Transparency and technology have become watchwords of town government under the administration of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. And perhaps no better example of his administration’s “team
efforts” – as he often describes them in public remarks — is the Town’s mobile app, which is celebrating three years of successful operation.
The Town launched its first ever mobile app in August of 2018, intent on providing residents with relevant, real-time information. Since its beginnings, the app has become a vital resource for its subscribers – now numbering close to 14,000 and growing – an impressive number for an app and audience of this type.
The app disseminates a steady stream of important updates regarding traffic accidents and stoppages, roadwork and weather alerts, to the latest nightlife, events and free services taking place around town.
“We knew one of the first things we had to do (in office) was to improve town communications and transparency. You simply can’t do that without a conduit; a megaphone if you will, to reach the community,” said Supervisor Wehrheim. And the community seems to agree, as this sample of resident response shows. “I really appreciate how the app delivers information on community concerts and events.
It’s a resource to local chamber, and civic groups, and folks like myself when planning a great free event to bring us together,” said Erica Baumann Rinear, a St. James resident. “Also, the app has been instrumental during projects like the Lake Avenue revitalization or the most recent storm. I get a little notification on roadwork, or that traffic light is down in my area and I can plan ahead.” “Overall, the mobile app has kept us all connected with one another. Especially in these uncertain times, we need that more than
ever,” added Rinear
In –House Talent
The app was built and continues to operate with in-house personnel. The Supervisor explained that credit “really must go to Andy Brofman and John
Gonzales in the [Town’s Department of] Public Safety who both are responsible for envisioning the concept,” said Wehrheim.
The idea was “born of a need in town,” said Brofman, Deputy Chief Fire Marshall for Smithtown, who has also been responsible for the Town’s television channel for more than a decade. Gonzales, Public Safety Communications Technician I, broached the idea and the pair researched other such applications and decided “We can do better.”
After putting together their ideas, they ran the idea through then-head of Public Safety John Valentine and got to work. Perhaps helped by having resources already on staff, approvals were readily gained from the Supervisor and the Town Board.
Gonzales, a software developer, provided the inaugural technical know-how; Brofman provides most of the ongoing content, relying on a wide variety of sources. “We coordinate with the town’s website,
providing government information and events, but we also add events and more from organizations around town,” said Brofman.
“Frankly, I even look to the local newspaper like the Smithtown Messenger for happenings of note.” Public feedback and input also plays a role, he added. “We have a Department of Public Safety Facebook page,” Brofman said, “where we have essentially advertised for subscribers.” The app was built to conform with Android and iPhone users and can be downloaded on the iPhone App store as well as Google Play.
Savings to Taxpayers
The average cost for developing a successful Mobile App can be pricey – running easily as much as $100,000 to $200,000. Adding Smartphone hardware functions such as GPS navigation, integrating third-party applications, and similar technologies requires technical support from its developer as well.
“It should be noted that without the skill set and talent of Gonzales, the
process would have been a costly one, which would have likely taken much
longer to get off the ground,” noted Wehrheim.
Update in the Works
Brofman explained that after three years of success and consistent growth
in subscribers, an update was on the horizon, perhaps as early as October of this year.
