The Oakdale Civic Association came together at the Bourne Mansion on Monday, Sept. 13. President Brian M. Bast remarked on how helpful and accommodating Amity Education Group was in hosting their civic meeting, which was attended by over two dozen community members.

“They were phenomenal, they are great with the community,” said Bast.

Vice president, David Chan, who ran the Firecracker 5K to benefit St. John’s Church in Oakdale, was also thankful to Amity for their help in organizing the path of the race.

Byron Lake was the most prominent discussion that evening. While plans are in place for renovating the pool on the property by councilman Jim O’Connor (R-2nd District), the community members have asked for more advocacy and input in the pond, which of late has become stagnant and pungent.

“Plans are in place to fix the bulkhead around the pond, but the water quality needs to be addressed,” said Bast, who lamented that no plans were in place to deal with the water, adding, “A lot of people like to take walks there or run. People like to have picnics, too.”
Bast also spoke of the broken fountains that may be adding to the issues of the pond as well as a pipe that leads to the area under the pool that would most likely need repairs.

Another issue discussed was possible speed bumps on Vanderbilt Avenue in Oakdale. Community members have cited issues with speeding on long stretches of the road without intersections and have asked the town for speed bumps or raised crosswalks. It was reported that residents were told this could not be done due to snow removal issues.

A spokesperson for the Town of Islip confirmed what residents had cited and explained why speed bumps were not appropriate for Vanderbilt Avenue. “The town does not install speed bumps on residential roads. Although the town may install speed-limit signage, enforcement is handled by local law enforcement agencies. Speed bumps on residential roads can be hazardous to the town’s plowing efforts; it is especially dangerous for ambulances traveling to and from lifesaving situations; it is taxing on school buses; and it impedes the flow of traffic, potentially causing a danger to motorists.”

The former Mama’s Italian Restaurant on 1352 Montauk Highway in Oakdale, on the southwest corner of Montauk Highway and Lincoln Drive, was discussed as an application, and was submitted by Hionas Enterprises LLC for two planning board special permits for a restaurant and outdoor seating as an accessory use to a restaurant, in the business 1 district (site-plan modifications are also requested as part of this application).

During a town planning board meeting in August, a representative for the applicant said the site is a pre-existing pizzeria/restaurant with 90 seats and the applicant is asking for 88 seats, 60 inside and 28 outside.

During the public comment section, four individuals spoke against the applicant, including Bast, who spoke in defense of the residents living around the proposed outdoor seating.

Many residents who live near or next to the site spoke, stating that they dislike the idea of so much outdoor seating right near their backyards and that the site is currently in disrepair and has not been maintained.

The planning board staff recommended granting the application, but after hearing input from the community about the site, the board chose to reserve a decision while the applicant addresses the community’s concerns and works with planning staff on the site.

Hionas Enterprises was unable to be reached for comment.