The meeting revolved around the $21 million dollar Ronkonkoma Hub project, which is projected to have construction begin in 2013, anticipating the passage of the June 2012 capital budget. The discussion also included the sewer treatment plant as a big part of the proposal, the possibility for future expansion of the airport, the study of the area’s traffic flow, and the build out of businesses on Route 454.
Frank M. D’Andrea, Director of Hotel Sales for the Courtyard stated “We believe the future success of our local business community and greater potential of increased hotel occupancy in the Ronkonkoma area is linked to intelligent residential, commercial and transportation growth applied within the Ronkonkoma Hub project. If done with the energy, enthusiasm and creativity embodied within the plans described to date, we are in for a vibrant revitalization of the greater Ronkonkoma community.”
The Hub has been a central focus in the last few months concerning the County’s economy. "The Ronkonkoma Hub is a premiere project which will create thousands of jobs” stated Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone this past week.
However, the Hub is not fully embraced by all. Local business partners and residential neighbors are fearful of the negative impacts the Hub may have in area. D’Andrea addressed the concerns, “We face Suffolk County deficits in excess of $300 million for 2013. Those who worry about diluted local business revenues in downtown Ronkonkoma as a result of new enterprises coming to the Hub, fail to realize what is at stake by not bringing in fresh, outside-
