State, County and Local Officials Commemorate the Completion of Pulaski Municipal Lot with “Jumpstart” Funding in Record Time
County Executive Steve Bellone joined State and Town Officials along with Kings Park Community Leaders and Vision Long Island to commemorate the completion of the Pulaski Road Municipal Parking Lot. The project was funded through a Jumpstart grant awarded a little over one year ago. The municipal lot contains 23 spaces, an electric vehicle charging station with two spaces for EV vehicles, and state-of-the-art LED cost-efficient lighting. The lot is surrounded by ornate fencing, and is fully landscaped with evergreens and arborvitaes, which provide additional privacy for the surrounding residency. The new municipal lot will aid nearby businesses such as Relish, Park Bake Shop, Shipping Center, The Reel Kitchen, and Dragon House.
“This is a great success story right here… when you look at the amount of time that this took, to get from the signing at the Park Bake Shop to cutting a ribbon on the opening of this lot, it’s absolutely incredible... As we battle through this pandemic, we see not only individuals suffer, and families in crisis, but small businesses suffering. While we continue to do everything we can to help small businesses survive this existential crisis, we must also help them to get back to thriving… and that is what this project represents. And that’s what Jumpstart represents. It’s the County saying, when a town like Smithtown has the vision and has the expertise, and is leading the way, we’re going to be there to back them. That’s exactly what they did on this project. It’s why we’re here cutting a ribbon a year later. And that’s what we’re going to continue to do. Because this is our economy. This is our future.” - County Executive Steve Bellone
On October 3rd, 2019, County Executive Bellone officially signed the bill awarding the Town of Smithtown $500,000 in “Jumpstart” funding to build a municipal parking lot in downtown Kings Park located on Pulaski Road, just off Main Street. The project, which began in March, was spearheaded by the Planning, Engineering, Highway, Parks & Grounds, and Traffic Safety departments. The initial sale of the land was secured by contract through the Town Attorney’s Office.
“A little over one year ago, we gathered together, just up the block for the signing of a bill, awarding Smithtown $500,000 in Jumpstart funds. And here we are today in what can only be described as record breaking results for the community, because of great team work and talent. This comes at a crucial time when many restaurants have used portions of their parking lots to expand outdoor dining. This project also creates a more pedestrian friendly downtown that supports walkability, increases foot traffic to local businesses and decreases traffic congestion. Most importantly, it’s what the community has asked for and we’re pleased to deliver it.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
Suffolk County’s Jumpstart Program is part of a comprehensive economic development plan designed to encourage, foster, and enhance the planning and development of regionally significant developments in and around Suffolk’s downtowns. Suffolk County has awarded $14.375 million in Jumpstart funding since 2013.
“Everyone here worked together to get this done... This is the right way to do it. During our vision process two years ago, everyone said we need this. And it got done. Because you had multiple levels of government that listened and worked together with the community. This is a great example for all of Long Island and it will help towards revitalization once this pandemic is long gone.” - Eric Alexander, Vision Long Island
In 2016, the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association commissioned Vision Long Island to conduct a series of public scoping meetings to create a Revitalization Action Plan for the community. Shortly after, a Downtown Market Analysis and Action Plan was completed by Larisa Ortiz Associates in 2017. The data determined that the businesses along “Restaurant Row” were suffering due to a lack of sufficient parking. The lot will also assist in the leasing of previously vacant shops, as the lack of parking has prevented small business owners from choosing Kings Park as its future home.
“We’ve had a great partnership with the Kings Park Chamber, one that I’m truly grateful for. And I want to say thank you to County Executive Bellone who has been unwavering when it comes to helping our town.” - Linda Henninger, Kings Park Civic Association
“Thank you to our Town Board and to our County Executive Steve Bellone for putting your faith and time into investing in us. The commitment you’ve made will undoubtedly push Kings Park forward. The timing of this project couldn’t be better. And the execution of it was completely flawless.” - Tony Tanzi, Kings Park Chamber of Commerce
Tony Tanzi of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce also made an announcement in recognition of T-Mobile’s Main Street location. The local T-Mobile team funded the decorating of the lot, along with all of Downtown Kings Park, for the holiday season. Additionally, T-Mobile covered the annual dues for the Chamber's membership.