Members of the Task Force are shown at a recent meeting, left to right, Maria Pecorale, Kay Manley, Anthony Formica, Helen Schick, Susan Malone, Ed Vilim, Kathy Montgomery, Carolyn Agenjo, Irene A. Munno, Tom Barraga, Bob Manley, Bob Schaefer. Sitting are Lynn Luttenberger, vice chairman and Joe DeCarlo, chairman, with Patricia Romeo and Stacy Kennedy.

Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan recently met in West Islip with the special Task Force on the La Grange Inn whose purpose is to develop, research and recommend alternative plans for the future of the site where the historic La Grange Inn is located.

Supervisor Nolan expressed to the task force members his personal sensitivity to this major issue and was very aware of the deep concerns of the West Islip community regarding the future of this historic property. He pointed out that unlike other hamlets West Islip doesn't have a central downtown but is divided logistically along Montauk Highway, Union Boulevard and Higbie Lane. Consequently, he fully understands and appreciates the concern of the residents of West Islip regarding this central, unifying historical structure and the property surrounding it.

Nolan pointed out that he has already made a commitment that if the proposed change of zone seeking to build a Walgreens Pharmacy on the La Grange site appears before the Islip Town Board, the hearing will be held in West Islip. He also indicated that he will again request that if and when the Islip Town Planning Board schedules a hearing on this proposal that the meeting also take place in West Islip.

Finally, Supervisor Nolan commended the Task Force for all the work it is doing to deal with the La Grange issue and suggested that the Task Force should consider remaining in tact as the voice of West Islip in addressing other community concerns.

Spokesman for Walgreens said that they are moving forward and believe the project is worthwhile, particularly since it involves a $1.5 million investment on the part of Walgreens to preserve the historical portion of LaGrange Inn.

For more information on the Task Force, and to post comments, go to www.lagrangeinn.blogspot.com. You can email the Task force at savelagrange@yahoo.com.