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KINGS PARK CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE Recent developments notwithstanding, the transfer of the entire KPPC property to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation must become a reality. The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the future uses of the property other than for passive recreation. Over the years, there have been several proposals for the mixed use development of the property. These proposals were formulated by committees of distinguished citizens of the Town of Smithtown and the Hamlet of Kings Park. Because the Kings Park Psychiatric Center was such a dominant feature of Kings Park and a significant part of its history, the residents, business owners and future generations of the Kings Parkers are very concerned that the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation get it right when it comes to sending out proposals for private entities to come into the park. The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce would like to go on record with a series of recommendations for the type of occupancy which it feels would preserve the land, provide some needed outlets for the community in the area of recreation and to allow some private or public development of needed facilities that would enhance the quality of life in the Hamlet and the Town of Smithtown. The ideas presented below are a few of the many that have been suggested. The particular order does not represent any prioritizing of the proposals. A Cultural Arts Center consisting of museum space for local history, exhibits of local artists, and a Performing Arts center on the bluff above the Nissequogue River would offer an outlet for the creative endeavors of the Community. Holding outdoor concerts like those offered in other parks would bring people into the community and enhance the use of local restaurants, coffee shops and other types of business that cater to these type of clients. For recreation, the woods and the trails of the current park will be enhanced by the extension of the protected woodlands right up to Route 25A. The existing Bike and Hike Trail which skirts the western edge of the property should be continued around to loop back to Route 25A through the woodlands along Lawrence Road on the eastern edges of the property. This would tie in with the Heritage Bike Trail on Route 25A, allowing bikers and hikers the opportunity to visit the riverside parkland and return to Route 25A. The benefits to the Main Street businesses from an influx of hikers or bikers are obvious as the need for refreshments, bike rentals, and bike repairs will be generated. A boardwalk along the riverside from the Kings Park Bluff into the park ending at the administration building would make the riverside accessible to elderly or physically challenged individuals and young families with children in strollers. An Equestrian Center on the parkland is another outlet for recreation and attracting visitors. Horseback riding trails could also be laid out throughout the park. Corrals for grazing the horses, a ring for horsemanship trials, and a riding academy are possibilities. Kings Park does not have catering or hotel facilities that could accommodate conferences, local social events, weddings or other types of large group gatherings under one roof or venue. There are several buildings on the grounds that could serve this purpose that could be leased to private entrepreneurs who can operate these types of businesses. This would create many employment opportunities for young people in Kings Park and the surrounding communities. A proposal for Suffolk County to take over one of the buildings for use of several departments that now rent space in commercial property has been proposed by the local Legislator, Lynne Nowick. This should still be considered as it will be a win/win situation for the County and the local business community. Suffolk County will no longer require leases with commercial building owners. The daily influx of workers from the County offices will bring new customers for local businesses. Restaurants, delicatessens, gasoline stations, supermarkets and other purveyors of goods and services will benefit from the purchasing power of these new customers. Contingent upon the development of a viable downtown community in Kings Park with the potential for development along Main Street is the proposed expansion of the Sewer Treatment Plant on the grounds of the hospital. Lacking sewer treatment facilities has been one of the most significant hindrances to improving the downtown areas. According to local town planners, this is a must for future growth in Kings Park. The Buckman Center with its already developed aquatic center, exercise rooms, workshop space, mini-auditorium and classrooms would be an ideal venue for long term leasing to the local YMCA. Since the YMCA was forced to leave its previous quarters, there has been no viable YMCA presence in the Town of Smithtown. The Buckman Center should be offered for use by the YMCA. Western Suffolk Board of Cooperative Educational Services recently proposed a needed expansion plan for their headquarters in Dix Hills. The voters rejected a bond issue that would have allowed for this expansion. BOCES still needs more space. There should be an offer for them to come and consider using an existing building at the KPPC. This might be an acceptable alternative to the taxpayers who voted down BOCES expansion in Dix Hills. Considering the amount of open space on the grounds and the fact that this area of Smithtown was once an agricultural community, the cultivation of grapes for use in the production of wine should be considered. The Long Island Wine industry is a growth endeavor and all of the wild grape vines growing in the woods around Kings Park suggests that this might be a good area for viniculture. Encouraging development of a local winery would draw tourists and enhance the reputation of the town. Local vintners could be approached regarding long term leases of the land for grape cultivation. These are just several of the ideas that should be put on the table for consideration. The Kings Park Chamber of Commerce has been actively involved since the initial announcement that the KPPC was to be closed. During the interim, the Chamber of Commerce has seen the detrimental effect of having empty buildings and the loss of daily comings and going of the employees who served in the running of the KPPC. There is so much at stake here because the effects on Kings Park of decisions made now by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will have long term consequences. The time is now for serious talk and consensus among all the people who call Kings Park their home.
Jack Hessel Executive Vice President Kings Park Chamber of Commerce |
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