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VOL. 129, NO. 44
NOVEMBER 6-12, 2024
$1.00
Republicans, Democrats Both Optimistic Officials to fight as Election Results Come In
state on MTA housing plan
By Christie Leigh Babirad and Carolyn James cbabirad@liherald.com cjames@liherald.com
The mood at Republican headquarters in Patchogue and the Democratic headquarters in Holtsville was cautiously optimistic as returns rolled in Tuesday night. Early results showed Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino won re-election in the 2nd Congressional District, defeating Democratic challenger Rob Lubin. Garbarino received 60 percent of the vote. In the state Senate race, incumbent Republican Alexa Weik secured 67 percent of the vote, defeating her Democratic opponent, Francis R. Dolan. Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia said, “We have a red wave, and it’s right here in Suffolk County.” Garbarino first greeted supporters at Republican headquarters in Nassau County, and later those in Suffolk. “This is an historic turnout in Suffolk County that bodes well for our country,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Democrats maintained a seat in Senate District 4, where incumbent Monica Martinez defeated Republican challenger
Locals challenging NY’s right
to override zoning codes By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Herald file photo
Suffolk County Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia speaks to an excited crowd in Patchogue Theresa J. Bryant, winning 56 percent of the vote. Both parties kept a close eye on the tight race in the 11th Assembly District, where Democrat Kwani O’Pharrow and Republican Joseph Cardinale were neck-and-neck. “I’m feeling excited,” O’Pharrow said. “I’m excited about the election process and feeling confident.” Cardinale, who expressed optimism despite the uncertainty, added, “I gave it my all, stuck to the issues, and ran on my
platform. That’s all I could do.” Democratic supporters cheered as early returns showed some of their candidates were ahead, but there was also concern. “I hope it gets better,” said June Smith of Sayville. “I’m disappointed in some of the numbers coming in.” Democratic supporter Christian Tully echoed those concerns. “It has been exciting, but we’re up against a lot of misinformation. The races are close.”
ELECTION RESULTS Office
Leading
Opponent
NYS Senate District 4
Monica Martinez (D) ............. 56%
Theresa J. Bryant (R)...... 44%
NYS Senate District 8
Alexis Weik (R) ...................... 67%
Francis R. Dolan (D) ...... 33%
2nd Congressional District Andrew Garbarino (R)............ 60%
Rob Lubin (D) ................ 40%
NYS Assembly District 9
Michael Durso (R) ................. 66%
Francis R. Dolan (D) ......... 33%
NYS Assembly District 11
Joseph Cardinale (R) ............. 50%
Kwani O’ Pharrow (D)..... 50%
Unofficial results as of midnight EST Wednesday
Babylon Village Mayor Mary Adams joined with local and state officials at the Babylon Long Island Railroad station on Sunday, Oct. 27 to challenge a state proposal that they said would eviscerate local zoning autonomy. “We want local control not Hochul control,” said New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso, drawing raucous applause from approximately 500 residents who attended the event. The controversy involves a feasibility study that is looking at construction of a state-operated multi-unit affordable housing project on MTA property currently used for railroad commuter parking. “Babylon Village is already transit-oriented and with our new development moving forward on Deer Park Avenue and East Main Street, there is absolutely no need to pursue development on this parking lot location…not now; not ever,” said Adams. The Village of Babylon was
notified several months ago of the study by the state, which is also considering other projects on MTA properties in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Gov. Kathy Hochul has set a goal of adding 800,000 transit-oriented housing units over the next 10 years, many slated for MTA properties on Long Island including Farmingdale, Melville, and other locations in addition to Babylon. While the state owns the land, the projects would, like other building and constructions projects, require approvals from the local building and zoning boards, a precondition the state is reportedly looking to override. “I have been told that since this is state property our local zoning control could possibly be overridden if the project is deemed important,” Adams said. She said a state official told her he was 90 percent certain that the project would not reach fruition and that the study “would end up in the bottom of a desk drawer and go nowhere.” “It is the 10 percent that is concerning, and rightfully so, for all of us,” she added. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4