County Officials, Civics Holding Meeting About Bavarian Inn Property

Suffolk County Legislator John Kennedy Jr., along with the Nesconset-Sachem Civic Association and other local civic groups have planned a meeting to discuss the latest developments with the Bavarian Inn property since the County officially took possession of it in May.

The meeting will take place at the Nesconset Public Library on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m.

The original plan back in March was to transfer the land stewardship to the Walter S. Commerdinger Group, a preservation organization that maintains Commerdinger Park, who would restore the site in conjunction with Suffolk County Parks.

Since then, however, county officials have reevaluated that plan and are considering selling the property at auction, among other ideas. Leg. Kennedy has expressed his desire to see the building, which has fallen into disrepair and is covered in graffiti, razed to the ground and the site return to park land.

In a letter to Deputy County Executive Dennis Cohen, Kennedy urged the county to come up with a plan to demolish the building and prepare the grounds for restoration.

"This lake plays a critical role in the recreational and surface water accommodation of a large section of southeastern Smithtown, western Brookhaven and northern Islip towns," Kennedy's letter states. "It is a unique natural asset of our County, being the largest lake on Long Island.  The time has come to finally address the removal of the derelict building, and to move swiftly to restore this property to a fully usable state for all County residents to enjoy."

Kennedy attempted to get FEMA to provide the funds necessary to raze the building, but FEMA denied the application earlier this month on grounds that it was a "self-created hardship." Kennedy plans to appeal that decision.

The public is invited to attend Thursday night's meeting.