Residents Call For Revamped Kings Park Main Street

When Patch asked if Kings Park's Main Street needs a facelift, residents didn't hesitate to answer loud and clear with a resounding yes. 

In fact, they were so enthusiastic "yes! yes! yes!" was a repeated cry. 

"This town is in desperate need of renovations. I travel quite a bit and am amazed at small towns just like ours and how nice they can be," wrote reader Daniel Tacktill. "Our main street hasn't been updated in far too long and quite frankly looks like your driving through the slums. It is disgusting."

Councilman Bob Creighton, a challenger for Smithtown's Supervisor seat this November, is calling for a temporary suspension of the town's fees for downtown business and store owners willing to renovate their facade. 

Creighton's it will have a small but positive impact on the town's central business areas. 

"Yes, Kings Park can and should look like Port Jefferson, Northport, Huntington, or Stony Brook Village. It is a shame that homebuyers are looking at houses in KP on .18 of property and taxes over 10k. Then they drive into the town and it is like driving through the ghetto," commented Marie.  "Would you move to [Kings Park] just on looks? All of KP shopping areas are in need of a facelift." 

However, other residents say there is more to Main Street's problems that what meets the eye. 

"[O]f course it needs a face lift. It had one years back and recently in some areas. The problem is not the fees but shoppers. A pretty face is not going to attract customers, parking and convenience will," wrote Frank Mercuri.

Mercuri said heavy traffic on Main Street from Indian Head Road to Pulaski make traveling through town difficult and sometimes getting out of your car dangerous. Once in town, he complained parking spaces can be difficult to find. 

"Kings Parkers need to support local business so that some real shops and businesses will open and stay open on Main Street," said Kristin Riker Head on Facebook. 

Yet, there was doubt expressed whether the town's actions on permit fees could have any impact on downtown businesses or whether that decision is with the landlords. 

"The bottom line is most of the landlords will only put money into these buildings unless they're forced to. Waving fees won't do a bit of good. It's all about the mighty dollar and most of them don't give a darn about the town as long as they get their rent," wrote Diane. 

What do you think? Will the Town of Smithtown's efforts to encourage businesses work, or is more change needed - and by who? 

Tell us in the comments below.