I start by stating St Johnland's petition for a continuing care retirement community is an extremely important development proposal for our township. The demand for senior housing and senior care is constantly increasing due to an aging population. At present the Town of Smithtown is preparing requirements for an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development. Impact on the environment must be determined prior to any decision regarding the CCRC proposal.

I would have no objection to an AMICABLE land transfer between St Johnland and the State of New York. However I believe it is important to know that any land transfer regarding this project is premature as New York State Department of Parks and Historic Preservation has yet to inform the Town of Smithtown of their intentions regarding the former Kings Park Psychiatric Center property.