5 Headlines Nearby: Development, School Issues at the Forefront

Development issues and school budget matters topped the week's headlines from nearby Patch towns. Here's a recap of nearby headlines:

• From Smithtown Patch: The Town of Smithtown is coping with parking issues at the recently opened Insignia steak and sushi restaurant. Residents were surprised to learn about second set of proposed plans to expand Insignia Steakhouse's parking lot from its 122 current spaces up to 237 spaces - significantly more than requested by the restaurant's owner. to read the full story.
• From Kings Park Patch: Three Village isn't the only school district considering capital improvements to save money. Energy efficient lighting and heating could pay off big for the Kings Park School District. to read the full story.
• From Commack Patch: Smithtown elected officials voted 3-2 Thursday night in favor of approving a zoning change from Whole Service Industry to Neighborhood Business to accommodate Hess Corporation's plans to build a 12-pump Hess Express in Commack, despite residents' outcry of safety and traffic concerns.to read the full story.
• From Miller Place-Rocky Point Patch: Multiple reports of thefts and car vandalism in Miller Place and Sound Beach have been reported to Suffolk County Police in the past few weeks. to read the full story.
• From Sachem Patch: Teachers voted 672-346 to open contract negotiations and take pay cuts that will save the Sachem school district about $3.5 million. to read the full story.