Super Tuesday Turned to
Black Tuesday
 

By Maureen Rossi

   Super Tuesday turned to black Tuesday as a historic number of school budgets went down earlier this week.  Throughout Nassau and Suffolk County, a whopping 43 district budgets failed including the Kings Park budget.  What does this unforeseen number tell us?  The problem at hand is not just a Kings Park problem; it is a systemic economic problem.  Despite the set back, we find ourselves in good company, as several other high-wealth area budgets were defeated as well including Harborfields, Manhassett Smithtown and Glen Cove.
    Why did our budget fail?  It is most likely the result of numerous variables as we are living in precarious times both politically and economically.  Daily, our fellow Americans are arriving home in body bags – regardless of our political parties or beliefs, this has taken an enormous toll on the American psyche, it affects all of us.  In addition, two and half years after 9/11 we find ourselves economically crippled.  The cost of homeland security and the war has bled the national, state, county and town budgets dry.  There is no money to go around and there is no light at the end of the tunnel.  With each and every new threat posed against the American people, the cost continues to rise.  Unfortunately, our enemies are acutely aware of this and they continue to attack us both psychologically and economically.   In addition, we have had a myriad of local issues to deal with including the possibility of a Power Plant and the LIRR setting up camp in Kings Park and most recently the Charrette and tentative plans for the hospital property.  Throw the high cost of living on LI with recent hikes in gas and milk, it’s no wonder folks are disillusioned, frightened and confused.   Most of us feel as though things are spinning out of control.  In an effort to ascertain some control and perhaps send a message to local or state government, over 1,300 Kings Park residents chose to pull the No level on Tuesday.
    What does the failed budget mean to the residents of Kings Park?   One of three things will transpire and the choice is entirely in the hands of our Board of Education.  They can resubmit the exact same budget, which included a 7% increase over last years budget.  They can opt for a reduced budget or they can chose to go straight to a contingency budget.   The real deal – there is no fat to cut from the present budget – it’s a strictly meat and potatoes budget.  However, I believe the Board walks a precarious tightrope if they chose to submit it as is.   Despite the fact that I don’t support a cut in the budget, it may prove to be prudent if one occurs.  It may be a gesture of good will to the taxpayers.  However, keep in mind, if the B.O.E. chooses to submit a reduced budget, we will feel it.  Some things will have to go – Kings Park families will be directly affected and there is a possibility those cuts will reflect in the local real estate market.  What will have to go?  Let’s face it; you can’t cut the Language Art program.  It will be the sport programs, music programs or late buses that will go first.  Class sizes may have to go up.   People need to know this.  People need to come out to the next B.O.E. meeting or get on the horn and talk to their B.O.E. members.  They are an enormously approachable group of hard-working volunteers.  Bring your concerns to them.  They are holding a special B.O.E. meeting Thursday – May 20th at 7:30 at RJO to talk about the future of the Kings Park Central School District.
    Unlike dozens of other schools districts on the island, we have the potential for a solution looming in our horizon.  We have a large parcel of land that can, if developed properly, generate a substantial amount of tax dollars for the town, tax dollars that would lighten all our wallets in the years to come.  However, that’s an issue that needs more exploring and one that should be addressed in a different forum.  For now – we can pull together in Kings Park fashion and try to do what’s best for the kids.  We are undoubtedly in the midst of tough times and they may prove to get tougher but let’s stay positive, let’s work together and let’s move forward as a community.

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Budget Vote Results

     Neal Johnson and Robert Parrone have been officially elected as board members for a three year term ending June 2007.

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A Fitting Tribute
 

By Ken Kraska

    On April 24th, while on a mission in the North Arabian sea, US Coastguardsman, Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal, son of Northport Police Chief Ric Bruckenthal,  along with two US Navy officers, PO Michael Pernaselli and PO Christopher Watts, gave their lives in the service of their country. Nathan was laid to rest on May 7, 2004 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, but was remembered and eulogized by his family and friends in a memorial service this past week on May 11, 2004. It was a bitter-sweet day teeming with emotion as  about a thousand or so people, including servicemen, family, friends and well wishers lined the main street in the small town of Northport to pay their respects to a hero.
    It was bitter in the sense, we lost yet another promising youth in our battle for freedom. But, sweet in the sense that so many caring people, many who never met Nathan,  joined together as a family to console each other and yield a final salute. 
    Thank You, Petty Officer Nathan Bruckenthal.
 

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Suffolk County CC BB

MAY 11, 2004 – RIVERHEAD, NY - Suffolk County Legislator Lynne Nowick (R-Smithtown) along with Deputy Presiding Officer Angie Carpenter (R-West Islip) today presented the Suffolk County Community College Clippers Basketball Team with a proclamation in honor of their outstanding achievements.
    The proclamation, which was signed by all eighteen Suffolk County Legislators, was presented in recognition of the team’s remarkable efforts in bringing a second consecutive NJCAA Division III Basketball Championship home to Suffolk, while compiling an unprecedented fifty-two consecutive victories in league play.  Special recognition was also given to Clipper’s Coach Richard Wrase, Assistant Coaches Pat Policastro, Eric Brown and Jim McGowan along with Athletic Director Arthur Del Duca and Assistant Athletic Director Paul Caffrey for their tireless commitment and dedication in making these successes possible.
    “The members and coaches of the Suffolk County Community College Clippers Basketball Team, through their spectacular play on the court, have brought pride and recognition to Suffolk County, said Legislator Nowick.  “Thanks to their championship accomplishments, Suffolk County Community College has been given some well-deserved national attention.” 

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It All Adds Up To Success!

Congratulations...Way To Go!

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Parle Vou?

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Budget... Again...
 

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TUESDAY!

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Charrette Finale ...
 

By Ken Kraska

  The final charrette presentation was made, one week to the day of the opening. After attending every public meeting this I think this Olympic event should have had a better closing ceremony. The evening was clearly a duplicate of the opening night, the auditorium was packed and the usual cast of dissidents were in the audience barking their thoughts with conviction. A casual poll of attendees ratified the opening meeting sentiment: most of the ideas presented were conceptually acceptable, but the population increase, density and anticipated traffic are far more than any Kings Park resident would accept. 
   Last Tuesday DPZ presented an initial scenario offering a density of 14 units to the acre, on 270 acres. This scenario met with shock and dropped jaws for those in the attendance. Over the course of a week DPZ tweaked their variables adding and subtracting so many times a score card was required to track the numbers. Then, there was a point where the developers felt comfortable with just a blanket  3.6 million square feet on 140 acres. The final analysis, 94 acres, 343,800 square feet of commercial space; 2,053 residential units comprising 3 million square feet. Based on their numbers this would increase the population by 4,379 people of which 381 would be students. Once completed the project would add about $4.9 million per year to the school district (based on today's numbers). The traffic flow, assuming three-fourths the driving age population has an auto; that would add roughly 3,000 more vehicles to roads, not including those added from activities generated from the commercial space.
   All this is subject to the developers obtaining the proper zoning changes. Currently the site is under New York State's control and is zoning exempt. Upon closing, control of the site's zoning will revert to the Town of Smithtown which has zoned this property R43 (Residential 1 acre).

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Crossing Paths ...

   The young and old gathered at RJO Intermediate School in Kings Park. The annual tradition of the young presenting military flags to the town's veteran groups. These former warriors who helped to make the United States secure for the these young people will fly the flags at Veterans Plaza. Each school within the Kings Park School District provided two students for the presentation. The presentation to the general public will take place on Memorial Day.

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on KPPC Development Proposal

   May 11, 2004 Smithtown, NY – Suffolk County Legislator Lynne C. Nowick (R-St. James) has called on the developers of the now vacant Kings Park Psychiatric Center to revisit their proposal and bring it more in line with the desires of the residents.  After a week long ‘charrette’, the developers have sketched out what they envision on the site, many residents have expressed dismay over what has been presented as a vision for the future for the town.
    “In the days since the meetings have begun, I have fielded many calls from residents concerned about what they have heard at the ‘charrette’.  I have personally met with the development group to discuss what my concerns are for the site,” stated Legislator Nowick.
   “When the Psychiatric Center was closed, the township was promised that of the remaining acreage only 90 would be developed, and the old growth forest would remain intact.  Sadly, the developers are interpreting the acreage available for development at close to 150 acres.  This is a significant alteration, one in which the residents are properly outraged over.  Secondly, any development must help to alleviate the tax burden on our schools.  The proposals that have been shown to date do not help the school district but will increase the burden on the schools and the taxpayers.  While the developers are stating that there will be over $8 million dollars added to the town tax base, they are neglecting the impact on out schools.  The additional money added to the town tax base also must be considered towards the increase in road maintenance, refuse disposal, library usage, recreational facilities increase and many other items which will quickly cause any additional tax funds to dissipate.”
    “The density of development is extensive, and is definitely out of character with the rest of the community.  This plan seeks to create not an extension of Kings Park and the character that it historically has, but to build a new community which has no connection and no relevance to the existing town.  We must find a way to enhance our downtowns, revitalize the stores and the businesses, and not subscribe to the final death of our business district.  This proposal has not taken into account the existing businesses and Main Street and how this development would impact these businesses.  It is unconscionable that for the past seven years certain businesses have awaited the redevelopment of the campus only to find that the development will mean that their business will most likely be pushed out of business by newer stores.”
   In addition to our downtowns, residents are fearful of how this development will impact traffic.  To hear someone state, “Traffic is inevitable, and you will just have to live with it” borders on arrogance.  The number of housing units, the number of incoming residents and the impact it has on the lifestyle and community must be foremost in our discussions.” 

    I am imploring LAMB Associates to revisit many of their proposals and rework them to meet the desires of what the residents are asking for.  LAMB has presented a basis for all residents, elected officials and developers to work together in planning a new future for the Kings Park Center and the town overall.  We must consider all aspects before agreeing to the final development plans.  We have an opportunity to invigorate the township and build for the future.  The plan that is put forward today does not meet the plans which I have stated as my goals and desires for the township.  Until the school district is comfortable with the development, and the residents have a comfort level with the planning, I can not endorse what LAMB has set forth.”

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Jousting for a Castle...

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