Week in Review: Residents Fear Rezoning of Lawrence Road Property Could Set Trend

Smithtown Looks to Reduce First Responders' Response Time

The Town of Smithtown has received a $500,000 grant to expand its emergency traffic signal preemption system to an additional 56 intersections throughout the town. A traffic preemption system reacts to first responders' vehicles to interrupt traffic lights, and change them to favor the direction of oncoming ambulances or fire trucks.

Fate of Rottweiler Who Bit Jogger to Go Before Judge

The fate of a Rottweiler who bit a Kings Park jogger last week is expected to go before a Fourth District Court judge next week.

The dog has been kept at the Smithtown Animal Shelter after the dog’s owner relinquished the dog to them. According to Monica Stevens of the Smithtown Animal Shelter, the dog is considered a dangerous dog, which means the case must go before a judge after the 10-day observation period with the shelter.

Security procedures in Kings Park Schools continue to be analyzed and updated by school officials in the wake of the Newtown tragedy.

Over the last few weeks, the district has reviewed procedures with administrators, conducted lockdown drills and hired additional guards. Addditional cameras have been ordered and are being installed in schools and on buses.

More Red Light Cameras Possible in Smithtown's Future

Smithtown officials will approve the county's request to study high-traffic intersections in the Town of Smithtown to possibly install more red light cameras. 

Vanessa Baird-Streeter, spokeswoman for Suffolk executive Steve Bellone, said the county sent a letter to the Town of Smithtown on Jan. 18 in hopes of expanding its Red Light Safety Program. 

New Chairman for Nissequogue River State Park Foundation

Kings Park local John Mcquaid will take the place of chairman Mike Rosato for the Nissequogue River State Park Foundation.

The foundation, according to its website, is a not-for-profit organization committed to protecting and preserving the park’s historical and environmental assets.

RJO Gymnastic Standout Wins Consecutive State Championship

A fourth-grader at RJO Intermediate recently won consecutive New York State All Around Championship at a competition in Elmira, NY.

Residents Fear Rezoning of Lawrence Road Property Could Set Trend

Commack and Kings Park residents say Smithtown officials are taking a step in the wrong direction if they allow residential property along Lawrence Road to be rezoned to wholesale industry.