On Monday, September 29, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset) hosted a community open forum at the Lake Ronkonkoma Firehouse, bringing together residents from Ronkonkoma, Lake Ronkonkoma, and Lake Grove. The event offered constituents the opportunity to voice their concerns and receive direct responses from local officials.
Kennedy said the turnout exceeded expectations, with between 50 and 60 people filling the room. She said it was great night for the community to get on the same page and to get work done.
“I never had a group of people after it was over, saying, ‘can we do this more?’ It was really nice,” Kennedy told The Messenger.
Elected officials in attendance included Brookhaven Town Councilman Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), Lake Grove Mayor Robert Scottaline, and representatives from Assemblyman Doug Smith’s (R-Holbrook) and Suffolk County Legislator Trish Bergin’s (R-East Islip) offices. Kennedy emphasized that forums like this allow residents to bring forward issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
“We don’t have eyes everywhere. When constituents report their issues with as much detail as possible, it makes these issues much easier to work on,” she said.
Infrastructure was the most common concern. Participants raised issues with roads, lighting, and traffic congestion, including complaints about Old Nicolls Road, Smithtown Boulevard, and the lack of designated pick-up and drop-off areas at the Ronkonkoma LIRR station. Residents also questioned the durability of recently paved roads, which have already begun to crack. Foley responded that the town is engaged in litigation with the contractor over the work.
Vacant buildings, homelessness near the Ronkonkoma MTA lot, and the strain of increased population density were also discussed. Kennedy noted that while some concerns were familiar, others were new, underscoring the value of community feedback.
Kennedy highlighted that officials were able to provide answers on the spot for some concerns, while others would be addressed in follow-up. “It was nice to have a couple of things that we could say, we’re taking care of this,” she said.
Kennedy described the forum as upbeat and collaborative. “Nobody was angry. Everyone was pleasant, happy, and trying to find solutions,” she said. “There was lots of laughing—it was a good night.”
She added that she plans to continue hosting forums like this in different parts of her district. She also thanked the Lake Ronkonkoma Fire Department for providing the space.
For Kennedy, the evening’s success reaffirmed her belief in open communication.
“I tell people all the time — you elected us, so use us. If something’s bothering you, call. We’re not going to yell at you; we’re here to help.”
