Community Watchdog

Danielle and Kevin O'Connor wanted town maintainance for medians in their area.
Photo by James Carbone

I’m frustrated with the Town of Brookhaven’s maintenance of our neighborhood. The town is supposed to take care of the medians on Waltess and St. Joseph’s avenues in Ronkonkoma, but homeowners have been mowing them for years. I’m also seeking an update on renovations at Waltess Estates Park.
—Danielle O’Connor, Ronkonkoma

Within a week of our call, town officials said the Department of Parks & Recreation will take over responsibility from the highway department to maintain the medians about every three weeks.

Earlier this month, town spokesman Tom Burke stressed that maintenance means mowing only. However, the town supplies compost and flowers to groups seeking to beautify medians on their own.

Regarding Waltess Estates Park, Parks Commissioner Edward Morriscq said plans to install a skate park were scrapped after residents opposed it, but the basketball court got new fencing and asphalt. Playground equipment will be upgraded this fall.

O’Connor said residents submitted park-improvement ideas last year and the town confirmed in a letter that final plans would be presented to the community. Morris, who was appointed this spring, said he hadn’t known about that commitment but told us he would honor it.

Community groups seeking to landscape neighborhood medians can call the town’s highway department at 631-451-9200.

—Michael R. Ebert

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