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VOL. 74 NO. 17
APRIL 23 - 29, 2025
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TOBAY Board reviewing bid to reopen Manor East, once-popular catering hall By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent
Photo Courtesy Gerry Corrigan
This frequent flier had a rough but safe landing in the lake at the Massapequa Preserve recently.
Oyster Bay offering free seminars on boating safety ahead of season With the boating season fast approaching, Oyster Bay Town officials are urging residents to ensure they’re prepared — and compliant with new state requirements — by enrolling in free boating safety seminars offered across the town. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board announced the seminars, which will be taught by the town’s Bay Constable Unit and cover essential topics such as safe vessel operation, boating regulations, and the responsibilities of boat ownership. The effort follows the full implementation of Brianna’s Law, which as of Jan. 1, requires all motorized vessel operators in New York State — regardless of age — to have and carry a valid boating safety certificate. The law is named in memory of Brianna Lieneck, an 11-year-old St. James girl who died in a 2005 boating crash near Fire Island. It was signed into law in 2019 and phased in over five years based on operator age. “I think it’s great,” said Gina Lieneck, Brianna’s mother and a longtime advocate for the legislation, at a recent press conference on the subject. “We are at the five-year phase now, and everybody has to be educated. I think it’s going to make a big difference on the waterways.” According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 3,844 reported boating incidents in 2023, resulting in 564 deaths, 2,126 injuries, and approximately $63
million in property damage. The National Boating Safety Council stresses the importance of preparedness and the proper use of safety equipment for all types of recreational boating. “Boating is a cherished activity in our town, and safety must always come first,” Saladino said. “These seminars are an excellent way for residents to stay informed, comply with state law, and ensure that eve-ryone can enjoy our waterways safely.” Upcoming Boating Safety Seminars: • Tuesday, April 29, and Wednesday, April 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Marjorie Post Park Community Cen-ter, 451 Unqua Rd., Massapequa Park • Sunday, May 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay Participants must be at least 10 years old to register. While the seminars are free, advance registration is required. Adults (18 and older) pay a $10 fee to receive a permanent boating safety certificate from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. There is no fee for those under 18. To register, visit oysterbaytown.com/safeboating. For additional information, call (516) 677-5350 or visit the state boating safety site at parks.ny.gov/ boating/safety-courses.aspx
The Oyster Bay Town Board reviewed an application to reopen the long-shuttered Manor East Catering Hall at 201 Jerusalem Ave. in Massapequa. The application, presented April 8, was submitted by Escube LLC, which purchased the property in April 2021. Manor East was once a popular venue for weddings, baptisms, sweet sixteens and other celebrations, particularly among families of police officers and firefighters. It operated from 1970 until its sudden closure on June 13, 2013, an abrupt shutdown that left many families scrambling to find alternative event spaces. Escube seeks to “restore the property to its former glory,” according to Eric W. Snipas, the attorney who represented Escube before the board. The site includes a 1.04-acre parcel with about 462 feet of frontage on Jerusalem Avenue. The building features two stories totaling 12,857 square feet and a basement to be used for storage. Snipas, of Greenberg Traurig, told board members the property has significantly deteriorated since closing, noting issues with trespassing, vandalism, water damage and
general neglect. He also said the company has engaged with the community, hosting meetings with residents on Feb. 5, 2023, and July 21, 2024. Parking emerged as a key concern during the hearing. Snipas noted the proposal includes 70 parking spaces — one more than required by town regulations — and that valet parking would be common during larger events. However, Councilmen Lou Imbroto and Steve Labriola raised concerns about valet cars spilling onto nearby residential streets such as North Central Avenue and North Manhattan Avenue. Imbroto also questioned parking arrangements for staff and band members. Snipas said Escube had already approached the adjacent office building’s owner to explore overflow parking options. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino emphasized the importance of Escube meeting with North Massapequa Fire Department commissioners and chiefs to discuss parking logistics and safety. He said the town is “very pro-business,” but added, “no matter what the issue is, our residents come first.” Snipas also submitted letters from residents in support CONTINUED ON PAGE 2