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AMITYvIlle _____________
HERALD ReCORD
Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Educators prepare for the future
Amityville Village forum this Saturday
ASD celebrates Hispanic Heritage
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VOL. 75 NO. 47
NOVEMBER 12 - 18, 2025
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Merrick Road construction raises road — and concerns only challenge. A culvert under the roadway collapsed during Amityville Herald construction, further revealing how severely the underground Work is continuing this fall system had deteriorated, O’Neill along Merrick Road in Ami- said. While the project is expected tyville Village, where a New to be completed by York State Departlate 2026 or early ment of Transpor2027, daily disruptation project is retion has become surfacing pavement, part of life for resiupgrading accessidents, students and bility features and businesses along the addressing flooding route. concerns that have “It’s a struggle, plagued the area for no doubt,” said Coco years. Xu, owner of New The state-led projSunshine Nail Salon ect, funded through on Merrick Road. a combination of “Customers are late state and federal for appointments dollars, runs from because of the conRoute 110 to the vistruction, and it is cinity of Amityville difficult for the barMemorial High MICHAEL O’NEILL bers too.” School. Officials Amityville Mayor Sandy Marmol, say it is intended to of The Style Revoimprove safety for drivers and pedestrians, partic- lution barber shop on Montauk ularly near busy intersections Highway, said the slowdown is hurting foot traffic. “It’s a proband downtown storefronts. Plans include raising the lem every day,” she said. With work taking place close roadway at Riverside, Grand Central and Ocean avenues by to the high school, students say about 18 inches to help close a they’ve also been impacted. “My house is along here, and problematic dip. “This will definitely help crossing the road is dangerrelieve flooding in that area,” ous,” said 14-year-old Annmarie Jimenez. Mayor Michael O’Neill said. “There is so much traffic,” But that flooding is not the
By CAROLYN JAMES and CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD
Carolyn James/Herald
New York City Police Officers Alban and Albert Lekaj received proclamations from the Town of Babylon for their quick actions in apprehending a suspected car thief in Lindenhurst October 9.
Two NYPD officers recognized by Town of Babylon for heroic actions By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Two off-duty New York City police officers who live in Lindenhurst were honored by the Town of Babylon last week for their quick thinking and bravery after stopping an alleged car thief outside their home in October. Officers Alban Lekaj and Albert Lekaj — brothers who both serve in the NYPD — received proclamations at Town Hall for their efforts. During the altercation, Alban Lekaj was stabbed in the leg while trying to subdue the suspect. The brothers were home on Oct. 9 when the incident unfolded. Alban Lekaj said he was preparing for bed when he heard his brother shouting. Albert told him someone was outside trying to steal one of their vehicles. They confronted the suspect, who ran. Both officers gave chase and caught up with him a short distance from their house, tackling him to the ground. “He was resisting and I kept telling him to stop, that we all make mistakes and that this would be okay,” said Alban Lekaj, who added that despite his pleas to have the suspect comply peacefully, he continued to struggle and, at one
point, stabbed him in the left leg. “It wasn’t until we were able to handcuff him and place him under arrest that I realized I had been stabbed,” he said. “We called 911 and Suffolk Police arrived providing me with first aid. I was transported to the hospital by ambulance and I am fully recovered.” His comments drew a round of applause from those in attendance at the ceremony. Suffolk County Police Deputy Inspector Brendan Forte was also on hand to thank the brothers for their actions in protecting the Lindenhurst community. “Did the Suffolk police arrive quickly?” Forte asked the officers, laughing. “Yes they did and took good care of me,” Alban Lekaj replied. “I’m glad to hear that,” Forte said. The suspect — identified as Royal Hooks, 27, of New York City — was charged with assault and petit larceny. The case is pending. “We want to take this opportunity to thank you for what you did and for being there to protect and serve,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer. Officer Alban Lekaj is expected to join the Suffolk County Police Department in the near future.
T
his is an important project to create a safer roadway and to address flooding, which is critical to quality of life.
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