Revised September 19, 2023
Note: This content has been archived and may no longer be accurate or relevent
Update 9.19.23: Mowing has occurred along the edge of Grant Street Pond. See photos below
9.1.23: Two city projects: Smithtown Ponds and Grant Street Pond are complete.
See the photos of Grant Street Pond, one year after completion. A ClickFix ticket was recently submitted for the weeds. Canada thistle and invasive burdock have gone to seed, two ash trees have fallen into the pond, and three of the replacement trees are severely stressed.
Smithtown Ponds, completed in June 2023, does not have any identifiable plan for ongoing maintenance. It appears to be a haven for wildlife. After a few months, the south rim of the pond, within Freeman Park, has a healthy crop of thistles and other undesirable weeds.
The project was expensive. Informal calculations from residents indicate the cost of Smithtown Ponds to be anywhere from $3-5M. The actual verified final cost can not be located on the City website.
SCA has considered a Data Practices request for the actual cost information. However, we will rely on the City to be more forward and transparent with the construction costs and maintenance plans on the city website.
