What Our Readers Think: Hess Plans Approved

Patch readers had a lot to stay this week about the Smithtown Town Board's 3-2 decision to grant a change of zoning that will allow . The issue has been one of intense controversy for the past two months - as many resides remembered fighting against the same plans in 2009. 

The following is a round-up of what our readers had to say. Keep the conversation going and post your thoughts in the comment section below.

wrote, "Dumb move. Commack doesn't need another gas station. They just opened a Hess east of the site. Traffic will be worse. This will have a negative affect on Gasoline Heaven who has been there forever. Smithtown planning doesn't listen to the public so why have hearings."

commented, "Simply put, the board's decision is not what the majority of commack residents want, and it should be overturned and overruled!" 

voiced their support, writing," I am so glad the board members saw thru the strong arm tactics of the protestors . Jobs , taxes , environmental cleanup , site development of an eyesore . It will be safer now that cars will not be backed up onto RT 25 in front of the Gulf station but will now be in the Hess station getting gas . Finally the eye sore will be gone . Go Hess Go !" 

 said, "Don't be so upset, everything will be fine. The corner will finally be cleaned up, a new business will flourish. Will there be car accidents? yes, because people will be on their phones, run the red light, make illegal U turns, etc just like all the other intersections on LI." 

Mary Gallagher Ryan commented on Commack Patch's Facebook page, "What a shame... So sorry Rudy. This will just take jobs away from a family business that's been there forever. Stay strong gasoline heaven. We will always support you." 

said, "The company has rights to open business where they wish, although I think we could've done better than a gas station. If your issue is safety then you gotta close down friendly's and the spare rib sicne they're at the same intersection. hey, why don't we close down ALL the stores on a busy intersection."

Meredith Zaretsky Weiss wrote on Commack's Facebook page, "Never buying Hess gas is all we can do at this point! I love gasoline heaven! I will only buy from Rudy! He is a man of the community employing very nice people from the community and the man is a very hard worker. He is always cleaning, keeping things inviting fixing, making things right for his customers. No Hess gas for me." 

said, "Glad to get rid of that eyesore, years ago it was Shell and there were no issues. Hess is a US based company and doesn't rip off customers with prices or charge card fees."