be partisan. To me, it doesn’t matter, Democrat or Republican, because national issues simply do not correspond to our town’s issues. What does matter is values, commitment and transparency. That’s what I want to bring to Town Hall.”

Despite the Republicans’ stronghold on Smithtown, Rich Schaffer, chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Committee, believes Scheuring has a lot to offer the town.

“Maria’s experience as an attorney and small business owner, and her involvement in the Smithtown school district supporting and advocating for music education makes her an exemplary candidate to bring new leadership to the Town of Smithtown,” Schaffer said in an email. “Maria’s strong roots in the community and incredible work ethic is going to not only motivate Dems to come out and vote, but also give her the cross-party support she needs to win the race.”

Background

Scheuring moved to Smithtown from the Bronx in 2006. While she spent most of her formative years in the borough, moving there when she was 12, she was born in Poughkeepsie, and in her earlier years, she moved around to a lot to places such as New Jersey, Texas and Mexico City.

Her parents were Catholic missionaries who both held doctorates in theology and eventually taught at Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio, where Scheuring earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She said with her sister and brother being close in age to her, that was the only option, since her parents couldn’t afford college for all three at the same time, and they could go to the university for free since their parents taught there.

After achieving her master’s degree, she went on to Fordham University School of Law and obtained her doctorate. She was an assistant district attorney for the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for a few years, before working as an associate attorney for private practices and eventually opening up her own law office.

The divorced mom of three teenagers said her legal career covers everything from guardianship to visiting clients in nursing homes to looking over music contracts. She said her love of music started when she was 11 years old and picked up a guitar. She was in school bands throughout high school and college. While her career plans took another direction, she’s involved in Patchogue’s Alive After Five music series and has enjoyed teaching at Musicology in Smithtown.

Run for supervisor

The candidate said her son Maddox, who interned for Nancy Goroff who ran for U.S. Congress last year on the Democratic ticket, turned her onto politics. Scheuring said he was participating in a Zoom meeting when she heard they needed people to run for Smithtown Town Board.

“I feel like I’m at the point where my kids are getting older and one just graduated high school,” she said. “Should I move or should I do something to try to make it a little better?”

She decided to try to do something to make it a better place to live. She said she feels Smithtown residents have so much at stake.

“You invest so much in this town and in your property and community, but what are you getting back?” she said.

Among her goals, if elected, are downtown revitalization, protection of the environment, affordable housing and transparency. She said like many she feels there are too many abandoned storefronts in the town.

“There are a lot of abandoned storefronts,” she said. “I don’t think that there’s any incentive to get restaurants here.”

She added she went to Bay Shore one night and thought of restaurants in Smithtown that left the town and reopened elsewhere. She said other areas have more restaurants and a livelier evening environment and in turn bring in more revenue and have a stronger community.

She said she believes that most people want to live in a more vibrant town, and while they may not want it as developed as Patchogue, they would be open to something like Sayville or Bay Shore.

“Those are nice towns, those are not overdeveloped,” she said.

She also added that many of the proposed housing in the area is not as affordable as developers have promised. She said revitalization should include discussions with community members including civic groups.

Scheuring also added that she feels the proposed Flowerfield development in St. James isn’t good for the town. Plans include the building of an assisted living facility as well as a hotel and sewage treatment plant. 

“Whatever they want to do there, I don’t know how anyone could agree with that,” she said. “There’s just no feasible way that could keep this town the way it is. I think a lot of people are against that no matter what party affiliation.”

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for Animal Shelters and animal hospitals across the country. Fireworks cause severe stress and fear in animals, which can result in domestic animals running loose from the home. Given the increase in fireworks expected over the Independence Day holiday weekend, the Town of Smithtown has compiled a list of tips and information that can help you protect your pets during this time of year.

If your pet tends to be scared or hides during thunderstorms, it is likely fireworks also terrify them. Dogs with hypersensitive hearing or muscle injuries/inflammation can also feel pain due to fireworks. When animals are scared or in pain, they seek safe shelter away from the source. There are a number of things you can do to alleviate the stress of fireworks.

  • Plan to keep your pets indoors away from windows when fireworks are going off.  Do not bring your dog out to watch the colorful display in the sky. Do not leave dogs tethered to leashes outdoors.

  • Create hiding spaces for cats and dogs a few days prior to festivities.

  • Check your dog’s harness or collar, which should be tightly fastened and equipped with identification tags. In the event your dog gets out of the home, identification tags will make it easier to reach you, if the dog is found.

  • If your pet needs anti-anxiety medications to cope, be sure to work with your Vet to ensure you have an ample supply for the duration of the long weekend. Contact your veterinarian well ahead of the holiday.

  • If your pets have been microchipped, take time before the holiday weekend to check that the chip is active and all information is current. Contact your vet if you cannot find your pet’s microchip information.

  • Check for holes underneath yard fencing which a dog or cat can use to escape from the noise. Secure your windows and doors. Additionally, you can close window curtains and use household items like fans, air-conditioning units, televisions, and radios to assist in drowning out the sounds.

  • Always contact your Vet for advice or recommendations prior to trying calming aids or products.

  • Prior to the evening hours, if the weather permits, try to get your dog out for some rigorous exercise which will tire them out and lower stress levels.

New York State Law:

  • Fireworks, with the exception of “sparkling devices” are illegal in the State of New York.

  • New York State Law allows for the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as Sparkling Devices. (Ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.)

  • The sale of illegal fireworks (roman candles, bottle rockets, mines, pyrotechnics, etc.) is a Class “B” misdemeanor. Possession of these illegal fireworks is a violation.

For more information regarding Fireworks and NYS law visit: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/news/sparklingdevices.cfm

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Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown Senior Center has announced the full reopening of the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. In person programming began last month, with the partial reopening focused on center clubs and activities. Rigorous cleaning and safety precautions were also implemented to ensure the health and wellbeing of the membership. The Senior Center will begin full scale operations, including meal services, on Monday, June 28.

“It is an honor to officially welcome back our residents to the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center. This could not be possible without Laura Greif, and the dedicated, compassionate team at the Senior Center… Registration is on the rise, with 22 new members signed up just this week. People are eager to safely socialize and gather again. I am truly grateful for this day and look forward to seeing many smiling faces enjoying all the center has to offer,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

A welcome back Karaoke party is scheduled for June 30. Additionally, the annual July 4th celebration is set for Friday, July 2. Senior Center Program favorites including Zumba, quilting, gardening and strength training are all featured on the monthly calendar. Clubs have also begun to conduct their bi-weekly meetings. The Senior Center staff is currently in the process of planning outings and trips for the membership to take advantage of. Coffee & bagels and Lunch services will be offered effective June 28th. The pool room is currently open.

In March of 2020, the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center was required, under New York State Executive Order, to close its doors to the public, at the start of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Supervisor Wehrheim worked closely with Senior Center Director Laura Greif and her team to arrange for weekly meal delivery for those residents who relied on the meal programs. Under Greif’s leadership, the Senior Center staff worked diligently to set up a number of services and programs to assist the most vulnerable of Smithtown’s population as each resident was forced to shelter in place.

Harris Friedman and the Transportation Unit worked to drive senior residents to grocery stores, and doctor appointments/wellbeing visits. Patty Bornhoft maintained the edible garden last summer, and delivered the weekly harvest of vegetables, fruit and herbs to the Garden Club members. In addition to checking in on the membership, regularly, Victoria Rice made over 400 face masks for distribution. Home Repair crews focused on facilitating outdoor projects, and minor exterior home maintenance.

Senior Center Director Laura Greif began daily ZOOM meetings to connect with the membership on a more personal basis. Then in January of 2021, a massive coordinated effort between the Supervisor’s Office, NY State, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and the Senior Center began in order to arrange vaccine appointments for Senior Citizens in the Community. In Spring, the Town of Smithtown conducted two vaccine sites; in Kings Park and at the Senior Center in Smithtown, successfully vaccinating close to 600 residents.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm through July 1st. Summer Hours (July 1st – August 31) are Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Eugene Cannataro Senior Center is located at 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown.

 

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An aerial view of the Oasis Gentlemen's Club. Cropped from a Town of Smithtown aerial photo

The landscape is about to change in Smithtown.

The Town of Smithtown will buy the Oasis Gentlemen’s Club for $815,000. The Town Board unanimously approved the purchase at its May 20 meeting.

“This is a great victory for the residents, who’ve asked for this throughout the last two decades, thanks in part to the tireless efforts of the town attorney’s office,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) in an email statement.

The building has stood across from the Bull statue at 490 W. Jericho Turnpike for decades and sits on two lots that are the equivalent to one-fifth of an acre. Smithtown plans to use the land for a public space that will have waterfront access to the Nissequogue River that flows right behind it. The Oasis will close around the middle of June, according to attorney Howard Greenberg who represents the owner, 490 W. Jericho Realty Corp.

The purchase follows years of litigation between the owner and the town. In October, town officials began talks about eminent domain if an agreement wasn’t reached with the bar’s owner.

In a phone interview, Greenberg said the deal is fair and equitable considering the circumstances. The attorney said there had been a lot of back and forth between his client and the town through the years. The club owner was unable to obtain approval from the town for any improvements he wanted to make, even though Greenberg said town administration and attorneys were decent to work with.

He said the decision to sell the business, which he stated is constitutionally protected, was made by his client.

“I think it’s in the best interest of the client and in the interest of the town,” Greenberg said. “You’re not going to find many people that are going to stand up for the rights of this type of business.”

The building that now houses the Oasis has been known by many names through the decades including the Bull Creek Inn. During an Oct. 27 town special meeting, Peter Hans, Smithtown planning director, said the structure predates an assessment done by the town in 1947. That year, it was listed as Cliff’s Tavern Barroom. At the October meeting, Hans said the building is not on the historic sites inventory.

The building has been used for adult entertainment since 1979. Besides Oasis and Bull Creek Inn, members of the Facebook group, You know you’re from Smithtown, New York if:, also remember the business having names such as Habitat and Rosebuds after Cliff’s Tavern Barroom was no longer in business.

During the town’s May 20 meeting, the board also unanimously approved moving forward with a park swap with Suffolk County. Smithtown officials are aiming for the county to acquire the town’s Bill Richards Park next to Blydenburgh County Park; in return, the county will hand over Paul T. Given County Park to Smithtown. The plan will require special legislation authorized by state Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick (R-St. James) and state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James).

“Upon resolution, which includes a park swap with Suffolk County, this will be a sanctuary for both the residents and biotic community at the head of the Nissequogue River,” Wehrheim said.

The town supervisor added that the plans for the property were in line with Smithtown’s Comprehensive Master Plan and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program “which looks to limit development and safeguard the river corridor area.”

“I look forward to witnessing the community enjoy breathtaking views from shore or canoe of what will be a whimsical oasis at the heart of Smithtown,” Wehrheim said.

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Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown
Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown, in partnership with Kings Park Central School District and Rite Aid, successfully hosted the second and final round of COVID-19 Booster vaccines for 160 school employees and residents ages 50 and up, over the weekend. On Saturday, May 15, a temporary COVID-19 Vaccine Site was implemented at Kings Park High School. Rite Aid facilitated and administered 160 Moderna vaccines to those individuals who previously received their first dose, four weeks prior.

Kings Park Fire Department was on standby protocol in the event of an adverse reaction. Six KPHS National Honor Society students volunteered to assist with logistics and registration during the event, alongside staff from the Smithtown Senior Center and Supervisor Wehrheim’s Office.

“The entire event was smooth sailing thanks to an incredible partnership with Kings Park School District and Rite Aid. I am especially grateful to the team at our Smithtown Senior Center, as well as some incredible high school students, all who volunteered their Saturdays to serve the people of our community,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Approximately 160 Moderna vaccines were supplied and administered to Smithtown residents and surrounding school district employees courtesy of Rite Aid Pharmacy. Vaccines were administered by healthcare professionals from Rite Aid. Residents were then monitored during the required 20 minute observation period. The average appointment took a total of 30 minutes, with the bulk of time going towards monitoring. The Moderna booster vaccines were administered exactly four weeks from the date of each first vaccine appointment, held on Saturday, April 17th..

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From left, Environmental Director David Barnes, Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Smithtown artist Susan Buroker, Smithtown CSD Art Teacher Timothy Needles talk with students about stormwater runoff. Photo from Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown, in partnership with the Smithtown Central School District, has begun a unique partnership in time for the 2021-2022 school year. Town officials will begin to coordinate hands-on experiential learning opportunities with school science teachers, which focus on real world environmental issues affecting the community. The new programming will focus on the branches of science and how to apply the curriculum to real world issues such as solid waste, invasive species, and water quality.

“We’re absolutely thrilled at the prospect of getting our youth more engaged in critical environmental issues, like protecting the watershed, and Long Island’s impending waste crisis. I can remember back to my school days, always asking ‘When am I ever going to use this in the real world?’ This programming takes studies from the chalk board to the real world, so kids witness the benefits of their hard work unfold before their eyes… I’m especially grateful for the School Districts partnership in what will undoubtedly be a phenomenal learning experience for our youth,” said Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

Over the Summer, town department experts at Environment and Waterways, and Municipal Services Facility will begin coordinating with school district science teachers to help perfect the programming. Real world topics include the impending solid waste crisis, shellfish and water quality, invasive species census and stormwater runoff. Each class will hear expert presentations from Smithtown’s environmental authorities, in addition to participating in eco-adventure field trips. Students will then learn how to apply STEM related solutions to real world issues.

While still in the planning phase, the new partnership program is slated to launch in the fall.

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Paige Elizabeth Keely

The Town of Smithtown, in partnership with the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, will host free Brain Arteriovenous Malformations & Aneurysms (AVM) screenings at Smithtown Town Hall, 99 Main St., Smithtown on Tuesday May 25. Screenings will take place from noon to 7pm in the Victor T. Liss Board Room. Appointments must be reserved in advance online at https://thepaigekeelyfoundation.com/avm-screening

“I’m grateful to Gina Keely, the Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, Dr. Bekelis and the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island, for their partnership in providing this lifesaving service to the people of Smithtown. This is a magnificent way to honor Paige’s memory. I encourage everyone to learn more about AVM detection and take part in a free screening.”  – Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

On January 8th, 2018, six year old resident Paige Keely was tragically taken from the world when a Brain Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) had ruptured at school. Doctors informed her family that Paige was born with this condition and that it was treatable with early detection. The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation, a nonprofit 501c3 organization, was founded in Paige’s honor to help prevent further loss, through early detection, AVM screenings and community awareness about this treatable disease.

In February of 2021 the Town Board, by unanimous decision, declared the week of May 24th, 2021, (in honor of her birthday; May 24th, 2011) as Paige Elizabeth Keely AVM Awareness week in the Town of Smithtown. The intent is to bring AVM awareness to the community through events and screenings which promote the early detection, identifying and treating of Brain Arteriovenous Malformations & Aneurysms.

The free screening is a simple, non-invasive, basic exam and Q & A process. Screenings take approximately 15 minutes and can help to determine if further medical detection is needed.

DID YOU KNOW?

If Brain AVM’s & Aneurysms rupture, effective treatment becomes more difficult, and generally a person’s chances of surviving are much lower.

Brain AVM’s & Aneurysms that have not ruptured typically have little to no symptoms, until it’s too late. This is why early detection can save lives.

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Elected officials and the family of Daniel Flynn get ready to cut the ribbon at the grand reopening of the Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park. Photo from Town of Smithtown

A baseball field stands as a reminder of the sacrifice of one former Kings Park resident.

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Daniel Flynn’s family view the new memorial stone at the park dedicated to the fallen Vietnam solider. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) and town officials were on hand Friday, April 23, for the ribbon cutting and grand reopening of the Daniel J. Flynn Memorial Park on Old Commack Road. They were joined by members of Flynn’s family, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Kings Park civic and chamber.

The ballpark, which was constructed in 1979, was recently renovated with four resurfaced synthetic turf fields that feature a built-in drainage system, warning tracks and pitchers’ warm-up mounds. LED energy-efficient sports lighting was also added to the park, and a two-story air-conditioned building includes a concession stand, pro shop and handicapped-accessible bathrooms on the first floor. The second floor features a press box.

Wehrheim said he knew Flynn growing up.

“I think you will agree what a beautiful facility this is for the honor of someone that’s been close to me,” the supervisor said. “I grew up as a very young child with the Flynn family. We played together. We went to school together. Truth be told, Danny always was the best ballplayer.”

Flynn was a member of the 720th Military Police Battalion, C Company, and was a private first class. Just 20 days after his arrival in Vietnam, he was killed in action May 25, 1968, after taking the place of a friend on an escort assignment.

The Kings Park High School graduate was a member of the school’s varsity baseball team, and he played semi-professional baseball on the grounds of Kings Park State Hospital. He received tryout offers from the St. Louis Cardinals but instead enlisted in the U.S. Army

Wehrheim said that the ballpark deteriorated greatly since it was built in 1979. He added the project was budgeted for $4.2 million, however, the town went over the projected costs by approximately $3 million. He thanked the town’s Comptroller’s Office for finding the money to complete the project. Wehrheim added that the renovations were supposed to be completed in 2022, and they were a year ahead of schedule.

Dennis Flynn thanked those who made the renovations of the ballpark named in his brother’s memory. Photo by Rita J. Egan

He said, in addition to honoring Flynn, the park was renovated for the children and families in the community.

“It had to be top notch and that’s exactly what we did,” he said.

Richard Kitson, president of the Suffolk County Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, congratulated the town on the job.

“I come from Levittown where you have a little sign in front of the library, and it’s very nice, but it’s not this,” he said.

Kitson said the rededication of the ballpark was an important event.

“Nothing more meaningful is happening on this Island than what’s happening here, and the reason it’s happening is because patriots like the people behind me never forgot the only way to honor Daniel is to never forget him,” he said.

Flynn’s brother Dennis Flynn, who Wehrheim described as the patriarch of the Flynn family, took to the podium before the ribbon cutting. In addition to introducing his family members and thanking the Town Board and departments involved in the renovation, he had a message for his deceased brother.

“Thank you for sacrificing your life to make this country stronger,” he said.

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