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Townships oppose state’s RAPID Act ties depend on,” Clavin said. “Albany has basically sidestepped local zoning when it Elected leaders from across comes to energy issues, and is Nassau County rallied on April 1 putting in effect ways to circumat Barnum Island Fire District vent the voices of the residents.” The state legislation, the headquarters in opposition to New York State’s RAPID Act — a Renewable Action Through Projlaw they argue grants Albany ect Interconnection and Deployment Act, which unchecked power to was enacted last fast-track massive April, is intended to energ y projects streamline the enviwithout adequate ronmental review local input or safety and permitting proguidelines. cess for major T he g athering renewable energy included event and electric transbrought together the mission facilities in Hempstead, North New York to expeHempstead and Oysdite the state’s tranter Bay town super- FRANK sition to clean enervisors, Don Clavin, BEttINEscHI, gy. Je n D e S e n a a n d Barnum Island Fire Officials argue Jose ph Saladino. District Commissioner that the act effecAlongside them, tively removes local Frank Bettineschi, commissioner of the Barnum zoning oversight and forces comIsland Fire District and a former munities to contend with largeIsland Park Fire Department scale energy projects — includchief, lent his voice to the outcry ing high-voltage power lines and ag ainst what the of ficials battery energy storage facilities described as an unprecedented — without their consent. The RAPID Act consolidates encroachment on local autonoenvironmental reviews and permy. “We’re here because the mits for major energy projects RAPID Act is a dangerous over- under the Office of Renewable reach that strips away local voic- Energy Siting, but local leaders es and bypasses the rigorous argue that this streamlining safety standards our communi-
By KEPHERD DANIEL
kdaniel@liherald.com
Melissa Baptiste/Herald
Hoppin’ into spring Children raced for eggs in the Merle Avenue Gym during Oceanside’s annual springtime egg hunt celebration. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Annual Founders Breakfast honors library’s past and present By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
In a celebration of community, history and service, the Friends of Oceanside Library hosted its annual Founders Day Breakfast last Sunday morning, honoring two local leaders: Oceanside High School senior Micah Pryce and School Board Trustee Seth Blau. The Friends of Oceanside Library is a nonprofit, separate from the library, dedicated to supporting the facility with fundraising events like the Founders Breakfast. Tech librarian Carlo Mastrandrea introduced Pryce, the recipient of the 2025 Marion Sager Memorial Youth Award — a tribute to the library’s first director and a pioneer in Oceanside’s history. “I call him a kindred spirit because we both love technology, graphic novels, traveling con-
certs and, yes, even Broadway shows,” Mastrandrea said of Pryce. “Micah is well on his way to continue his mission, using technology to make a difference.” From leading code sessions at local elementary schools to heading the Coding with Micah program at the library, Pryce’s passion for technology and education has made him a leader in the community. His accomplishments extend into his roles as president of the computer science Honor Society and the science Olympiad at the high school. His volunteer work — ranging from assisting seniors with technology to empowering middle school English language learners — has left a lasting impact. His creative talents are evident on stage, too, in performances in Oceanside High School Thespians productions like Disney’s “Descendants” and the musical “Mamma Mia.” “I’m here, thinking, oh my God, this is an Continued on page 14
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sland Park is becoming a dumping ground. We can’t have that.
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