Smithtown Joins Group to Protect Lake Ronkonkoma

Smithtown Town Board has agreed to join other townships in assuring the future use and protection of the Lake Ronkonkoma land and waters. 

Smithtown Town Board voted unanimously to join the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed Intermunicipal Organization, joining with Brookhaven, Islip and Suffolk County, at their Tuesday afternoon meeting. 

"It's part of a three-town coalition that will address various aspects of the lake," Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said. "I think what it will do, for a lack of better term, is make it a better lake." 

Russell Barnett, Smithtown's Environmental Protection Director, will sit on the lake advisory group to represent the Town of Smithtown, according to Vecchio. 

The supervisor and other town board members had the opportunity to join the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed organization in October, but decided to hold off until they had time to fully review its charter after Vecchio received a concerned call from a civic leader. 

"I got a call from a civic leader very concerned about the memorandum of agreement," Vecchio told Patch in October. "He thought it would put Smithtown at a disadvantage because he believes there's an intention by the county might have the intentions of putting a road through." 

Under the intermunicipal agreement, the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed Intermunicipal Organization would review any changes in zoning or ordinances in the area of the lake, post-construction efforts, public acquisition of lands or establishment of public and private conservations easements, and any new or amended land use plans. 

The formation of the lake advisory organization coincides with the demolition of the Bavarian Inn. Suffolk Department of Public Works began demolishing the former Bavarian Inn, which had become recognized as a blighted 'eyesore' in the community in September. Elected officials have promised the lands as a future park and recreational area.