News

Hennessey calls for State to complete the Streets

Feb
28
2014

(New York, NY) Assemblyman Edward Hennessey is calling on the New York State DOT to design and deliver streets that are safer, more usable and welcoming for everyone. New York State adopted a Complete Streets policy in 2011.

Completing the streets requires planners and engineers to design and operate roadways with all users in mind, including bicyclists, public transportation vehicles and riders, motorcyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

“It is time to make our roadways more accommodating to the growing number of bicyclists, walkers and runners. It happens with smarter, safer complete streets that are tailored to communities’ usage and needs,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

“Depending on the community, complete streets could mean sidewalks, bike lanes, special bus lanes,...| read more ››

Bellone Speaks on Downtown Revitalization Efforts to Members of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce.

Feb
26
2014

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone spoke to members of the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce as well as students of the Bayport-Blue Point Business Class Wednesday morning as part of Bayport-Blue Point High School’s School-To-Business program. Over 100 students, teachers and members of the Chamber attended the meeting where the County Executive spoke about Suffolk County’s water quality initiative, improving transportation infrastructure, and downtown revitalization projects throughout Suffolk County. In addition, County Executive Bellone discussed efforts to reverse the trend of young adults leaving Long Island.

“In order to make our County a model for sustainable economic growth, we need to focus on ways to attract young people to stay on the Island,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “We need...| read more ››

Proposed Suffolk bill to regulate pet dealers set for March 4 hearing

Feb
26
2014

The measure, cosponsored by Deputy Presiding Officer Jay Schneiderman and Legis. William Spencer (D-Huntington) takes advantage of the opportunity opened up by a new state law sponsored by Sen. Ken LaValle that allows municipalities to regulate pet dealers.

“New York State’s 'pet dealer' law wasn’t strong enough to end the reign of unregulated puppy mills," LaValle said in a press release last month announcing the bill's signing by the governor. The new law will "enable local governments to restrict these cruel practices,” LaValle said.

Scneiderman said the proposed county law is not intended to stop the sale of puppy mill dogs or put pet stores out of business.

"It's about the ethical treatment of animals," Schneiderman said. "It's a frameword...| read more ››

Suffolk pol pitching tick advisory committee

Feb
24
2014

Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Hampton Bays) is sponsoring a bill to create a tick control advisory committee.

The legislation is expected to be discussed at the county Legislature’s Public Works & Public Transportation Committee meeting at 2 p.m. in Hauppauge.

According to the bill, a tick control advisory committee would be able to assist the Division of Vector Control in developing a plan to reduce tick-borne illnesses.

In October, the Legislautre approved another bill Mr. Schniderman sponsored that requires Vector Control, which is charged with controlling the spread of insect-borne diseases, to submit an annual plan to combat the increase in cases of tick-borne disease.| read more ››

BELLONE AND LEGISLATOR MARTINEZ ANNOUNCE OPENING OF SUFFOLK COUNTY RESOURCE CENTER IN COLLABORATION WITH MAKE THE ROAD NEW YORK

Feb
20
2014

(Brentwood, NY) County Executive Bellone was joined by Legislator Monica Martinez, Javier Valdes, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road NY, the Departments of Social Services, Labor and the Human Rights Commission to announce on-site county services to be offered at Make the Road New York in Brentwood, NY.

“Ensuring that all residents have access to County services is of the utmost importance to my administration,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “Today, we have the opportunity to do just that in the Brentwood and Central Islip communities. We have created a county resource center in Brentwood that will be staffed one a week with representatives from the Departments of Labor, Social Services and the Human Rights Commission. These services are made...| read more ››

Hennessey Bill Would Abolish Onerous Gap Elimination Adjustment Cut to School Funding This Year

Feb
19
2014

Assemblyman Edward Hennessey (D-Medford) has introduced legislation that would eliminate the Gap Elimination Adjustment (GEA) rate for 2014-15 and thereafter and provide school districts with the full amount of aid generated by all existing budget funding formulas (A.8720).
“I want to thank Assemblyman Englebright, who is prime co-sponsor of this bill, for joining me in this effort. The school districts here in Brookhaven are diverse in their needs,” Assemblyman Hennessey said. “This year alone, the districts I represent are losing out on $51.7 million in school aid because of the Gap Elimination Adjustment. This is entirely unacceptable. In addition to giving the schools their fair share, this legislation would also help undo the burden of high property taxes.

•...| read more ››

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone to Join NY Metropolitan Transportation Council

Feb
16
2014

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) will elect Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone as co-chair at the annual meeting Feb. 27.

The meeting comes at a time where there is an increasing need for the tri-state regions to work together in planning and transit partnerships, according to the NYMTC website. The theme will be addressed by the Council, and NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.

Bellone has recently pushed for many traffic safety measures in Suffolk County, saying there was a need for safer transportation alternatives in the suburbs of Suffolk after a fellow legislator said the County was not one for biking. He also asked the State to allow for speed cameras in 20 school zones, similar...| read more ››

Steve Bellone pushes plan for speed cameras near schools

Feb
12
2014

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone Tuesday asked state legislators for the power to install cameras to catch speeders in school zones, an initiative that would expand the current system that nabs drivers who run red lights.
Bellone proposed putting cameras near 20 school sites during a meeting with Long Island's state lawmakers in Albany. He said the initiative would bring in $2 million a year in revenues.
"Speed cameras are used in cities across the nation and have proved effective in reducing traffic accidents and saving lives," Bellone said in his pitch to state lawmakers. He said his initiative resembles a pilot project in New York City that has just started.

Bellone wants authority to put the new...| read more ››

Steve Bellone Announces Release of the 2013 Suffolk County Food Policy Council Annual Report

Feb
11
2014

Hauppauge, NY - February 11, 2014 - Today, the Suffolk County Food Policy Council (SCFPC) released its annual report to the Suffolk County Legislature and to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. This report summarizes the actions and steps taken by the Council over the course of 2013. It also identifies future steps and actions to be investigated in 2014.

The SCFPC is made up of members of the Department of Health Services, the Department of Economic Development & Planning, the Department of Social Services, food equity advocates, community-based groups, food growers, retailers, and distributors, and Legislator Kara Hahn, the Chair of the Suffolk County Legislature’s Environment, Planning, and Agriculture Committee.

The mission of the Food Policy Council is to:
...| read more ››

Hennessey Supports Unions/Residents Demanding Verizon Bring FIOS to Brookhaven Town

Feb
5
2014

Assemblyman Hennessey joined union members and fellow elected officials from Local, County, and State government to call on Verizon to bring FIOS to Brookhaven Town.

“Brookhaven Town Hall was filled to capacity with residents and unions, all demanding that Verizon build out FIOS in Brookhaven Town. I was proud to stand with them. Bringing FIOS to the town means jobs, service to residents at competitive prices, and economic development,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

Pictured left to right are Assemblyman Edward Hennessey, Michael Gendron, CWA Local 1108; Patrick Guidice, IBEW 1049; and Donald Dunn, CWA Local 1108.| read more ››