LR Civic Meeting Looks at Ronkonkoma Hub Project

The April meeting for the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization attracted a crowd of about 25 people.  Dignitaries included Legislator John M. Kennedy Jr., Legislator Tom Muratore, Legislator Tom Cilmi and Mayor of Patchogue Paul V. Pontieri, Jr. President George Schramm ran the meeting.

The evening's guest speaker was Brookhaven Planning Commissioner Tuilio Bertoli who provided a short update on the Ronkonkoma Hub project. Easels depicting the plans to revitalize a multi-block area surrounding the Ronkonkoma Train Station took front and center. 

Prior to Bertoli's presentation Schramm made some quick announcements: The Great Brookhaven Cleanup will be held on April 17 and volunteers are advised to show up at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Dunken Donuts.  Schramm also informed the crowd that graffiti was removed from Murphy's Park (as reported at last month's meeting) and the Parks Department and the Fourth precinct will work collectively and investigate if the graffiti (tagging) is gang related. 

Bertoli joined Team Brookhaven last June overseeing a Planning Department with approximately 150 employees.

"I've never seen such a complex project come together in such a short time," he said.  Speaking of the tentative Hub Project, copies of the Ronkonkoma Hub Transit-Oriented Planning Study were provided.  The Study includes a comprehensive look at a redevelopment project slated for mixed use on a parcel of 180 acres of land surrounding the train station. Bertoli talked about the restriction of form-based zoning where parcels have segregated uses – some planners now deem this modality antiquated. 

"We now have more creative ways to use the land, everyone talks about smart growth, this is genius growth," exclaimed Bertoli.   

"I know this is on the top of Mark's (supervisor Mark Lesko) list – we are bringing all the resources from the town together to make this happen," said Bertoli.  

Despite the present economy, he insisted there was tremendous interest from developers about this study use area that includes a mix of residential, retail, industrial and commercial uses. In addition, it will also provide opportunity for workforce housing.

A civic member posed a question about sewers and if there would be capacity for houses.

"There will be an expansion capabilities for about a half-million gallons a day," said Bertoli.

Mayor Pontieri shared that the average single family home uses approximately 300 gallons a day. There are presently two sites being looked at for the sewage treatment plant, one in Brookhaven and one in Islip. Sachem Patch will be taking a comprehensive look at Suffolk County's plans for a sewer system and what it will mean to this redevelopment and current residents.    

George Davis's family has been running the Davis farm since 1927 – it's the last farm in Ronkonkoma.  Davis passionately voiced his concern about development looking back to the 1960's when the area saw a spike in growth. 

"Every time you say growth, we get stuck with gangs, more drugs, and people from the city," said David. 

Schramm, an architect by trade was very well versed regarding the project.  

"We understand and we want to maintain or improve the quality of life, we don't want to see density," he insisted.

Civic members were concerned about property values. 

"Your voices will be heard, we have no intention of quieting anyone," he added. 

Leg. Cilmi made an important point in saying these plans were for redevelopment. 

"There are no undisturbed properties included in this plan," he explained. 

Concerns about eminent domain were also voiced. 

"Those with backyards up against Hawkins – we can improve the quality of those properties, create a buffer, there are good opportunities," he said. 

"We can either leave it as is or take a look at a plan and say how do we make it better," said Pontieri. 

He spoke of the success of Patchogue's new Copper Beach project and the even new Art Space project – housing slated specifically for artists. 

"One of the assets we have is blighted properties, value is down and now we can build it into something," he added.  Copper Beach had 150 units and Mayor Pontieri said they are almost full.  Art space is slated for 45 units. 

Studies, plans, meetings – what do they really mean with regard to the Ronkonkoma Hub project?  Schramm said he has been in communication with MTA officials and it's one of their top priorities. Four hundred and seventeen units are included in the study. Consultants for this project are not yet in place.   Sachem Patch will be providing complete coverage of the Hub Project in the coming months.

Important Upcoming Civic Events: 

-The Great Brookhaven Cleanup April 17th – for more info call 631.451.6222

-Next Lake Ronkonkoma Civic General Membership Meeting May 13th at the American Legion Hall, 115 Church Street

-Portion Road and Hawkins Avenue Clean Ups, Saturday May 1st at 9:00 a.m.