News

Suffolk repeals 'twilight' beach parking fees

Jul
10
2012

Suffolk County has repealed a $4 "twilight" parking fee at two county beaches after weeks of receiving emails and phone calls from residents angered by the new fees.

The announcement was delivered by Legis. Kate Browning (D-Shirley) and Legis. Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk) at a rally at Smith Point Marina in Shirley, where a crowd of more than 100 protesters had gathered to blast the new fee, which had been put in place June 23.

"We're struggling for revenue and everything's been put on the table, but the county executive heard the people and changed his mind," Schneiderman said.

Deputy County Executive Jon Schneider confirmed the repeal to Newsday.

The $4-a-car charge was put in place from 5 to 8 p.m....| read more ››

Bishop fights to save and create local jobs

Jul
9
2012

Long Island's Congressional delegation, Carolyn McCarthy, Congressmen Peter King, Steve Israel and Tim Bishop, joined by the Association for a Better Long Island (ABLI) and members of the region’s aviation, business, labor and educational communities, today vowed to oppose plans that would see the FAA relocate key air traffic control centers off Long Island.

Standing before the gates of the FAA TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control), 1515 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, Jan Burman, President of the ABLI, stated, “Long Island has learned the hard way. You don’t let talented, high paying jobs leave the region. They never come back.”

Burman noted that the FAA’s proposal would put a significant economic drain on Long Island.

“An estimated 900 jobs paying an...| read more ››

New Village Marks Beginning of Patchogue’s Future

Leg. Rob Calarco (far left) with TRITEC Real Estate Principals and COO and representatives from town, county and state government (center)
Jun
27
2012

Patchogue, LI—Wednesday, June 27: Legislator Rob Calarco was on hand to help break ground for an historic event in Patchogue Village: the groundbreaking for New Village, a mixed-use residential development located at the heart of downtown village that will revitalize the Four Corners and move the village downtown into the 21st Century.

The TRITEC project promotes an active, pedestrian-friendly community and will bring new life to retail west of North Ocean Avenue while retaining the historic flavor of Main Street and nearby village landmarks.

New Village represents a successful partnership between all levels of government and private enterprise, with Suffolk County investing $3.75 million in the project. At the groundbreaking ceremony, TRITEC principal Robert Coughlan identified Leg. Calarco as playing an integral...| read more ››

Newsday: Bellone right to look forward

Jun
27
2012

A mountainous budget deficit has been eating up vast amounts of his staff's time, but Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone is not letting short-term budget woes keep him from thinking big and long-term. He needs to do both. His Connect Long Island outline of the way the county will go about economic development has a good core approach and a couple of innovative ideas. But the budget reality won't go away, and Bellone will have to make even tougher choices very soon -- and lean a little harder on legislators.| read more ››

Suffolk passes smoking ban for parks, beaches

Jun
21
2012

Smoking in Suffolk's parks and beaches will soon be banned under a bill passed this week by the county legislature.

But the ban contains no fines for violators and exempts parking lots, campgrounds and golf courses.

Lawmakers voted 10-7 Tuesday to approve the resolution by Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), a physician who also fought to restore tobacco education funding that was to be cut from Suffolk's budget.

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"It's a start," Spencer said. "The legislative intent was not for it to be punitive, but to protect public health."

He compromised on some portions of the legislation --...| read more ››

Joe Dujmic Receives Major Endorsement

Jun
14
2012

Joe Dujmic, candidate for New York State Assembly’s 10th District received a major endorsement from former Suffolk County Legislator and Majority Leader Hon. Jon Cooper.

Mr. Cooper stated: “I am very pleased to lend my full support and offer my wholehearted endorsement on behalf of Joe Dujmic’s candidacy for New York State’s 10th Assembly District. Joe is a true Democrat and a rising star in our party. He will be a strong and vocal advocate for all Long Islanders and I look forward to having him represent my family and me in Albany.”

Jon Cooper was elected to the Suffolk County Legislature in 1999 to represent the 18th Legislative District. He was honored by the Long Island Press as one...| read more ››

Rebuilding Suffolk's Economy

Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Legislators
Jun
13
2012

County Executive Bellone was joined by legislators and the Long Island Contractors Association (LICA) at the signing of the approval for $32 million in capital projects to be commenced in Suffolk County in 2012.

The sixteen projects, inclusive of four emergency bridge repairs, serve to improve Suffolk County’s infrastructure and are expected to create more than 300 jobs within the next year.

The projects include repairs and improvements of bridges, energy efficiency and conservation projects at county facilities, repair and resurfacing of county roadways, roadway drainage improvements, elevator system improvements and upgrades at county facilities, exterior structural improvements and replacement of traffic signals.
“The infrastructure projects approved today will create jobs, contribute to the quality of life of...| read more ››

More Public Transportation Coming To The East End

Jun
9
2012

The Suffolk County Transit Bus has expanded its Sunday and holiday service on two major East End lines. The pilot program is the product of legislation sponsored by Suffolk County Legislator Jay Schneiderman (I-Montauk), and it will impact the S92 and 10C lines. The S92 bus line runs from Orient Point to East Hampton, making stops in Sag Harbor, Water Mill, Southampton Village, Hamptons Bays, Flanders and Riverhead. The 10C line connects East Hampton riders to the S92 route, and it makes stops in Montauk, Amagansett and East Hampton. The Sunday service began on Memorial Day weekend, and it will run through Columbus Day weekend. Please note that the Hamptons Subway is also a viable option to traveling around the...| read more ››

Working Family Party Endorses Joe Dujmic

Jun
8
2012

Joe Dujmic‘s campaign for Assembly in NYS 10th District received a boost this week when it received the Working Families Party line. In an e-release, Joe Dujmic said:

"I am extremely proud to announce that the New York State Working Families Party has endorsed my candidacy in the 10th Assembly District. We are grateful that the WFP realizes that our campaign will put the needs of Suffolk County’s working families above the desires of the special interests that control Albany.

I pledge that I will continue to fight for the residents of Suffolk County once I am elected in order to ensure that more high paying careers relocate to Suffolk County.

Once again, I thank the Working families Party for...| read more ››