Latest News

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

At the last Town Board meeting, the current Town Council withdrew the resolution to use eminent domain to preserve the Pisko property on South St. and Wading River Rd. effectively dumping the entire process (which must now start at square one) on the newly elected Town Board.
Obviously, everyone in attendence was shocked. Now a new public hearing must be set and the entire dog and pony show replayed. This is a waste of time and money. The Town Board should have voted on this. In August, many Manorville residents, understanding the importance of preserving this land, testified in favor of condemnation of this land if the developer would not negotiate in good faith.
Conversely, the Town is fast tracking a project through in Patchogue. On October 25, Ornstein Leyton, a developer, requested a change of zone from L-1 light industrial to, you guessed it, PRC Planned Retirement Community. On 10/26 the request was recorded, and placed on the Town board agenda for 12/6. This is a record. Things never happen that fast.
The Town Board obviously wants to get this done before the new Board takes over.
A large crowd is expected at Town Hall. The residents don't want this zone change. There is another high density project adjacent to this proposal. There are also unique environmental aspects to this land. A natural swale which drains into West Lake and some unique vegetation. The developer toutedthis project as environmetally sound as it would be on an asphalted area. What he neglected to mention was that of the 40 acres of trees surrounding the site, 20 acres would be removed.
I'll be there as ABCO President to support the residents.
On the same agenda, Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld is introducing big box legislation which will attempt to reign in some of the extremely large big box store projects being proposed. Additionally, a green buildings incentive will be introduced which will reward developers for Energy and Environmentally designed buildings. Depending on the level of certification that the building meets, the floor area ratio may be increased and the set back requirements reduced.
Doug Dittko

9:35 PM by Doug

I received this from Steve Levy's office recently.

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2005 Michael J. Deering, Director of Environmental Affairs
Michael.Deering@suffolkcountyny.gov

It is a pleasure to update you on the latest actions and activities recently taken by my administration. Please send information to Todd Stebbins in the County Executive’s office, and continue to share this newsletter with others.

Five Grants Awarded To Help Beautify and Revitalize Key Downtown Areas
The entrance to the Huntington railroad station will be getting a "makeover" with $50,000 from Suffolk County, which is one of five Downtown Beautification and Renewal Grants I announced earlier this month. The character of our downtowns helps define many of our neighborhoods and these grants will help towns and community organizations expand on their efforts to upgrade and maintain the local charm of these important areas. Along with Huntington Station, the downtown areas of Bay Shore, North Amityville, Riverhead and Shirley/Mastic will receive $50,000 beautification grants. County funding will be used to renovate downtown Bay Shore’s largest parking lot at Third Avenue and Mechanicsville Road, including drainage, pavement and striping. Riverhead will construct a brick-paved pedestrian path traversing Peconic Avenue, which will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing between Grangebel Park and the Peconic Riverfront. In the Shirley/Mastic area, storefronts along Neighborhood Road and Baybright Drive will be upgraded with stamped concrete pavers, decorative street lighting, crosswalks, benches and waste receptacles. We are presently evaluating additional applications for the next round of Downtown Beautification Grants totaling $500,000.

Federal Funding Secured to Protect The Peconic Estuary
I was pleased to join with Congressman Timothy Bishop as he announced that $1 million dollars in new funding has been secured to continue our efforts to protect the Peconic Estuary. This funding will help eliminate harmful road runoff from entering the Peconic Estuary by installing storm water control devices on roadways throughout the Peconic Estuary Watershed. Pathogens and other toxic substances are a major contributing factor to shellfish degradation, and by decreasing the amount of pollution introduced into the Peconic Estuary, the overall environmental health of Long Island will be improved. This will simultaneously help improve the shellfish industry as well. The timing of this award is excellent. The Peconic Estuary Program has completed regional stormwater planning and is now developing detailed plans for subwatersheds. These plans will lead to specific recommendations to mitigate stormwater runoff at various locations, and the federal funding will provide for implementation. This is an excellent example of levels of government working together as this grant builds on the County's $1.8 million from the Water Quality Improvement and Restoration Program to implement the Phase II stormwater program. We are fortunate Congressman Bishop continues to be a leader in providing funds to protect the Peconic Estuary.

Farming the Future: Farm Life on Long Island
What will happen to Long Island’s Farmers in Suburbia? I encourage you to find out on Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 10:00 pm on WLIW21 New York Public Television when the new documentary, "Farming the Future: Farm Life on Long Island" will have its broadcast television premiere. This documentary featuring Farm Aid President and music legend Willie Nelson, narrated by Long Island native William Baldwin, and directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Rudaitis, weaves interviews, historical photographs and contemporary footage to sew a vibrant tapestry of Long Island’s farming legacy.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR TO GET YOUR OWN COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER Please Contact: Todd Stebbins, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099 Phone: (631) 853-4000 Fax: (631) 853-4818 E-mail: Todd.Stebbins@suffolkcountyny.gov

9:31 PM by Doug

Thursday, November 10, 2005

From Steve Levy's office. Notice the Dosiak farm preservation (24.7 acres).

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NOVEMBER 2005 Michael J. Deering, Director of Environmental Affairs
Michael.Deering@suffolkcountyny.gov

It is a pleasure to update you on the latest actions and activities recently taken by my administration. Please send information to Todd Stebbins in the County Executive’s office, and continue to share this newsletter with others.

Suffolk Begins Conversion To Bio-Diesel Fuel
Seeking to lower emissions of greenhouse gases and smog-producing pollutants, Suffolk County will replace nearly 25% of its diesel fleet fuel with cleaner-burning bio-diesel (B20). Using and promoting "B20" is better for the environment, reduces our dependence on foreign oil and contributes to the economy. A 6,000 gallon tank at Suffolk’s Bergen Point Sewage Treatment Facility will be dedicated for bio-diesel fuel. By converting about 25% of our diesel fuel usage to bio-diesel, estimates are that we will have a significant reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide, as well as decreasing carbon monoxide by 12 percent and particulate pollutants by 13 percent annually. Suffolk County is again setting the example by using an alternative fuel that is more efficient and burns cleaner than traditional fossil fuel. Bio-diesel fuel, made from soybeans, vegetable oil or animal fats and grease, is produced domestically and more than 25 million gallons were sold nationwide in 2004. "B20" is a mix of traditional diesel fuel with 20% bio-diesel, and can be used in any conventional diesel engine without the need for modifications. The product requires no infrastructure costs for storage or pumping and extends engine life while generating less harmful emissions. Bio-diesel fuel will also be used in the equipment dredging Stony Brook Harbor later this year – this will be the first use of this fuel in a County dredging project.

Latest Set Of Bills Introduced To Preserve Lands
I have filed five bills authorizing the acquisition of approximately 100 acres of environmentally significant open space and farmland in the towns of Brookhaven, Southampton and Islip. Suffolk’s various open space preservation, ground water protection and farmland preservation programs are operating at top speed as we continue the race against over-development. Along with various legislative co-sponsors, I introduced bills to acquire: approximately 20 acres of pine barrens land in Coram that is part of the Overton Preserve - an important groundwater recharge area; development rights to 37.6 acres of farmland in Manorville known as the Hoshyla Property; 42 acres in Sagaponack Woods in Southampton that complements larger public holdings in the area within the South Fork Special Groundwater Protection Area; approximately one acre of land adjoining Champlin Creek, which flows into the Great South Bay adding to a number of properties Suffolk and Islip have acquired along the stream corridor; and a .14 acre parcel within the Mastic/Shirley Conservation Area. The bills will come before the Legislature’s Environment, Planning and Agriculture Committee later this month. I also recently announced that Suffolk has successfully closed on an additional 237 acres, including the acquisition of: the 122-acre Amsterdam Beach property in Montauk; almost 18 acres in Shelter Island; 2 acres of land at Pipe’s Cove in Southold; and the purchase of the development rights to five significant farms: Dosiak Farm in Manorville (24.7 acres); Ljungqvist Farm in the hamlet of Brookhaven (8.4 acres); Andruszkiewicz Farm in Riverhead (20.5 acres); Warner Farm/Marbri Nursery (27.4 acres) in Aquebogue; and Terry-Bull Farm in Southold (14 acres). Suffolk also recently accepted the donation of 6 acres of surplus land from the federal government in the pine barrens. The parcel is contiguous to over 100 acres of municipally held land, and with its high elevation provides excellent views of Peconic Bay, Moriches Bay and Long Island Sound.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, OR TO GET YOUR OWN COPY OF THIS NEWSLETTER Please Contact: Todd Stebbins, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099 Phone: (631) 853-4000 Fax: (631) 853-4818 E-mail: Todd.Stebbins@suffolkcountyny.gov

9:38 AM by Doug

Friday, October 28, 2005

The Manorville Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the second annual tree lighting ceremony at the King Kullen shopping center on CR 111 on Thursday, December 1. The ceremony begins at 6:00 PM.
Hot beverages and goodies will be served. Once again, entertainment will be provided by East End DJ's with help from local students.
Hope to see everybody there !
I have included a link that can be used to view or print the flyer. http://manorvillechamber.org/Docs/tree058x10.pdf

1:17 PM by Doug

Thursday, October 27, 2005

I received this from Steve Levy's office on Wednesday, Oct. 26

Levy Proposes General Fund Tax Decrease in 2006 Operating Budget

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy recently unveiled his proposed 2006 operating budget – the first budget plan in Suffolk since 1970 that is lower than the previous year’s adopted budget, and one which provides a slight General Fund tax decrease. This is the sixth consecutive budget introduced by the County Executive with no tax increase, including two previous capital budgets, two Suffolk Community College budgets and the 2005 operating budget.

Among the tax-saving highlights in the $2.6 billion plan are:

proposed budget lower than the 2005 adopted amount
1.6% General Fund tax cut
40% cut in the energy tax for the upcoming winter season

"With our tight spending plan and the energy tax reduction, Suffolk residents will be paying less than they did last year," said Levy. "We were able to produce a General Fund tax cut through Smart Management – without resorting to fiscal gimmicks and one-shot revenues, without raiding our tax reserve fund and without any new fees or fee increases," Levy added.

The budget again keeps the Police District Fund (for the five western towns which are part of the Suffolk County Police Department) within tax cap parameters and below the rate of inflation, and continues to invest in the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund.

Levy offered a number of new initiatives in the 2006 proposal, including:

Anti-Fraud Unit: The budget will create a specialized fraud unit in the District Attorney’s Office to focus on slumlord tax evasion, Medicaid abuse and school district corruption. New positions in the Department of Social Services will assist in investigating Medicaid fraud.

Police Class: A class of 100 police recruits will begin training in March of 2006 and deploy to the streets by year’s end. This follows a class of 120 recruits that is presently being trained at the Police Academy. Levy said this influx of new officers, plus management initiatives such as the continued civilianization of non-police functions at headquarters and precinct locations will continue to allow the department to increase its presence on the streets.

Gang Alternatives After School Program: Levy is funding a pilot program that will feature an after school martial arts program as an anti-gang alternative, in districts to be determined.

Increased Revenue Sharing with East End Police: Levy’s budget proposes a $1.5 million increase in sales tax revenue sharing to towns and villages that operate their own police departments, which includes the five east end townships. This is part of a five-year plan that, if passed by Legislative resolution, would provide those departments with an additional $12.5 million of public safety money.

Reducing Inmate Recidivism in the New Jail: Acting on a report from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) and recognizing the need to control jail costs – which includes the state-mandated construction of a new Yaphank facility – Levy said the 2006 budget takes a comprehensive look at the criminal justice system, probation and mental health system with the goal of preventing recidivism of inmates.

The Levy budget will provide a $1.1 million increase in funding to agencies and programs that deal with current, or potential, prison populations, including Persons In Need of Supervision (PINS), Alternatives for Youth (AFY) and various mental health counseling agencies. The budget also provides 15 new positions in these areas -- six in AFY/PINS, five in the Department of Social Services and four in Child Protective Services.

Added Funding for Day Care Crisis: Levy said that while federal money for day care continues to decrease, the need continues to increase. To offset the loss of money from Washington in 2006, Levy is providing an additional $2.1 million in day care funding to keep programs operating. "We will be lobbying our federal and state representatives throughout 2006 to restore funding for this critical function, that allows parents to enter the workforce," Levy said.

Downtown Revitalization: With five grants authorized in 2005 and projects underway in Bay Shore, Huntington Station, Mastic/Shirley, North Amityville and Riverhead, the 2006 budget provides for $1 million in downtown revitalization funding.

Safety Net Fund for the Poor and Working Class: Levy’s budget sets aside a $4 million "safety net" for funding programs and agencies that help the poor, working class, veterans and senior citizens.

The budget establishes two new reserve funds – a $10 million Catastrophic Medical Program, which will pay out medical insurance costs exceeding $250,000, and a $13 million Debt Stabilization Fund in anticipation of future increases in debt service associated with the construction of the new prison and open space purchases. Levy said these new funds, along with the added investment in the Tax Stabilization Fund, will help lower Suffolk’s debt costs and should allow the County to maintain, or upgrade again, its outstanding ratings by all three-bond agencies.

Levy’s budget will also consolidate technological communication functions into a Department of Information Technology and will create an Office of Environmental Affairs and an Office of Minority Health to enhance health care access in diverse communities.

QUESTIONS? Please Contact: Terry Maccarrone, 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788 Phone: (631) 853-4235 Fax: (631) 853-4086 E-mail: County.Executive@suffolkcountyny.gov

10:14 AM by Doug

Thursday, October 13, 2005

From courant.com
--------------------
Gas Plant Plans, Process Assailed
--------------------

By DAVID FUNKHOUSER
Courant Staff Writer

October 13, 2005

BRANFORD -- U.S. Reps. Rosa DeLauro of New Haven and Tim Bishop of New York
joined a couple of fishermen and some reporters on a soggy boat ride
Wednesday around the Thimble Islands to speak out against the liquefied
natural gas plant proposed for Long Island Sound.

Rain lashed the windows and waves thumped against the hull of the excursion
boat The Sea Mist as the two members of Congress argued that the plant, a
massive floating structure that would be tethered halfway between Branford
and Long Island, would be bad for the economy and the environment.

DeLauro angrily denounced a law approved by Congress last summer that gives
a federal agency the last word on whether the plant will be approved. "Our
regulatory process will be completely bypassed," she said. "Connecticut will
have nothing to say in this effort."

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is studying the environmental
impact of the plant, and the U.S. Coast Guard is looking at issues of safety
and security.

The plant "would be the first surface industrial facility in the Sound, and
would reverse decades of progress and more than a billion dollars spent
fighting to preserve this estuary," Bishop said. "The Long Island Sound is a
natural resource that must be protected, not an industrial park to be
exploited."

Broadwater Energy, an international consortium, would build the plant about
10 miles off the Connecticut shore. The 1,200-foot-long facility would take
in liquefied natural gas shipped from across the Atlantic, convert it back
to gas and pipe it 25 miles along the floor of the Sound to an existing
pipeline that runs from Milford to Long Island.

Broadwater plans to file a formal proposal with the federal government by
the end of November. Proponents say the plant is needed to meet the rapidly
growing demand for energy in the Northeast. They say that providing a new
source of natural gas closer to where it is used will take the pressure off
of a delivery system that is nearing capacity.

Nick Crismale of the Connecticut Lobstermen's Association said the plant "is
another nail in the coffin of the fishing industry." He said the security
zones required around the plant and the LNG tankers would close off portions
of the Sound from fishing for indeterminate periods.

Though the plant would be in New York waters and state officials technically
do not have any jurisdiction over the project, "We have to treat [the Sound]
as one body of water," fisherman Bart Mansi of Guilford said. "We're trying
to support a way of life."
Copyright 2005, Hartford Courant

12:06 PM by Doug

Any MEMCA members that wish to post an event or other item that is of importance to you should forward me an e-mail with the information at dougo357@optonline.net.
(Garage sales don't count)
Doug

11:38 AM by Doug

The MEMCA meeting dates have once again been changed. Commencing with the November meeting, November 9. 2005, MEMCA will meet on the second Wednesday of the month. There are no meetings scheduled for December, July or August. According to the Eastport-South Manor school calendar, the only conflict that we will have with School Board meetings is in November.

Doug Dittko

11:33 AM by Doug