Town Officials Consider Wave of Changes to Waterfront Plan

Town of Smithtown officials are considering upgrading its waterfront plans along the Long Island Sound and Nissequogue River, which could bring a tide of change for Kings Park homeowners. 

Smithtown Town Board voted on July 16 to allow Smithtown Planning Director Frank DeRubeis to apply for a state grant to update of its local waterfront revitalization programs and to create a harbor management program, _Times of Smithtown reports.

The Town of Smithtown was among the first in the state to create a LWRP in 1989 to regulate the appearance of its coastline, along the Long Island Sound and Nissequogue River south to Jericho Turnpike. The plans cover roughly 14 square miles. 

The LWRP sets limitations on what colors can be used on house exteriors, how large houses and decks can be, what businesses can be there, and other codes.

But DeRubeis said the town has learned a lot since then and the LWRP needs to be more flexibility to adapt to current needs. 

One of the major changes DeRubeis proposed was allowing docks to be built along the Nissequogue River south of San Remo. Roughly 10 have been illegally built despite town code. 

Previously, personal docks were banned due to fears of chemicals from treated wood affecting the water. However, new synthetic materials exist that allow sunlight through.

Other changes could be materials allowed in house building, which colors are acceptable on houses and event changing zoning to allow more flexibility in business areas. 

Read the Times of Smithtown for more information on the changes DeRubeis has suggested.