Politics & Government

Smithtown Officials Hold Off on Joining Lake Ronkonkoma Group

Supervisor Vecchio seeks more time for town officials to review and consider the agreement.

Smithtown town officials have decided to hold off on joining a Lake Ronkonkoma environmental group until they have a better chance to review what exactly they're signing onto. 

Smithtown Town Board voted to table a vote on whether or not to join the Lake Ronkonkoma Watershed Intermunicipal Organization being organized to help to help preserve and enhance the nearby lake and surrounding property. 

Supervisor Patrick Vecchio said his decision ask to postpone the vote came after a phone call from a local community leader. 

"I got a call from a civic leader very concerned about the memorandum of agreement," Vecchio said. "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." 

Vecchio called for the town board to have further time to review the proposed agreement to form the charter, its terms and have Smithtown's Environmental Protection Director Russell Barnett review it. 

Suffolk County, Brookhaven and Islip have already signed on and agreed to be part of the organization. 

Under the terms of the 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. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here