(Left to right) Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (Credit – Matt Meduri)
Excitement is building in Kings Park as residents eagerly anticipate the first community meeting set to take place on June 6, marking a significant milestone in the allocation of Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) grant funding. The meeting, organized by local officials and community stakeholders, presents a unique opportunity for residents to come together, share their ideas, and actively participate in shaping the future of their beloved town.
The DRI grant funding, awarded to Kings Park as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) comprehensive revitalization strategy, off the heels of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim’s (R-Kings Park) vision for a revitalized Smithtown, aims to stimulate economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and promote community development in downtown areas across New York State. With Kings Park selected as a recipient of this prestigious grant, residents are poised to witness transformative changes that will breathe new life into their community.
The upcoming community meetin6g is scheduled to be held at the R.J.O. Intermediate School’s cafeteria on June 6 from 6:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at 99 Old Dock Road in Kings Park. It will serve as a forum for residents to learn more about the DRI grant funding, its objectives, and the proposed projects that could potentially benefit from the funding. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local officials, project leaders, and community organizations, providing valuable feedback and insights that will help shape the prioritization and implementation of DRI-funded initiatives.
Among the key areas of focus for the DRI grant funding are infrastructure improvements, beautification projects, small business support, and community engagement initiatives. Residents can expect to hear presentations on proposed projects that will work to transform downtown neighborhoods into a more vibrant community. This is all aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life and economic vitality of Kings Park.
In addition to the presentations and discussions on proposed projects, the community meeting will also feature interactive workshops and breakout discussion sessions where residents can actively contribute their ideas, share their concerns, and provide input on the priorities and direction of the DRI-funded initiatives. Facilitated by community leaders and members of the committee, these sessions will foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration, empowering residents to play an active role in shaping the future of Kings Park.
Following the community meeting set for June 6, the local planning committee will hold its second meeting on June 13 at 6:00p.m. Although this meeting is open to the public, it is not intended to be interactive public workshops unlike the community meeting. There will also be virtual meetings via Zoom on June 18 at 6:00p.m. and June 24 at 12:00p.m. to learn more about the open call for projects and their applications. Project proposal office hours will be June 20 from 12:00p.m. to 3:00p.m. and June 26 from 12:00p.m. 3:00p.m. at the Smithtown Library-Kings Park branch to discuss potential project applications in person. The DRI open call for projects is accepting applications through Friday July 19, 2024, by 5:00p.m. If you as a community member have a project you would like to be considered, you are encouraged to submit it for review.
As the date of the first community meeting draws near, anticipation and enthusiasm continue to mount among Kings Park residents. With the promise of transformative change on the horizon, fueled by the DRI grant funding and the collective efforts of the community, the future of Kings Park shines bright with possibility, as residents come together to build a stronger, more resilient, and vibrant community for all.
