Amityville Herald 06_18_2025

ReCORD

Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa

Judge Edward J. Kiley’s family joined public officials at Greenlawn Terrace and Great Neck Road in Copiague as the intersection was renamed in his honor. L. to r.: Town Councilman Terence McSweeney; NYS Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow; Councilman Anthony Manetta; Supervisor Rich Schaffer; Kiley’s grandson Austin; his son and daughter-in-law Sonja and Darren Kiley; his brothers, Jerry, Jim and Bill; Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez and S.C. Leg. Kevin McCaffrey.

‘The Judge’ gets his own crossroads as Babylon Town honors his memory

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Greenlawn Terrace at Great Neck Road in Copiague has been ceremoniously renamed Judge Edward J. Kiley Court by the Town of Babylon.

Judge Kiley had been a resident of Copiague since 1967, a New York City police officer and full-time criminal attorney before becoming a Suffolk County District Court judge in 1980, where he served with distinction for seven years.

Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, Councilman Anthony Manetta, as well as S.C. Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Assembly-

man Kwani O’Pharrow, joined the judge’s family for the recent street renaming.

“The day was a dream come true for the entire Kiley family,” said his son Darren. “My dad gave his entire life to service. Every day as he always said, welcome to another beautiful day of life, and he dedicated each one to helping as many people as he could. “

His son added that “the Judge, as so many called him, loved Copiague and the Town of Babylon and we, as a family, are thankful to Rich Schaffer and the entire town board for bestowing such an honor on a man so many of us admired, loved and dearly miss.”

Kiley, who was also known as “the marrying judge” for officiating at thousands of

Amityville police chief to retire after 32 years with the department

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Amityville Police Chief

Bryan Burton is retiring after 32 years with the department, where he started as a patrol officer, became a sergeant, and, ultimately, took over the top slot. His last day will be Tuesday, July 29.

Even though his contract would have expired in December, Burton said his decision to retire comes with mixed emotions.

“It is melancholy,” Burton said. “I know that all things have to come to an end, but I also know police service runs through my blood and is and will always be an important part of my life.”

Burton’s father, Bryan Burton Sr., is a retired Suffolk County police officer. His son, Bryan Burton III, has been a patrol officer in the Amityville department for the past two years.

Burton joined the Amityville Police Department in 1993, always hoping to rise through the ranks. Acknowledging the limited opportunities for advancement in a small department like Amityville compared with larger ones in Nassau or Suffolk counties, he said he chose to serve the village where he eventually made his home.

“It has been my honor from

day one to serve this village— as a police officer, sergeant, and then as chief—and to carry out the mission we have every day,” Burton said.

“The last few years in this chair,” he added from his office last week, “have been about making sure the team was the best trained and equipped as possible.”

During his tenure, Burton worked with Lt. Frank Caramanica to rewrite the department’s policies to meet updated New York State standards. Under his leadership, the department met all requirements for accreditation by the state Division of Criminal Justice Services—a distinction achieved by only about one-third of police departments in the state.

“We are very proud of that,” Burton said.

In addition, as chief, he guided the department through several challenges, including race-related protests, the COVID-19 pandemic, and efforts to restore staffing levels to recommended numbers.

A native of Amity Harbor, Burton attended Copiague schools before earning a degree in criminal law from Nassau Community College and a degree in government and politics from St. John’s University. He lives in Ami-

Amityville police chief stepping down after 32 years of service

tyville with his wife, Beth. In addition to Bryan III, the couple has another son, Thomas, who works in computer graphics.

Burton announced his retirement to fellow officers at a Police Benevolent Association meeting last week.

service. “He rose through the ranks and served the Village well as a result of his local knowledge and dedication to the Village and its residents,” said O’Neill.

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“Chief Burton has been a great partner in our campaign to protect our quality of life here in the Town of Babylon,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer. “I wish him well on his next endeavor.”

Mayor Michael O’Neill also wished Burton well and thanked him for his

The process to find Burton’s replacement is now underway and O’Neill said he and the rest of the board will keep the best interests of the Village and its residents in mind as they move forward to make this decision.

Burton, meanwhile, said he has no immediate plans except to spend more time with his family and catch up on completing some long overdue home repairs.

Judge Edward Kiley honored with Copiague street renaming

CONTINUED FROM COVER

weddings, died in 2021 at the age of 88. His wife, Mikki, died last year.

Born in 1932 and raised in Brooklyn, Kiley was the oldest of nine children. He studied accounting at St. John’s University in Brooklyn before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a military police ffficer.

After his military service, he joined the NYPD and rose to the rank of detective, serving in both Queens and Brooklyn. Encouraged by his captain,

Babylon

he applied for and earned a special police scholarship to attend St. John’s law school. While working the overnight shift as a police officer, he attended classes by day—often studying law books in his squad car by flashlight.

“Judge Kiley’s legacy is one of perseverance, service, and integrity,” said Schaffer. “This street dedication ensures that his contributions to the Town of Babylon and beyond will not be forgotten.”

Soldier Ride taking place July 18

The annual Soldier Ride in Babylon will take place on July 18.

Take part in this 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery. If you register up until June 30, the cost for an adult is $75 and a t-shirt is included. For children ages 6 through 17, the

cost is $25 per child. Day of registration, July 1, is $100 for adults with a t-shirt included, and $40 for children.

To register and for more information, visit soldierride.org/babylon.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact communitysr@woundedwarriorproject.org

Suffolk County water is in crystal clear compliance

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) announced that it is fully compliant with newly finalized federal standards for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water — six years ahead of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2031 deadline.

In April, the EPA set an enforceable limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for both PFOA and PFOS, two chemicals in the PFAS family that have been linked to serious health risks. Testing conducted by SCWA that same month confirmed that none of the treated water it supplies exceeds those limits, despite widespread PFAS contamination in Long Island’s aquifer.

“Given the extent of PFAS detections across Long Island and the size of our system, this is a historic achievement,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “This result shows that with the right investment and urgency, we can stay ahead of emerging threats to public health.”

PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are synthetic chemicals used for decades in consumer and industrial products, including nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foam. These chemicals do not break down easily and have leached into groundwater across the country. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, has been associated with developmental issues, hormone disruption and several types of cancer.

To meet federal standards ahead of schedule, SCWA installed 17 granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems in the past year. GAC filtration removes PFAS

by adsorbing the chemicals onto specially prepared carbon as water passes through the system. SCWA said its testing shows the GAC filters remove PFAS to non-detectable levels.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. “We’ve been working for years to build a treatment program that protects our customers and anticipates regulatory changes. The fact that we’re already in compliance — years ahead of the federal deadline — speaks to the expertise of our team.”

SCWA continues to conduct regular testing and said it will remove any well from service immediately if PFOA or PFOS is detected above 4 ppt and that well lacks treatment. The authority’s long-term goal is to eliminate all detectable PFAS from its water supply, with additional treatment systems in development.

Local leaders praised SCWA’s proactive approach.

“This is about protecting public health,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “The Suffolk County Water Authority acted early and did what was necessary to provide residents with some of the cleanest drinking water in the country.”

S.C. Leg. and Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey added, “The authority has again shown its commitment to protecting the public and exceeded expectations set by the federal government.”

Environmental advocates also applauded the news.

“Clean drinking water is essential to public health, and PFAS contamination is a seri-

ous threat that demands action,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “I’m grateful to the Suffolk County Water Authority for taking action to remove these toxic chemicals from the water supply. Meeting the federal standards well ahead of schedule is a positive step forward in safeguarding Suffolk’s residents.”

SCWA’s accelerated timeline has been supported in part by $16 million in grant funding awarded by New York State. These funds have helped offset the significant cost of installing advanced PFAS treatment systems, allowing SCWA to move faster while minimizing the financial impact on customers. By leveraging state support and work-

ing efficiently, SCWA has been able to continue delivering high-quality water at some of the lowest rates in New York.

“This is one of the largest groundwater systems in the country—and one of the most complex,” Lefkowitz added. “We’ve proven that even in a region with serious PFAS challenges, we can deliver water that meets the highest health standards.”

About SCWA:

The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

Small businesses honored for community contributions across SC

Local businesses including Anchor Coffee in Amityville, Skyway Pest Management in Lindenhurst, and Briscoe Gift Box in Deer Park were among those recognized by the Suffolk County Legislature for their contributions to the local economy and community.

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Eighteen small businesses from across Suffolk County were honored for their critical role in supporting the local economy during a general meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in May. Included in that group were two local businesses: Skyway Pest Management in Lindenhurst and Anchor Coffee of Amityville.

Legislators highlighted the diversity and civic spirit of businesses with fewer than 25 employees, honoring restaurants, salons, insurance agencies, newspapers and more. They emphasized the continued importance of family-run, brick-and-mortar businesses and their special ties to the communities they serve.

In the 14th Legislative District, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey recognized Guy Schaefer, owner of Skyway Pest Management in Lindenhurst.

“This was a great honor,” said Schaefer, who has worked in pest control for more than 30 years and has operated his own business for 16. “Not only do I enjoy my business, but I also enjoy being a part of the community.”

Schaefer, a Babylon Town resident and father of three daughters, has deep roots in Copiague, where he grew up and raised his family. He has served on the Copiague Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 16 years and currently holds the position of vice president.

“He enjoys being a part of the chamber, as well as other organizations such

as Kids Need More, while giving back to the community as much as he can,” McCaffrey said.

Skyway Pest Management has been voted “Best Exterminating Company” in the Best of Long Island awards for nine years. In 2023, Schaefer received the Town of Babylon Richard Schaffer Outstanding Business Award.

In the 15th District, Legislator Jason Richberg recognized Anchor Coffee of Amityville. Owner Rich Griffin, who runs the café with his wife, Krista, credited the shop’s employees for its success.

“We don’t just serve our customers; we get to know them,” Griffin said. “We try to meet every request and know what everybody likes.”

In addition to coffee and the “person-

al” service, the shop at 215 Broadway offers pastries and donuts.

The Griffins, parents of four, have operated Anchor Coffee for four years and live in Massapequa.

In the 17th District, Legislator Tom Donnelly honored Briscoe Gift Box of Deer Park.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 33 million small businesses across the country. They employ nearly half of the American workforce and contribute about 44 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product. Suffolk County alone has more than 15,800 active business licenses and registrations, according to the county’s Department of Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs.

Negrita’s Father’s Day Gift: A Shirt Full of Love for Dog Dad Dave

Negrita, a senior Yorkie mix once overwhelmed by fear and change, showed just how far she’s come by giving her beloved dog dad Dave a custom Father’s Day gift — a T-shirt that spells out “DAD” with her photo as the letter “A.”

The bond between Negrita — now affectionately called Rita — and Dave began on Christmas Eve 2024, when she arrived at his family’s home as a temporary foster. Out of five dog-loving household members, Rita immediately chose Dave as her person.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

Before finding her new family, Rita lived with the same couple for 14 years. When their circumstances drastically changed, they struggled to find help. Language barriers made it difficult — they didn’t speak English and had been turned away by other shelters. In November, they reached out to Letty, Last Hope’s bilingual dog coordinator, who recognized their distress and welcomed Negrita into the rescue’s care.

At the Wantagh Adoption Center, Rita’s transition was rough. Confused and defensive, she snapped and growled at volunteers and didn’t adapt to kennel

life. A short-lived foster placement with a quiet mother-daughter duo didn’t work out either — she only bonded with one person.

Then came Christmas weekend and a last-chance foster placement with Dave’s family — a busier home with three children and three large dogs. It was meant to be a trial, but Rita adjusted immediately. She tolerates Mom Emily and the kids picking her up. The other dogs do not bother her since she has eyes only for dad. She anticipates his arrival from his job like a timeclock. She greets him each night when he returns from work as if he had been away for years. She is his perpetual lap dog. Rita relaxes in the vibe of her welcoming home.

Her transformation started that Christmas Eve, when she was welcomed with Chinese food and a fortune cookie. The message inside seemed written just for her: “Connect with others who understand your mental health struggles.” She did — with Dave. And on their first Father’s Day together, she let him know with a shirt that says it all.

Read the Amityville Herald Record

Meet some local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Isaland: Abigail Antonellis of Amityville; Michael Deegan of Amityville; Leah Tilocca of Amityville; and Marcela Torres of Copiague.

•Justin Mossey of Amity Harbor, majoring in Mathematics, was recently named to the President’s List at SUNY Potsdam.

•Danita Williams of Copiague was recently named to Ohio University’s Spring 2025 Provost’s List.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at SUNY Oneonta: Emmylie Coreas of Amityville and Jewel Perlow of Amityville.

Last Hope Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic - Sunday, June 22 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh, NY 11793

No appointment needed. Protect your pet both medically and legally.

• Dogs must be leashed.

• Cats must be in carriers and will be taken inside for vaccination.

• Pets must be at least 4 months old to receive the rabies vaccine.

• Each pet will receive a 1-year rabies certificate, unless you provide valid veterinary proof of a previous rabies shot.

• With proper proof, a 3-year certificate may be issued at the vet’s discretion.

• Rabies tags are not valid proof of prior vaccination. Call 631-664-5481 for more information.

Safety tips from PSEG for those using drones or balloons

Long Island PSEG is reminding customers that objects like drones, balloons and kites can pose serious safety hazards if they come

1

Never touch a power line. Do not attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, drone or any object caught in an overhead power line.

2 Fly drones safely. Keep drones at or below 400 feet and avoid flying them in dark, stormy or windy conditions.

3

into contact with overhead electrical equipment.

“While we all want to make our celebrations as fun and memorable as possible, a drone, kite or metallic foil balloon coming into contact with a power line or other electrical equipment could lead to

Avoid bad weather. Do not fly kites or balloons in the rain or during an electrical storm.

4

Stay aware of surroundings. Never cross a road or street while flying a kite or holding a balloon.

5

power outages, fire and, possibly, injuries,” said Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of electric operations.

To reduce the risk of accidents, the utility is encouraging the public to follow these safety tips:

Secure helium balloons. All helium-filled balloons should be tied to weights to prevent them from floating away.

If an object becomes entangled in a power line, residents should report it by calling PSEG Long Island at 800-490-0075. A specially trained crew will respond to safely remove the item.

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6 p.m. Attend Hofstra’s Virtual

At Hofstra University, graduate students grow the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.

For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family members and funeral directors can submit obituary notices to us at: Amittyville Herald Record, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329. We will also consider publishing clear black and white or color photos with the articles.

Bay Village Civic Association engages community and students for annual cleanup in Amityville

The Bay Village Civic Association (BVCA) recently held their annual community cleanup and beautification project, joined by Amityville High School student volunteers and other community helpers.

With gardening gloves and tools in hand, participants walked from the high school to the Amityville Preserve at Lake Drive and Merrick Road to clear debris and trash from the periphery of the natural area.

The project, continuing a BVCA tradition that has spanned roughly a decade, was part of a collaborative effort between the BVCA and Save the Great South Bay, an ongoing partnership in recent years. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community -Women’s Auxiliary on Union Avenue also joined the effort.

Volunteers worked along Merrick Road and Lake Drive for approximately 40 minutes. Members of Save the Great South Bay and its Creek Defender program remained at the Preserve to conduct a more in-depth cleanup.

Following the cleanup, the BVCA and the other participants returned to the school grounds, where they pulled weeds, planted annuals, and transplanted perennials. The main focus areas were the front raised garden beds, including those near the entrance doors, as well as the west side garden bed.

Red and white geraniums and other annuals—selected to match the school’s colors—were also added to the landscaped border surrounding the school’s electronic sign on Merrick Road.

The volunteers were treated to pizza in the school lunchroom, provided by Raimo’s and the BVCA.

BVCA extended thanks to Amityville

Mayor Dennis O’Neill, Trustees Owen Brooks and Adam Ansanelli, and former Mayor Dennis Siry for their support. The BVCA also recognized members Diane Mellish, Kathy Ward, Doris Reynolds, Suzanne Carl and Bill Hurley, as well as Mansoora Farooq and members of the Women’s Auxiliary, for their contributions to the day’s success.

Special thanks were given to High School adviser Jen Schulken and her students for their participation. Their community service produced immediate, visible results around the high school campus.

“It takes a village,” the organization noted.

The Bay Village Civic Association represents residents of the Village of Amityville and also sponsors the Amityville Farmers Market. For more information, email bayvillagecivic@aol.com.

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH HEART.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Southern State: A road still stuck in the past

Decades

of improvements haven’t eliminated the parkway’s dangers,

By JORDAN VALLONE & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ of the Heralds

Fourth in a series on the Southern State Parkway.

Built for a different era and a different kind of driver, the Southern State Parkway is a cautionary tale of outdated infrastructure. Sections of the most notorious stretch — from Exit 17 in Malverne to Exit 32 in Farmingdale — have earned grim nicknames like “Blood Alley” and “Dead Man’s Curve,” reflecting their reputations for crashes and fatalities.

that much of the parkway remained largely unchanged since its first section opened in 1927 — originally built to improve beach access for vehicles traveling at just 35 miles per hour.

According to New York State Department of Transportation estimates, the Southern State handles nearly 200,000 vehicles per day through Nassau County and 130,000 through its Suffolk County section. Between 2012 and 2019, there were over 15,700 accidents resulting in property damage; over 84,000 accidents resulting in injury; and 78 resulting in death.

Despite decades of proposed and implemented efforts to improve the parkway’s safety, serious accidents — many of them fatal — continue to occur. No matter how many calls to action are made, the Southern State Parkway remains a work in progress, with much more still to be done.

What makes the Southern State so dangerous?

The Southern State Parkway stretches 25.53 miles, beginning at the interchange of the Belt and Cross Island parkways in North Valley Stream. It runs east along Nassau County’s South Shore and continues into Suffolk County, ending in West Islip.

In August 2022, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat from Valley Stream, released a report detailing the parkway’s design flaws. The report found

The Southern State’s “Blood Alley,” between Malverne and Farmingdale, has been repeatedly cited for hazardous conditions, including sharp curves, narrow lanes, short acceleration and deceleration ramps, and the proximity of three major intersecting north-south highways — the Meadowbrook State Parkway, the Wantagh State Parkway, and the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. It’s not just the roadway design that contributes to accidents — low overpasses are also a persistent hazard. In New York state, only motor vehicles registered as passenger vehicles are permitted on parkways, excluding trucks, tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and any vehicle over 94 inches in height. Despite this, oversized vehicles frequently strike overpasses, particularly near Exit 18, at Eagle Avenue, in the West Hempstead–Lakeview area. Today, the speed limit on the Southern State Parkway ranges from 50 to 55 mph. According to the American Road &

but more work is planned

Sharp curves, short acceleration and deceleration ramps, and the proximity of three major intersecting north-south highways, including the Meadowbrook State Parkway, have given the Southern State Parkway a dangerous reputation.

Transportation Builders Association’s report, Long Island’s population — which has grown nearly 200 percent since 1950 — along with larger, more powerful vehicles and increased roadway congestion, has heightened longstanding safety concerns tied to the parkway’s outdated design.

Safety improvements, discussed throughout the years

The Southern State, as drivers know it today, was completed in 1962. Upgrades to the parkway, including the sharp turns at “Dead Man’s Curve” in Malverne, have been made over the last four decades. Following 14 deaths

from head-on collisions between 1984 and 1990, the state installed median barriers between exits 17 and 21.

As part of a $157 million statewide investment in 2022, nearly $24 million was allocated for improvements to the Southern State. A pavement renewal project was completed between Exit 20 — Grand Avenue and Baldwin Road — and State Route 110 in Farmingdale, building on an earlier resurfacing effort finished in 2021 between the Cross Island Parkway and South Hempstead. Eleven miles of roadway between State Route 231 and the Sagtikos Parkway, in the Towns of Babylon and Islip,

A parkway that wasn’t made for these times

were also included in the investment package, along with concrete repairs of 55 entrance and exit ramps in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

One proposed improvement in 2022, backed by the Long Island Contractors Association, was the addition of a high-occupancy toll lane. Similar to the high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the Long Island Expressway, an HOT lane is a managed lane that allows vehicles with a minimum number of occupants — typically two or more — to use the lane for free.

The proposal did not seek to remove an existing lane from the traffic flow on the parkway, but rather add one. The addition of a lane, an August 2022 report showed, was intended to alleviate traffic congestion. The data and proposal was released by Solages’ office.

At the time, Solages — who has long advocated for Southern State renovations — said she did not specifically endorse the proposal, but was open to any ideas that could help relieve the parkway’s systemic issues.

A HOT plan for the Southern State has yet to materialize, but another improvement did take shape in 2022 — the installation of license plate readers. That October, 22 readers were installed along the parkway, funded by a $900,000 grant to the State Police secured by former State Sen. John Brooks, a Democrat from Merrick. The devices enable police to check license plate information across multiple databases and analyze traffic patterns and vehicle behavior. They also serve as visible deterrents to speeding and reckless driving.

“This 10-mile stretch of road has proven to be a danger to motorists,” Brooks said in 2022, referencing the “Blood Alley” portion of the parkway, “causing a litany of deadly crashes as a result, so we must do everything we can to protect our community.”

The plate readers, he said, ensure that police officers are better able to navigate the hazardous conditions of the Southern State, and ultimately ensure that Long Islanders are protected.

Calls to action and upcoming projects

In response to the prevalence of traffic deaths and serious accidents on the Southern State, elected officials and community members have been pushing for action in the form of further investigation and urgent infrastructure reforms.

U.S. Rep Laura Gillen — whose district includes a large portion of the parkway and who sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure — sent a letter in April to fellow Representatives Sam Graves and Rick Larsen, the chairman and ranking member of the committee, respectively, demanding federal attention to an “unacceptable nationwide increase in fatal traffic crashes.”

Gillen stated that the increase in traffic deaths — up 25 percent since 2014 — was a problem in her district, and that “More than 2,100 people have been killed and 16,000 have been severely injured in traffic accidents on Long Island’s dangerous roads over the past ten years.”

She went on to note that traffic accidents were the leading cause of death among young people on Long Island.

“We must do more,” she wrote, “to invest in infrastructure upgrades, creative road-planning, and new technologies to help prevent tragedies and save lives.”

Congress’s current surface transportation reauthorization, which provides states with the long-term stability they need to effectively plan and carry out major transportation infrastructure projects, expires Sept. 30, 2026.

In January 2025, the transportation committee began holding hearings to explore various aspects of the nation’s highway, transit and rail programs, helping members gather the information needed to shape upcoming legislation before the current law expires. What Gillen wants is hearings focusing on the nationwide increase in traffic fatalities.

County stretch, and 130,000 in

Courtesy Michael Joyce/Herald file

oversized vehicles, like tractor trailers, frequently strike overpasses near exit 18 in the West HempsteadLakeview area. above, a truck’s shredded top.

“Residents have long voiced concerns about the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway, and other routes,” Gillen said at a news conference in April, at which she was joined by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Solages, “which have a disproportionate share of roadway injuries and fatalities on Long Island.”

Solages was responsible for obtaining $20 million in federal funding in 2022 to reconfigure the Southern State’s Exit 13 ramps — which have long been thought by locals to be particularly dangerous — as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s five-year, $32.8 billion state Department of Transportation capital plan.

“There have been many accidents on this road, two fatalities, pedestrians being struck by cars — it is a very dangerous intersection,” Solages told the Herald in May. “This is long overdue. The people in the community have tolerated this for a long time.”

Construction at the exits is expected to begin in spring 2027 and be completed by spring 2028.

Changes are also underway at Exit 15 in Valley Stream, as was reported by the Herald in April. The state DOT is eliminating the southbound exit ramp there, and all traffic will instead exit via a redesigned northbound ramp, Exit 15N, which will split into two southbound lanes and one northbound lane — consolidating the flow of more than 8,000 daily vehicles into a single intersection on Corona Avenue.

Final installment: Looking to the Southern State Parkway’s future.

Some facts on the Southern State

Notorious stretch

■ “Dead Man’s Curve” in Malverne — site of numerous crashes due to sharp turns.

Fatal collisions (1984–1990)

■ 14 head-on deaths led to median barriers between Exits 17 and 21.

Recent Investments (2022)

■ Total statewide: $157 million

Southern State allocation: Nearly $24 million

Upgrades included

■ Pavement renewal from Exit 20 (Grand Ave./ Baldwin Road) to State Route 110

■ Prior resurfacing from the Cross Island Parkway to South Hempstead

■ Repairs to 55 ramps across Nassau and Suffolk

■ 11 miles of roadway improved in Towns of Babylon and Islip

Technology upgrade

■ License plate readers installed: 22

■ Cost: $900,000 (State police grant secured by former State Sen. John Brooks)

■ Purpose: data collection, enhanced enforcement and deterrence of reckless driving

High-occupancy toll lane proposal

■ Backed by the Long Island Contractors Association

■ Would add a toll lane, not remove existing ones

West Babylon filmmaker Joe Pomarico to take center stage at LIMEHOF film event

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Known for his emotionally rich storytelling and visually compelling work, filmmaker Joe Pomarico will be the featured artist at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (LIMEHOF) monthly Local Filmmakers Series.

LIMEHOF will host a film block screening of Pomarico’s work on Friday, June 21, at 1 p.m. at its museum located at 97 Main St., Stony Brook. The screening will include his latest TV pilot, “Roach the Coach,” followed by a Q&A session with him. The pilot stars Ronkonkoma comedian Chris Roach and Jeni Pomper.

The Long Island Herald recently had the opportunity to interview Pomarico and learn about what inspires the West Babylon filmmaker’s work, no matter what genre or subject matter he delves into.

How does it feel to be showing your work at LIMEHOF?

I think it’s an honor. I feel like it’s a perfect place to really showcase filmmakers, independent filmmakers. And the fact is, I don’t have one particular genre I work with, so just getting into a wider audience and more people to see it and talk about it. I feel like a lot of my work, there’s a lot of deep emotions, stories to tell behind the work.

Tell me about this brand-new TV show pilot that you directed, starring Chris Roach.

Chris Roach and I have been friends for about 11 years now, so we’ve worked together on numerous projects and he was the one who introduced me to the producers who wanted to do this pilot. Working with Chris is great because we always have a lot of laughs. The TV show pilot is actually inspired by the real relationship between him and Jeni Pomper. She’s the young aspiring stand-up comedian and her father actually hired Chris to coach her. Chris loved the dynamic so much that he said that he wanted to do a show about this.

You are also a painter. How has painting influenced your filmmaking?

Making movies is all I ever wanted to do since I was 7 years old. My grandfather teaching me how to paint oils, landscapes, compositions, depth and perspective is what taught me how to frame a shot. My grandfather was an oil painter, he painted landscapes. I was at my grandparents every weekend and I would be painting with him and we would rent two movies from Blockbuster, so I was just painting and watching movies, painting and watching movies.

What inspires your work and the stories you like to tell?

What I think attracts more viewers with me is my maturity at a young age when it comes to my music choices. I have always been a classical music guy since I was a kid. I started writing at 12 years old and classical music is the only thing I listen to when I’m writing, no matter if it’s comedy or drama. Inspiration can come from anywhere though, but music has always been the inspiration for my work. Everything comes from me. Everything has some symbolic or subliminal message, or something straight forward. I try my best to make people feel something. If they can feel something, then maybe whatever that message is could open up something in their lives, or something they can relate to or think about.

And what are you most looking forward to as LIMEHOF’S featured filmmaker on June 21

I would love to have aspiring filmmakers be there. I’ve had experience from doing zero budget projects to working with a Hollywood director. You can make anything you want if you write it to whatever limited resources you have. Anybody can tell a story, anywhere, and you can shoot it with anything at this point.

LIMEHOF’S Monthly Local Filmmakers Series is free to members. Non-members, the event is free with a general admission ticket purchase. LIMEHOF is also now offering special film tickets for $10 for the screening and Q&A only. Please note that this ticket, which is only available at the counter for purchase on the day of the event, will not provide access to any of the exhibits.

To purchase tickets and for more information, call (631) 689-5888 or visit limehof.org

To learn more about Joe Pomarico’s work, visit joepomarico.com or follow him on Instagram @JoePomaricoOfficial.

BUSINESS BEAT

Security Dodge opens new service center

Security Dodge in Amityville just opened a new quick-service facility for oil changes, brakes, tires and other maintenance items.

“We’re expanding our capacity to help our customer base. Helps to speed things up- get customers in and out quicker,” said Emily Santosus, executive assistant at Security Dodge. “Come on down and check out the new facility. And take advantage of our specials.”

Security Dodge is located at 345 Merrick Rd., Amityville. They can be reached at 631 240-0824 or at www.securitydodgechrysler.net

In photo at right, Security Dodge owners, Gabriel Vigorito and JJ Vigorito, cut the ribbon on their new facility, joined by the company’s personnel and public officials, including Amityville Village Mayor Michael O’Neill.

State workshops help New Yorkers get back their unclaimed funds

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s Office of Unclaimed Funds returns over $2 million in lost money, known as unclaimed funds, on average every day. Unclaimed funds occur when people are separated from their money and can come from utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, uncashed checks or unused gift cards.

To further assist individuals in claiming their lost funds, staff members from the State Comptroller’s office attend community events across the state to provide

information and assistance with the search process.

The next local meeting will be held Mon., June 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Islip Library, 3 Higbie La., West Islip.

Residents who cannot make it to an inperson event can search for and claim their money by using the online claiming system or by calling 1-800-221-9311.

You can learn more about unclaimed funds by visiting: osc.ny.gov/unclaimedfunds.

JOIN THE NEWSROOM THAT SHAPES LONG ISLAND

Love Local News?

Looking to join a team with purpose?

The Herald is hiring a Newsroom Coordinator to power our opinion pages, manage special sections, and help keep our 27 editions running strong. You’ll work side-by-side with editors, writers, and digital teams—all from our Garden City newsroom.

It’s fast-paced. It’s meaningful. It’s your first step into the heart of journalism.

• Coordinate columnists across 27 local editions

• Write and publish digital and print content

• Help produce our biggest annual features

• Collaborate with award-winning journalists

• Based in Garden City, NY

• Apply today - email resume to chirsch@liherald.com

• Salary range 34,500-$37,500

• www.journalismjobs.com/ job-listing/1690878

• Full job description: liherald.com

Business Beat promotional items are printed at no cost as space permits. Local businesses who have an item they would like considered for this column can send it to the editor: cjames@liherald.com

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County and Amityville police departments and other law enforcement and emergency responders STOLEN TAXI

Copiague: A taxi driver called police shortly after 11 a.m., June 2 to report that he picked up a man and a woman on Great Neck Road and they asked him to drive them to Ace Hardware at 705 Montauk Highway, Copiague. When they arrived, the man got out of the cab and walked into the store while the woman remained in the back seat of the vehicle. When the man came out of the store, the woman brandished a knife and forced the taxi driver out of the cab. The man got into the vehicle and the two fled. The vehicle was later found on South Bayview Avenue and Victoria Drive in Amityville.

CARS DAMAGED

Amityville: Two vehicles parked on Greybarn Lane were damaged the morning of June 5. Police said one vehicle, a 2022 Mercedes Benz, was broken into, the tires were sliced and paint scratched. In a second incident at about the same time, the tires on a 2019 Black Land Rover parked nearby were flattened and the paint scratched. Several male juveniles in light sweaters were seen on a video camera running away for the location. Police are investigating.

CRIME WATCH

DOOR SHATTERED

East Farmingdale: Three unidentified people drove up to a dispensary on Wellwood Avenue May 30, shortly before 4 p.m., and threw a rock against a glass door, shattering it. They made no attempt to break into the shop and left the scene.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired:

Oscar Diaz, 40 Garfield Rd., Baldwin; Elder Flores, 28 30 St., Freeport; Nelson H. Fernandez Moran, 48 Atlantic St., Copiague; Charles Myers, 44 S. 6th St., Lindenhurst; Yosauris Mariano, 49, 49 Beach 20 St., Far Rockaway; Richard E. Rouzeau, 58 Spring St., Massapequa; James Loscalzo, 54, Midlawn Dr., Massapequa; John Coalmon, 62, of 77 Drakeford Ave., North Babylon; Milton Acosta, 20, of 1019 4th St., West Babylon; Oscar Urrutia, 85, of 19 Harbour Rd., Massapequa; Delphine Sargent, 40, of 756 Post Ave., Bellport; Roberto A. Espinal, 32 Bushwick, Brooklyn (also charged with Fleeing Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle and Reckless Driving); Jose Alexander Gonzalez Mendez, 37 Classon Ave., Mastic; Joseph Russo, 63 Greenlawn Terrace, Copiague. Criminal Possession of a Weapon: Iquan Williams, 39, of 10 Benjoe Dr., Amityville.

Petit Larceny: Gregory W. Flagg, 39 Broadway, Amityville; Carl Garcia,

39 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood; Ryan Ferrara, 50, of 9 Meeks Ln., Islip; Kelly Murray, 32, of 214 Marilynn St. East Islip; Anthony Guglielmo, 57, of 360 W. 21 St., Deer Park; Ricard Hall, 27, of 148

Greenwich, Hempstead; Jennifer Jannatul, 18, of 29 Benjamin St., Bay Shore; Michael Marte, 39, of 365 Catskill Ave., Copiague

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Amityville 1975 Class Reunion, Oct. 12

The Amityville “Warriors” Class of 1975 is hosting its 50th high school reunion on Sun., Oct. 12 at the Unqua Yacht Club. For more

information email davesberger@hotmail. com or go to the Facebook page: Amityville High School Class 75-50 Year Reunion.

Meet some of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University of Rhode Island: Abigail Antonellis of Amityville; Michael Deegan of Amityville; Leah Tilocca of Amityville; and Marcela Torres of Copiague.

•Justin Mossey of Amity Harbor, majoring in Mathematics, was recently named to the President’s List at SUNY Potsdam.

•Danita Williams of Copiague was recently named to Ohio University’s Spring 2025 Provost’s List.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at SUNY Oneonta: Emmylie Coreas of Amityville and Jewel Perlow of Amityville.

STEPPING OUT

June marks the arrival of one of the sweetest highlights of the year: strawberry season.

These vibrant, juicy berries are ripe for the picking, and their short window of peak freshness makes them all the more special. Now’s the perfect time to round up the family and head to one of the many local U-pick farms for a day of sun (hopefully), fun and berry gathering.

As spring gives way to summer, strawberries reach their flavorful peak here on Long Island, ripening through June. There’s nothing quite like the taste of just-picked fruit, so skip the cross-country supermarket imports and opt for homegrown goodness instead.

Once you’ve filled your baskets, bring the harvest back to your kitchen for a round of delicious homemade treats. Whether enjoyed by the handful or baked into something special, fresh strawberries are the perfect ingredient to brighten up any dish.

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

A classic cheesecake takes on added flavor with the addition of some luscious berries.

Graham cracker crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 1/2 crackers)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and topping

• 16 ounces strawberries

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

Prepare graham cracker crust:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar together in a medium bowl. Press into bottom and at least 1-inch up sides of a 9-inch non-stick springform

Boogie on with Disco Unlimited

butter). Bake until crust is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 300° F.

Then prepare filling:

Hull 1/2 of the strawberries and puree in a blender or food processor. You should have about 3/4 cup puree. Beat cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups sugar in an electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla until well combined. Add eggs, 1 at a time, on low speed, beating well after each addition and scraping sides of bowl as needed. Beat in strawberry puree until blended.

Pour batter into cooled pan. Bake cheesecake about 1 hour 20 minutes or until edges are just set and center jiggles slightly. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack 5 minutes.

Stir together sour cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Spread sour cream mixture on top of cheesecake in an even layer. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer. Turn oven off and prop the door ajar with the handle of a wooden spoon. Let cool in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely. Place in refrigerator and chill until cold throughout, 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

Using the remaining strawberries, halve them and arrange in concentric circles on top of cheesecake to serve.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Another summery favorite, for the pie lovers among us. Strawberries and rhubarb are a match made in heaven.

• 1 unbaked homemade double piecrust

• 2 1/2 cups rhubarb, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

(about 3 large stalks)

• 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup all purpose flour or 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4inch pieces

Savor some flavorful berries

• 1 large egg yolk beaten to blend with 1 teaspoon water (for glaze)

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Prepare the bottom crust by rolling out one of the pastry disks to an 11-inch circle. Nestle the crust inside the pan so about an inch hangs over the sides. Press the pastry down. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

2. Mix the fruit with the sugar, flour (or cornstarch) and lemon zest. Using the tines of a fork, poke the bottom of the pie crust evenly about five times. Pour the fruit mixture into the chilled pastry. Dot with the butter pieces.

3. Moisten the edge of the bottom crust with a finger dipped in water. Put on the top pastry in one piece and slice in a few air vents, or in a lattice pattern, trim, and crimp the edges.

4. Brush the egg glaze over the crust. Transfer the pie to a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake another 30 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Remove from the oven and cool on a rack before serving.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

A refreshing and addicting summer salad.

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 teaspoons honey

• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 cups torn salad greens

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

• 10 strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup chopped pecans (or your nut of choice)

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Place the salad greens in a pretty bowl, and top with sliced avocado and strawberries. Drizzle dressing over everything, then sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving, or serve immediately.

Disco fever arrives at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, the exhilarating band draws you in with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves — all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show that creates an unforgettable concert experience. Close your eyes and it seems as if you’re listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. This group of unique and experienced musicians love and live disco. As always, bring seating Saturday, June 21, 7-9 p.m. Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit nassaucountyny.gov/ parks.

The Fab Faux

The Beatles find their way back to the stage — in the form of The Fab Faux. The band treats the seminal music with unwavering respect — known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by the Beatles). Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In this concert, you’ll hear “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Abbey Road” in their entireties. In addition to their note-for-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. Imagine hearing complex material like “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “I Am the Walrus” performed in complete part-perfect renditions; or such harmony-driven songs as “Because”, “Nowhere Man”, and “Paperback Writer,” reproduced with extra vocalists to achieve a doubletracked effect. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. $125, $110, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

16,

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUNE

19

LIMEHOF Summer Band Camp

High school vocalists and musicians can participate in the Summer Band Camp Program. Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, LIMEHOF, hosts its first All-Star Band Camp for high school students in grades 9-12. The week-long program runs from July 28 through Aug. 1, 9-11:30 a.m. each day and concludes with a final concert on Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. $350 fee. To apply, email student’s name, age, specific instrument or vocalist, and contact information to Tom Needham. The application deadline has been extended to June 30.

•Contact: (631) 689-5888, info@limusichalloffame.org

Babylon Soldier Ride

Registration is now open annual Soldier Ride in Babylon on July 18. Take part in this unique 25mile cycling event as you ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery.

•Contact: soldierride.org/Babylon

BACCA TV

Join the launch of BACCA TV. The Babylon Citizens Council on the Arts, BACCA, is assembling a team of visionary content creators and video producers for their new digital platform. It’s free to join. Tackle fresh creative challenges, premiere your work on their online channel and be honored at the inaugural BACCA TV Video Awards. Put “BACCA TV” as the subject line in your email.

•Contact: info@babylonarts.org

JUNE

20

Midsummer Nights

Visitors of all ages are invited to Old Westbury Gardens to picnic, stroll, and relax on one of the longest nights of the year. The Gardens will be illuminated with lanterns and decorated with wreaths and floral arrangements for the annual spectacle. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food and beverages on site from Café in the Woods. $22 general admission (20 percent off members), $8 ages 7-17 (20 percent off members).

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: Gates open at 6 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

JUNE 27

Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice!

JUNE

25

Understanding credit

Join this interactive workshop at Amityville Public Library. Participants learn how to improve credit and better manage any debt, including building a positive credit history, reducing credit utilization and dealing with delinquent debts.

•Where: 19 John St., Amityville

•Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (631) 264-0567

JUNE

Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge

Get The Led Out returns to the Paramount with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” two electrifying nights of classic rock, running through June 28. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and high-octane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. When an album calls for three guitars, GTLO brings three guitarists to the stage — no shortcuts, no gimmicks. With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock. $75, $45, $35.

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.

•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

•Time: Noon-1 p.m. and 3-4 p.m.; also June 22-23, June 25-26

•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

JUNE

Farmers Market

The Amityville Village Farmers Market is open Saturdays until Oct. 25 at First United Methodist Church.

•Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville

•Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

•Contact: (631) 264-6000

Summer Reading Kickoff

Mark your calendars and bring your child, in grade 5 and under, to Copiague Memorial Public Library’s kickoff celebration. With plenty of fun activities including crafts, games and more. Don’t forget to grab your child’s opening packet on this special day. Registration is required.

•Where: 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague

•Time: Noon-1:30 p.m.

•Contact: shorturl.at/UdfY4, (631) 691-1111

Conversational English

Join this beginner to intermediate class at Amityville Public Library to practice your English conversation skills, facilitated by instructors. All are welcome.

•Where: 19 John St., Amityville

•Time: 9:30-11 a.m.

•Contact: (631) 264-0567

JUNE

Summer Concert Series

The Town of Babylon’s concert series continues with The

•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Men of Soul at Hermann Griem Park. In the event of inclement weather, please the Town of Babylon Parks Facebook page for the status of the concert.

•Where: 54 Brown Blvd., Wheatley Heights

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (631) 893-2100

Town of Babylon Beach Permit Sales

Town of Babylon Parks Department offers drive-thru beach permit sales at Tanner Park. $45 for seniors 60 and over, $20 for active military, veterans and volunteer Fire and EMS.

•Where: 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague

•Time: 3-6 p.m.

•Contact: (631) 893-2100 or townofbabylonny.gov/558/2025Beach-Permits

Learn Spanish

Learn basic Spanish in a relaxed, comfortable environment Amityville Public Library.

•Where: 19 John St., Amityville

•Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

•Contact: (631) 264-0567

Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walk-ins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60. •Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff •Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine •Contact: n2nbc.org

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Notice of formation of Sunny Shore Occupational Therapy Services PLLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on (03/26/2025.) Office location: (SUFFOLK ). SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the PLLC to 11 CAPARI COURT, DIX HILLS , NY -11746).

Purpose: Any lawful purpose .

25-319. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25

Notice of Formation of 1564 Noyack LLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 5/6/2025.

Office: Suffolk County SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 216 East State Street, Suite 100, Trenton, NJ 08608

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

25-318. 5/21, 28, 6/4, 11, 18, 25

NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, June 26, 2025, to consider the following applications:

Application of Nephala Deabreu.  Applicant seeks a variance to maintain a 6 foot vinyl fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the North side of Maple Drive approximately 175 feet

East of County Line Road in a “Residential B“ District known as 107 Maple Drive a/k/a SCTM#101-1-1-43.

Application of William Schafer.  Applicant seeks a variance to maintain a 4 foot solid vinyl fence in the front yard pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (1) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the South side of Moreland Court approximately 127 feet East of Bryan Avenue in a “Residential BB” District known as 33 Moreland Court a/k/a SCTM#101-8-4-34.

Application of Frederick M. Smith.  Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6 foot solid vinyl fence on a premises abutting a waterway pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (1) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the East side of Norman Avenue approximately 450 feet South of Richmond Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 36 Norman Avenue a/k/a SCTM#101-5-2-26.

Application of William Young.  Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6 foot fence in the rear yard pursuant to Section 183-139 A. (3) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the South side of Cedar Street approximately 340 feet East of Park Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 32 Cedar Street a/k/a SCTM#101-7-4-7.

Application of Ryan Fallot.  Applicant seeks to renew a previously approved Special Exception for an OwnerOccupied 2-Family Dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C. (6) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the South side of Bourdette Place approximately 100 feet East of Richmond Avenue in a “Residential

B” District known as 50 Bourdette Place a/k/a SCTM#101-1318-2.

Application of Monique Newkirk.  Applicant seeks to renew a previously approved special exception for an owner-occupied two-family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C. (6) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the South Side of Sterling Place approximately 330 feet East of County Line Road in a “Residential B” District known as 158 Sterling Place a/k/a SCTM #101-3-3-5.

Application of Christine Crosby-Brown.  Applicant seeks to maintain a previously approved Special Exception for a ParentChild Dwelling pursuant to Section 183-9 C. (4) of the Village of Amityville Code.  Premises located on the North side of Chadwick Court approximately 252 feet East of South Bayview Avenue in a “Residential A” District known as 8 Chadwick Court a/k/a SCTM#101-125-4.

Application of Brian Fiore on behalf of Pedro Torres.  Applicant seeks a variance to vertically expand a pre-existing nonconforming side yard setback where 14 feet is required and 9.7 feet exists pursuant to Section 183-34 of the Village of Amityville Code, and a variance to maintain an existing roof with a pitch of less than 4 inches rise per foot pursuant to Section 183-31 of the Village of Amityville Code, both associated with a FEMA compliant house lift and renovation.  Premises located on North side of Hamilton Street approximately 321 feet West of Richmond Avenue in a “Residential BB” District known as 29 Hamilton Street

Public Notices

a/k/a SCTM#101-99-22.

Application of Nicole Blanda on behalf of Robert Perticone.  Applicant seeks a use variance to convert an existing Commercial Building to a Multiple Dwelling with 4 Residential units and 1 Commercial unit pursuant to Section 183-82 of the Village of Amityville Code.  Applicant also seeks a variance to reduce the required parking spaces from 16 to 11 pursuant to Section 183-129 of the Village Code.  Premises located on the North side of Sterling Place approximately 347 feet West of Broadway (Route 110) in a “B-2 Business” District known as 33 Sterling Place a/k/a SCTM#101-3-1-17.

By Order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville Cahterine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer  25-332. 6/11, 18

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF SUFFOLK U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE TORRUSIO, KIMBERLY TORRUSIO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 9, 2025 at 10:30 AM, premises known as 90 30th Street, Copiague, NY 11726. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being

in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100 Section 200.00 Block 03.00 Lot 043.001. Approximate amount of judgment $581,835.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611879/2024. Richard Lavorata, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Wi lliamsville, NY 14221 24-000685

85699

25-334. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF SUFFOLK HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR NOMURA ASSET ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff AGAINST CHRISTINE SPENCE INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF WILLIAM SPENCE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 4, 2022, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM, premises known as 41 Madison Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0100, Section 164.00, Block 03.00, Lot 049.000. Approximate amount of judgment $639,422.62 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold

subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611124/2015. Richard Lavor ata Jr., Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 15-003253

85861

25-335. 6/11, 18, 25, 7/2

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD

Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public

LEGAL NOTICE TO BIDDERS

RFP No. 25-01 Interior Alterations to Amityville Fire Department Bennett Place Firehouse

The Village of Amityville is seeking proposals from qualified, licensed, and bonded entities with demonstrated competence and experience to provide interior alterations to the Amityville Fire Department Bennett Place Firehouse.

The last day to pick up a bid packet or for requests for information (RFI) submissions is July 9th, 2025. Bids are due by Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at 2 p.m. Bid documents are available at Amityville.com; hard copies are available at Village Hall.

The scope of work for the project will generally consist of the following:

BASE BID: Proposed Interior Alterations to Existing One-Story Masonry Building (Amityville Fire Department - Bennett Place Firehouse)

The proposed ground level, interior floor plan

and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, June 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s): PUBLIC HEARING/ MINOR SUBDIVISION

JOB# 24-64B; Easton Home Building Corp.: SCTM# 0100-112-02066: Zone – Residence C: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to subdivide a 21,922sf parcel into three (3) lots in order to construct two

modification and alteration of existing one-story masonry building (2,282 SF), consisting of partial interior demolition as required to provide new Office, Bunk Room, ADA Restroom, separate Shower (room), the interior renovation of the existing Truck Bay, Kitchen (area), Mech. Room and Storage areas, with associated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, and minor exterior wall/fenestration improvements in conjunction with the proposed Shower (room) and Bunk Room.

ASBESTOS AND LEAD ABATEMENT

BID: Proposed Interior Alterations to Existing One-Story Masonry Building (Amityville Fire Department - Bennett Place Firehouse) The proposed abatement of existing asbestos and lead materials as referenced &/or detailed in the construction drawings, on Drwg. H-001, &/or impacted by the proposed scope of work, and as listed on the

(2) new single family dwellings on Lot #1 and Lot #3 and legally maintain the existing single family dwelling on Lot #2.: Property is located on the northeast corner of Deer Park Avenue and Spruce Street, North Babylon, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York\ All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York

PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS

Amityville Record: 06-18-25 25-337 6/18

pre-construction survey report(s) included in the specification. All asbestos and lead abatement/removal work to be performed by a qualified and certified abatement contractor hired by the G.C. ealed proposals will be received by the Village Clerk, Village of Amityville, at Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, 2nd Floor, Amityville, New York, 11701, by the bid opening on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. (prevailing time). By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock Village Clerk/Treasurer

6/18/25   25-338. 6/18

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Alterations Seamstress

Flexible P/T, Experienced For Women's Clothing And Gowns. Work From Home. Must Have Proper Sewing Machine And Be Able To Speak And Read English. Lawrence Location. Text 516-314-4810

AUTO SALES

Gregoris Subaru Seeking Responsible Mature Individual To Join Family Run Dealership Will Train The Right Person Sales Experience Preferred But Not Necessary Salary, Commission, Benefits $50K-$75K/ Year 516-825-8700, Ask For Jay

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

Health Care/Opportunities

HEALTHCARE WORKER with 40Yrs Experience Working with the Aging/ Geriatric Population is Seeking Position Caring for a Senior with Flexible Scheduling. 516-640-4204

Eldercare Offered

PRIVATE SENIOR RESIDENCE: Your Loved Ones Will Be Treated Like Family. Basic Care Provided. Meals, Laundry, Housekeeping & Gym Onsite. PRIVATE PAY ONLY. arlinresidence@gmail.com 914-462-0624

Hamptons-Style Living…

Estate Palm Coast Florida totally renovated 4 bedroom,2 bath,2 car garage house $335,000 listed on zillow.com, address 37 Lindsay Drive. Call Owner for info 1-386-437-7058 landline.

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Just minutes from Manhattan. Step into this luxurious backyard and experience the showpiece of Resort-Style Outdoor Living in the heart of Rockville Centre. Perfect for entertaining or unwinding year-round, this outdoor space is a true

‘Do we have to take care of any of these things?

Q. We purchased a home three years ago, knowing we wanted to make changes. When we started interviewing people, especially architects, we started hearing things we hadn’t expected about permits — or lack thereof, I should say. Two people told us our attic was illegal because it was finished with a bedroom. Same for our basement, which has a guest room and bathroom. We were also told that a record showed an open plumbing permit, and that we would need an electrical inspection. When we closed on the house, we thought all this was taken care of. If we bought it this way, why is it our problem? Do we have to take care of any of these things, since they have been there a very long time?

A. Unfortunately, you have to take care of any and all of the issues you described, plus any others you still need to know about, or roll the dice.

When a loved one is being treated in a hospital, I often hear about how someone had to be vigilant for that person, standing by, making certain observations so that the smallest health issues didn’t worsen. The same holds true for building sales, and only someone who is knowledgeable about the local zoning and building requirements, state building codes and structural issues can guide you thoroughly. Almost nobody is in that unique position, except an architect who works in the area.

Although some local architects have offered that service, real estate sales people and attorneys often don’t ask for this help. Most buyers mistakenly assume that zoning and building code issues have been researched by the title company, but title companies, when asked, often tell customers that details of zoning, construction and building permits, especially for internal building areas, are not part of their work. I have this conversation almost daily with potential customers, and many are completely unaware of problems, potential delays and especially the costs they have not yet considered. Recently, after I explained the issues, a husband turned to his wife and said, “I’m not doing all those things — I just want this done.” And don’t we all! They hired someone else who tried to avoid the issues, and have now been turned down, because part of what they wanted to do was divide their home into multiple living spaces, which the local jurisdiction would never allow. So they spent a lot of money for none of the results. I even told them about areas that could accept what they wanted to do, just not this one. So it may pay to get the consultation of someone who understands the many, many nuances of the building codes, the local zoning and the physical properties of the building, and who can guide you with a game plan. It can save you years of aggravation, lamenting over what you hoped to gain and thousands of dollars trying to achieve the unachievable. Or you can listen to confident, bad advice and roll the dice. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Stuff HERALD

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Miscellaneous For Sale

E-TRIKE BICYCLE 2025 : With Upgrades

Includes Better Pedals, Cell Phone Holder And Lock. $2000.00. Please Call Lynn 516-384-9447

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Wanted To Buy

FREON WANTED

Certified buyer looking for R12, R22 & more! Call Peter at 312-500-4275

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

CHAR-GRILLER CHARCOAL GRILL with side smoker. Cast iron grates. 1000 sqft cooking surface. $99.00 516-781-7069

GRACE FOODS, JAMAICAN style BBQ gift basket. List $49. Sell $25. Valley Stream. (516)209-7970.

SERVICES

Brick/Block/Concrete/Masonry

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Electricians

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HErald Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

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www.dansoninc.com

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

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Power Washing

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Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

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Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Tree Services

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Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

Autos For Sale

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

• Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail.com

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, JUNE 23

• Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague. For more information, call (631)-842-4015.

• Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m. Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.

TUESDAY, June 24

• Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

• Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

• St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

• Amityville Village Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For more information, call (631) 264-6000.

• Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

• St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

SUNDAY, June 22

• Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

• Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, June 25

• Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.

• Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

We must send treated wastewater back underground

At long last, Suffolk County has a county executive who fully understands the need to send highly treated wastewater back into the underground water table on which the people of Long Island depend as their sole source of potable water, instead of dumping it into nearby bodies of water including the Atlantic Ocean. And Ed Romaine has legislative support.

The passage of a referendum in last November’s election provided the funding to do this. It amended the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act and increased the county sales tax by one-eighth of a penny to raise money to build sewers, install high-tech innovative/ alternative septic systems and to fund, as the measure stated, “projects for the reuse of treated effluent.”

Last month, Romaine was at the Bergen Point Wastewater Treatment Plant, in West Babylon, to announce the use of wastewater from the plant to irrigate an adjacent county golf course and within the plant. It was built to serve the Southwest Sewer District, and to send 30 million gallons of wastewater a day through an outfall pipe into the Atlantic.

new York has some of the most ambitious climate goals in the country — including a statewide mandate for electric school buses by 2035 and zero-emissions electricity by 2040. But the question remains: Should New Yorkers, who already consume less energy per capita than residents of any other state except Rhode Island, be leading the national charge on climate change?

That’s a question for the lawmakers who passed the state’s sweeping climate legislation in 2019. Now, a new proposal — the HEAT Act — aims to go even further. The legislation centers on two key ideas: first, phasing out fossil-fuel heating in favor of electric systems, and second, capping household energy bills based on income, a move that could result in some residents subsidizing their neighbors’ electricity costs.

As a Suffolk legislator and Brookhaven town supervisor, Romaine repeatedly emphasized the need to send treated wastewater back into the water table. “This,” he said at Bergen Point, “is one of 10 county wastewater treatment plants that we are currently considering for water reuse. By utilizing what otherwise would have been a byproduct, we can decrease the pressure on our aquifer by hundreds of millions of gallons a year and even help recharge the aquifer.”

tity as well as water quality … I thank the county executive and hope all these planned projects will work together.”

We can’t follow Brooklyn’s example and lose all our potable water.

There was a breakthrough for Suffolk on wastewater reuse in 2016, when treated effluent from the Riverhead Sewage Treatment plant began being used to irrigate the adjacent Indian Island County Golf Course instead of being dumped into the Peconic River.

As county executive, Romaine intends to have all sewer systems built in Suffolk do recharge. “We’re not as stupid as they were years ago,” he said, “where all they did was take that outfall pipe and send (wastewater) out to the ocean or the Long Island Sound.”

Romaine was joined at Bergen Point by a bipartisan group of Suffolk legislators, including the Legislature’s presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, of Lindenhurst, who said reuse would “let Bergen Point be known for helping water quan-

Legislator Steven Flotteron, of West Islip, the deputy presiding officer, said, “Bergen Point is just one of the many sites where a golf course is close to a treatment plant. But golf course irrigation is just one example of ways in which we are now moving forward together.”

Five decades ago, as the Southwest Sewer District was taking form, I wrote extensively about the folly of its sending a massive amount of wastewater each day into the Atlantic. Leading opponents of the scheme included Charlie Pulaski, conservation chairman of the Suffolk County American Legion, and George A. King, chairman of the Long Island Baymen’s Association, both of whom have since died. They warned of adverse impacts to many streams, Carlls River and the Great South Bay.

In 2023, the Islip-based Seatuck Environmental Association advanced a Long Island Water Reuse Road Map & Action Plan. The plan identified 50 golf courses in Nassau and Suffolk counties within two miles of wastewater treatment facilities and thus available for recharge, along with other locations including “sod farms and greenhouses, as well as for lawns at educational campuses” and

“commercial centers.

The plan can be viewed through a box titled “Water Reuse” at seatuck.org. Its Executive Summary states: “Over the past half century, water quality in Long Island’s groundwater aquifers … as well as both freshwater and coastal surface waters, has steadily declined. During this same period, Long Island’s water quantity problem has also come into focus.”

An 83-page hydrology report done by the U.S. Geological Survey was released last year about the underground water table in Nassau County — which is 88 percent sewered, with sewage treatment plants dumping wastewater into adjacent water bodies. It stated that the water table is now “under stress,” threatened by saltwater intrusion as the volume of freshwater is being depleted.

In the late 1800s, Brooklyn lost its potable underground water supply by over-pumping from the water table below it and allowing saltwater intrusion, along with pollution — and became dependent on a now fully subscribed upstate reservoir system. Losing its potable water cannot be allowed to happen to the rest of Long Island. Now, Romaine and Suffolk legislators are tackling the county’s vital watersupply issue.

Karl Grossman is an author, a TV program host and a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

Forcing a switch to electric heat is not good policy

No cheap electricity for electric heat. The rationale is to transition homes from gas to electric heat and remove aging gas infrastructure. In theory, households would save money by avoiding gas pipeline costs and relying solely on electricity. But that theory runs into problems. Most New Yorkers currently use gas or similar fuels to heat their homes. Converting them all to electricity will require a major increase in power generation — and that electricity must be affordable to prevent heating bills from soaring.

if New York had an abundance of low-cost energy, it might make sense. But we don’t.

as the entire state of New Hampshire. If New York had an abundance of low-cost electricity, the switch to electric heat might make sense. But it doesn’t. The state imports a significant share of its power from Pennsylvania, where it is largely generated using coal and natural gas — the very fuels New York is trying to move away from.

Given these circumstances, critics argue that mandating a shift away from gas does not make economic or environmental sense.

Moreover, energy efficiency upgrades like better windows or added insulation can reduce energy use regardless of the heating source. Critics say such investments don’t require a full switch to electric heat.

Paying your neighbor’s energy bill. Another provision in the HEAT Act proposes capping household energy costs at 6 percent of income. Any amount above that would be subsidized — potentially by other households.

At present, New York electricity is far from cheap. Households pay an average of 25 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared with the national average of 17 cents. Pennsylvania households pay around 18 cents, while New Jersey residents pay 20.

Meanwhile, New York is also working to attract energy-intensive industries, such as chip manufacturing and artificial intelligence development. For example, the Micron semiconductor plant that is planned for upstate New York is expected to consume as much electricity

An expensive and questionable fixation. Switching to electric heat won’t come cheap. Many homes will require insulation upgrades, system replacements or electrical work — all of which are costly.

If the state decides to subsidize those changes, it will raise questions of fairness. Why should taxpayers fund improvements to privately owned homes when many New Yorkers can’t afford to buy one? Some compare the idea to handing out free tires — but only to people who already own cars.

Supporters say the policy would protect low-income residents from rising utility costs. But detractors argue that it could backfire. Subsidizing energy consumption, they say, undermines efforts to reduce demand. One critic joked that if electricity were free, they’d start mining Bitcoin from their apartment.

Worse still, the bill would allow the state to impose energy-use limits on subsidized households — a move opponents say could amount to rationing.

Rather than delivering affordable, zero-carbon power, some fear that the HEAT Act could lead to a future in which Albany dictates how much electricity New Yorkers are allowed to use.

Zilvinas Silenas is president of the Empire Center for Public Policy.

Amityville

HERALD

RecoRd

CHARLES DELANO - Founder

Established 1904

Incorporating

Amityville Record

CAROLyN JAmES

Associate Publisher / Editor

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offiCe

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HERALD

Cliff Richner Publisher, 1982-2018

Robert Richner

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JORDAN VALLONE

Active smart growth: the blueprint for L.I.

elected leaders, developers and advocates of smart growth gathered to celebrate innovation and forward-thinking design at the annual Vision Long Island Smart Growth Awards at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury last Friday.

Vision Long Island, a Northportbased nonprofit, honored standout projects across Nassau and Suffolk counties that are improving quality of life, revitalizing neighborhoods and setting a standard for the future of the Island.

The organization has been a champion of smart growth — a planning approach that emphasizes walkable communities, transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, affordable housing and sustainability — for more than 25 years. Its advocacy, educational outreach and planning assistance have helped make possible some of the region’s most transformative developments.

Among this year’s award-winning projects are examples of how collaboration among civic leaders, developers and communities can lead to impactful change. Transit-oriented development stood out prominently.

One of the honorees, the Langdon, in Lynbrook, developed by Breslin Realty, Fields Grade and the village, has 201 luxury rental units with concierge service and upscale amenities just steps from the community’s Long Island Rail Road station.

Smaller-scale projects are equally important. In Babylon, Zucaro Con-

letters

Don’t forget that horse named Journalism

To the Editor:

struction developed a 27-unit residential building that is bringing new life to the downtown corridor.

These kinds of developments are helping young professionals and families stay on Long Island, close to work and transit, and energizing local economies.

Affordable housing remains a critical need across Long Island, and projects like those spearheaded by the Uniondale Community Land Trust demonstrate how nonprofits can drive change. The trust, which recently hosted its fourth annual Long Island Housing Symposium, continues to champion homeownership and affordability, and held its most recent housing lottery in February.

In Rockville Centre, a $32 million project by the village, its housing authority and D&F Development renovated the Rockville Manor senior housing complex, adding six new units as well as an elevator, funded in part by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the Nassau County Office of Community Development.

The Smart Growth Awards also spotlighted innovations in clean energy. The Town of Hempstead’s Clean Energy Park, in Point Lookout, conceived in 2006, has become a model for sustainable municipal operations. It features a wind turbine, a hydrogen fueling station, a solar-powered shellfish nursery, a geothermal government office and a 100-kilowatt solar field. It not only powers services sustainably, but also serves as a public education hub and an example for the private sector of the advan-

Re the editorial “Horse Named Journalism showed what’s possible” (May 22-18): I agree that journalism is suffering and losing ground, and that there is a crucial need for local reporting to help sustain the backbone of our society, which remains our local communities. As a former journalist, now retired, I have complained to anyone who would listen about the decline in good reporting. It began decades ago, when television news shifted from good reporting in the 1950s and ’60s to entertainment, beginning in the ’80s. As more and more people watched the ever-expanding TV news, even the large city newspapers began to compete in order to capture readers’ attention. What resulted were more sensational stories about subjects that weren’t important, but which they suspected would be of more interest to readers. And while we learned in our journalism classes that what makes news is what interests readers, that’s not always good journalism.

In addition, while TV and radio news often present-

tages of clean energy.

Efforts to strengthen local businesses and Main Streets were also recognized. The village of Farmingdale, in partnership with the Nassau County Office of Community Development, implemented a $150,000 program to replace signs, lighting and awnings using federal block grant funding. Landlords and tenants are covering just 20 percent of the cost, with the rest paid for by the grant. The initiative has created a visually cohesive downtown, boosting “curb appeal” as well as foot traffic.

These projects represent more than just physical improvements — they reflect values that matter to Long Islanders: sustainability, affordability, accessibility and smart investment in the future. They also prove that strategic planning, when guided by community input based on local needs, can transform neighborhoods and enhance residents’ lives.

As we celebrate the achievements recognized at the Smart Growth Awards, we urge municipal governments, civic organizations, village leaders and developers across Nassau and Suffolk to take note. Whether it’s revitalizing a main street, building mixed-use housing near transit, greening public spaces or supporting affordable homeownership, now is the time to adopt what works.

Smart growth isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor — it is a flexible, communitycentered approach to planning for the future. The blueprints are in place. The success stories are multiplying. Let’s keep the momentum going.

Some bills in the State Legislature are better than others

the State Legislature is considering a few high-impact bills, several of which could burden taxpayers and consumers. While some may be well-intentioned, others risk creating more problems than they solve.

Bottle deposit hike. Lawmakers are seriously weighing a proposal to double the current 5-cent deposit on bottles and cans to 10 cents. At first glance, that may seem insignificant. But for families who consume two 12-packs of soda, juice or seltzer each week, the change could add up to an extra $430 annually.

Is there a need for it? Litter in the form of cans and bottles has become increasingly rare, in part due to the existing redemption incentive. Doubling the deposit seems more like a symbolic gesture than a practical solution — and one that places real costs on working families.

‘Kill the Heat’ Bill. This proposal, backed by environmental advocates,

would phase out natural gas in favor of renewable sources like wind and solar — energy options that, while promising, currently lack the reliability and affordability to meet demand.

waste is a problem. This bill aims to curb excessive packaging. Though mandates should be limited, encouraging companies to reduce waste is a step in the right direction.

long overdue.

ed the story first, it was always the print newspapers that got the complete story, because the reporters took the time to get it right.

We are far too late to save all those big city newspapers across the country that have disappeared from print and can now only be found online. That would be OK if only more people were reading beyond the headlines online. That’s why we urgently need to protect and preserve local newspapers in print, to further protect and preserve the strength of the local communities in which we live. Life begins in the local communities across our great country. Even our forefathers knew this when they formed the country, preserving the rights of the states with the trickledown result where local cities and towns protect their own interests.

Our newspapers need to inform the populace in our communities, and we all need to read and understand what is happening where we live. It will impact our quality of life. That’s how important local news is to each and every one of us.

RICHARD KAHN Glen Cove

The bill would also shift the cost of connecting homes to natural gas lines (within 100 feet) from utilities to homeowners — an expense traditionally absorbed by energy companies. On top of that, it would impose vague, undefined costs tied to fossil fuel use — costs that would inevitably be passed on to consumers.

How about a cap on spending in Albany? Or a partial leaf blower ban?

Leaf blower legislation. One bill gaining traction would incentivize a switch from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers. While not an outright ban, this legislation would encourage landscapers to adopt quieter, cleaner equipment. Given the excessive noise and emissions of gas-powered models, this is a reasonable approach that would promote healthier neighborhoods without heavy-handed mandates.

Packaging reduction bill. While overregulation should be avoided, anyone who has received a small item delivered in an oversized box filled with unnecessary padding knows that packaging

Spending cap for state government. Over a decade ago, Albany imposed a spending and tax cap on schools and local governments. However, the Legislature exempted itself from the cap’s requirements. Had lawmakers capped state spending, New York’s current budget wouldn’t have ballooned to $254 billion — a $17 billion increase over last year. If a federal balancedbudget amendment is worth debating in Washington, why not implement a spending limit in Albany?

MTA control board. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s congestion pricing plan was just the latest burden on taxpayers, commuters and motorists. But the MTA’s issue has never been a lack of revenue — the problem is excessive spending. Our proposed bill would place the MTA under a financial control board, which would have the authority to monitor spending, cap borrowing and renegotiate contracts. This oversight is

Letters

Fighting the fentanyl crisis

To the Editor:

With more than 30 years of service in the Nassau County district attorney’s office, I’ve seen firsthand the heartbreaking toll the opioid epidemic has taken on our communities — especially the rise of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine, isn’t just another drug — it’s a weapon of mass destruction.

In 2022 alone, fentanyl was responsible for roughly 70 percent of overdose deaths. These aren’t faceless statistics. These are our children, our friends, our neighbors. And tragically, many of their deaths could have been prevented if Albany had not handcuffed law enforcement in the name of so-called “reform.”

My office is fighting this crisis headon: We’re aggressively prosecuting drug dealers who profit off misery and death, we’re expanding education and prevention initiatives, and we’re working with partners in health care and treatment services to support victims

and families. At the same time, we are also being forced to fight Gov. Kathy Hochul and extreme politicians in Albany because of their radical policies, which protect drug dealers and make life more dangerous for victims and all law-abiding citizens.

Under Hochul and extremist lawmakers who have taken control of the State Legislature, New York’s criminal justice system has been fundamentally weakened. Their reckless cashless-bail laws have made virtually all drug offenses — including those involving deadly fentanyl — ineligible for bail. That means known drug dealers walk free within hours of being arrested, often returning to the very communities they poisoned. The result? More overdoses, more deaths and more shattered families.

To make matters worse, Hochul and her political allies also implemented sweeping discovery laws that place an overwhelming burden on prosecutors and intimidate the victims and witnesses we rely on to build strong cases. These laws require prosecutors to rapidly turn over extensive evidence — including witness names and state-

Bail reform and raise the age. April’s state budget included minor revisions to the 2019 bail reform law, such as allowing judges to require only “relevant” discovery materials. While this was a nod to prosecutors’ concerns, it falls short of addressing the broader problem.

Under current law, judges in New York no longer have discretion to hold a defendant based on his or her perceived danger to society. We are the only state in which this is the case. Since the reforms’ enactment, violent crime has risen by roughly one-third.

Another major change was raising the age for prosecuting violent offenders from 16 to 18. Now minors accused of violent crimes are sent to Family Court rather than Criminal Court. This has allowed gangs to exploit the system, using younger teens to commit serious crimes with little consequence. The result has been an increase in both youth crime and fatalities among minors. These laws need immediate revision.

Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm. He is a former Suffolk County executive and state assemblyman, and he hosts “The Steve Levy Radio Show.” Comments? Steve@commonsensestrategies.com.

ments — days after arraignment, often putting victims and witnesses at risk of retaliation. This has had a chilling effect, particularly in drug-related cases, where intimidation is a common tactic used by gangs and drug networks. Albany’s so-called reforms are emboldening the criminals while endangering our communities.

Despite these challenges, our office remains committed to protecting Nassau County families. We recently partnered with the Town of Hempstead to host a fentanyl crisis seminar and “Not My Child” program, and the community response was overwhelming.

We must demand that Hochul and Albany lawmakers stop playing politics with our public safety. The people of New York deserve a justice system that protects the innocent, not one that prioritizes the rights of criminals. The fight against opioids, especially fentanyl, requires a united community, common-sense policies, and the courage to hold the dealers and enablers of this epidemic accountable.

ANNE DONNELLY Nassau County district attorney