4 Key Issues to Follow in Kings Park in 2014

The year of 2013 has come to an end, but there are a few issues and ongoing stories to keep an eye on as we move into 2014: 

*Industrial Businesses in Kings Park: In 2013, Kings Park residents saw Smithtown Town Board crack down on illegal industrial businesses practices along Old Northport Road and Lawrence Road area. The town board sought and received temporary restraining orders against KPE II, Jezco and others. 
Toby Carlson, owner of Carlson Associates, has come forward to the town with a proposal to build an indoor organic waste recycling facility, which Smithtown Planner Frank DeRubeis said has merits and will be reviewed by the planning department. 
While many of these matters are tied up in town hall or the courts, residential civic groups will keep a careful eye on what's happening and are sure to raise their voices if needed. 

*Future Businesses on Main Street: There's a possibility of major changes for Kings Park's Main Street in the upcoming year. 
TD Bank is looking to build a new branch in Kings Park, with eyes on a prominent Main Street spot. 
TD Bank has submitted site plans Sept. 16 to take over Party Hardy's storefront at 60 Main Street in Kings Park. The national has proposed razing the current building to build a 2,500-square-foot center it claims will benefit local residents. 

*Vacancy on Kings Park Board of Education: Kings Park Board of Education Trustee Liz Barrett gave her resignation to the school district after standing at the center of a community controversy for more than 4 months. 
Kings Park board trustees decided rather than to appoint a community leader to the position or host a costly special election, the seat will remain vacant until the May 2014 elections. 
Who will run for the position? Who would you like to see on Kings Park Board of Education?  

* New Smithtown Town Board: Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio began his 13th term of office on Jan. 1, extending his reign as New York State's longest-serving town supervisor, he does it with a different town board behind him. 
Republican incumbent Kevin Malloy will be replaced by former Suffolk Legis. Lynne Nowick, R-St. James, on Smithtown Town Board. 
In running for election, she ran her campaign with Vecchio and Councilman Thomas McCarthy's support. Some have suggested this could change the balance of Smithtown town board and votes on a few pending issues such as the Uplands at St. Johnland.