Residents calling for answers about restoration of a dam and pond in Smithtown
There are many in favor of repairing the dam and restoring the pond to its former glory. However, there are some who say they would like it to stay the way it is.
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Suffolk residents, like Jim Jonke, say are frustrated that they still don't know when they will get Stump Pond in Smithtown back.
As News 12 has reported, the 200-year-old pond was drained dry following an August 2024 storm that broke a dam in Blydenburgh Park.
"Right now, there's dates going from 'let's start in spring' or 'let's start next year.' Nobody has an exact date, everybody's time schedule, planning schedules are all out of whack," said Jim Jonke, of Shoreham.
At a community meeting in Hauppauge Wednesday, many people, like Jonke, demanded the pond be restored, wanting answers from the county and the state.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine says he is committed to rebuilding the dam but is waiting on funds from the state.
In a statement Romaine said, "My administration will continue to push for the DEC to approve a plan to rebuild after a full environmental review is undertaken."
There are many in favor of repairing the dam and restoring the pond to its former glory. However, there are some who say they would like it to stay the way it is, to prevent future flooding and other environmental concerns.
"Leave it as it is. Nothing. Let nature take its course," said Daniel Karpen, of Huntington.
Legislator Leslie Kennedy says the county's Council on Environmental Quality is meeting again in two weeks about the dam.
The New York State DEC tells News 12 the restoration project would require several state environmental permits before the county can start the proposed work. The agency says it is working with the county on an environmental review of the pond.
