Week in Review: Presidential Debate Party; LA Fitness Opens

WATCH: College Students React to First Obama-Romney Debate

The Patch Northern Suffolk/East End Presidential Debate Party at The Bench in Stony Brook was packed with politicians, locals and party affiliates, but one particular group of people showed up en masse for the event – Stony Brook University students.

Following the event, students took the time to speak with Patch about Pres. Barack Obama and chalenger Mitt Romney, who they thought had the advantage going into the second debate and more. 

FLASH POLL: Who Won? Insiders Pick Romney

Political insiders across Downstate New York seem to agree: Mitt Romney was the victor in the first presidential debate on Wednesday night in which the former Massachusetts governor spent much of the time on the attack.

Big Crowd for Presidential Debate Viewing Party at The Bench [Photos]

Dozens of locals, politicians and Stony Brook University students gathered at The Bench in Stony Brook on Wednesday night for the Northern Suffolk/East End Presidential Debate Party.

While food and drinks were consumed the attendees were monofocused on the four big-screen TVs in the main room for the first presidential debate between Pres. Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney, but as the night went on the party grew and spilled out on to the floor of the bar and restaurant. 

Dozens of locals – and not-so-locals – packedThe Bench in Stony Brook for a Live Viewing Party of the first presidential debate, a mix of more than 60 students, small business owners.

LA Fitness Opens on Smithtown's Main Street

After months of construction LA Fitness in the Branch Shopping Plaza on Main Street in Smithtown is now open.

The fitness center opened at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Although open for a little more than 24 hours, General Manager at the gym William Berju said the response from locals so far has been great.

Bicyclist Avoids Serious Injury in Route 25A Accident

A bicyclist avoided serious injury Thursday eveing after being struck by a car on Route 25A in Smithtown.

According to a Suffolk County Police officer at the scene, a bicyclist was struck by a 1999 Jeep on Route 25A across from St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center at roughly 5:30 p.m. The bicyclist, whose name was not disclosed, was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries.

Proposed Smithtown Town Budget Shows Slight Tax Increase

Town Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said Monday he will present the proposed town budget for 2013 of $103 million to the town board at Tuesday's board meeting.

The tax increase to locals would be $46.83 a year, according to Vecchio.

Although the proposed town budget for 2013 is $103 million, Vecchio warned that there are many funds of the proposed budget that taxpayers do not pay taxes on, fixed costs the town does not have the authority to adjust.

Lumber Yard Condemned by Smithtown's Building Department

The former home to Nassau Suffolk Lumber and Supply Corp., the abandoned lumber yard at 102 West Main Street in Smithtown, has been condemned by the town.

Signs have been placed on the door by the town's building department, stating the building is "unsafe and its use or occupancy has been prohibited."

Have you looked for a place to do your hair and nails locally, but haven't made a decision because you want to go to a salon you're familiar with? Here's your chance to meet Karla Gentile, the owner of Allettante Salon & Spa in St. James, and get to know how she runs her business.

Competition Brings New Pizzeria to St. James

From Matt’s Pizza to Nicky G’s, Buona Sera to Mannino's and more, the Town of Smithtown has plenty of choices to grab a slice of pizza, and now there is another option as St. James Pizza is now open on Middle Country Road.

For the owner Thomas, who declined to give his last name, having many other pizzerias in the area was not discouraging but encouraging when deciding where to open up shop.