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Pictured at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor from left: New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, Eagle Scouts Ryan Bennett, Steven Cirarolo, Brendan Kieran and Joshua Prew and New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized four new Eagle Scouts from Boy Scout Troop 7 at their Eagle Scout Court of Honor at Sts. Philip and James Church in St. James last month. Held on June 9, fellow scouts, troop leaders, family, friends and several dignitaries attended the ceremony to congratulate and support the new Eagle Scouts.

All of the young men acquired the necessary merit badges and demonstrated their leadership skills, as well as completing their Community Service Project to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, which is the highest rank in scouting.

Ryan Bennet, of St. James and a senior at Chaminade High School, designed and built a pergola over a baptismal font at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Ronkonkoma.

For his project, Steven Ciraolo, of St. James and a junior at Smithtown High School East, made educational signs explaining the life cycle of trees and installed them along a nature trail at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown.

Brendan Kieran, of Smithtown and a sophomore at Chaminade High School, created a new basketball court at Sts. Philip and James School/Parish. He installed two new basketball hoops and outlined the full court.

Also doing a project at Sts. Philip and James, Joshua H. Prew, of Lake Grove and a sophomore at St. John The Baptist High School, cleared the overgrown shrubbery and installed two benches adjacent to the basketball court so the children have a nice outdoor seating area.

“Coming to the Eagle Scout Court of Honor is the best part of my job. The fact that each of you achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while still a teenager is an enormous accomplishment and this recognition will be with you for the rest of your lives and you will always be held to a higher standard because of this achievement,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Pixabay photo.

By Peter Sloniewsky

Suffolk County Legislature voted 15-2 Tuesday, June 25, to approve I.R. 1461 which will extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program. County Executive Ed Romaine (R) is expected to sign the measure into law July 8 for the mandatory referendum to be added to the November ballot. 

This program, if passed via referendum, will establish the new Water Quality Restoration Fund supported by an additional sales and use tax of 1/8%. It is estimated the increase in sales tax collections will fund about $4 billion over 50 years to implement the county’s Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.

In June and July 2023, a 10-7 vote along party lines doomed the measure from reaching that November’s ballot.

The 1.5 million people of Suffolk County currently rely on more than 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems, including over 209,000 systems located in environmentally sensitive areas. This decentralized infrastructure has been a significant cause of nitrogen pollution across the county. In both surface-level and underground bodies of water, this nitrogen pollution causes harmful algae blooms, which can release toxins into fish, destroy ecosystems by consuming excessive oxygen in the water and cause a variety of conditions in exposed humans.

Passage of the referendum has economic as well as health benefits. Creating and maintaining new wastewater infrastructure will create a number of well-paying jobs for the county government. Additionally, the risks posed to businesses reliant on Suffolk County water cannot be understated, as well as the threats to beaches across Long Island.

The Water Quality Restoration Fund can be used for water quality improvement, such as enhancing and maintaining existing sewerage facilities, consolidating sewer districts and replacing and installing wastewater treatment systems in areas where sewers cannot be installed. 

The language of the referendum itself is straightforward: “A yes vote ensures county funding to 2060 for clean water projects, improvements in drinking water, bays and harbors, and a no vote continues water quality degradation.”

Romaine claimed that passage of the referendum will be vital to fund sewer constructions, especially in less developed areas of the county, and the broad swaths of land with only cesspools installed. Romaine said that he “cannot emphasize enough the importance of this referendum” to address water contaminants.

Romaine was also the primary sponsor of the bill, which was co-sponsored by Legislators James Mazzarella (R-Mastic) and Ann Welker (D-Southampton).

Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport), who voted for the bill, claimed in a statement that while the bill gives the county the authority to establish longer-term funding for wastewater improvement projects, it also allows the county to apply for “much-needed” matching grant funding from the New York State and federal governments. 

The final decision will rest in the hands of Suffolk County voters on Nov. 5.

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Senator Murray and Assemblyman Smith introduced “Nick’s Law” in 2023 (S6051/A6520) which will increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an accident involving a death. Photo courtesy Office of Dean Murray

By Samantha Rutt

A hit-and-run incident in Patchogue March 2023, which claimed the life of 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio, has spurred local leaders into action. Puzio, a resident of Farmingville, was tragically struck by two separate vehicles while crossing Route 112. Both drivers fled the scene, leaving him to die. 

Hit-and-run collisions are those in which at least one person involved in a crash flees the scene before offering any, or sufficient, information or aid to the other involved person or fails to properly report the crash. Hit-and-run violations – which are criminal offenses – can create additional burdens for law enforcement and for families looking for remediation as well as medical and insurance support.

Although Long Island roads are among the deadliest, few drivers involved in crashes that kill pedestrians or cyclists face criminal charges. That is, unless they are caught after fleeing the scene, or it can be proven they were drunk, under the influence of drugs or speeding.

Walk Safe Long Island, a collaborative of health and transportation safety educators from Nassau and Suffolk counties, says over the past three years in Nassau and Suffolk counties, 515 people have been hit and injured while walking, jogging or biking.

Pedestrian safety continues to be a serious concern. The Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research states that from 2016 to 2020, pedestrians accounted for almost one quarter of the fatalities on New York’s roadways.

According to information from the National Center for Health Statistics, Long Island averages 18.2 roadway deaths per month. However, in the summer months this number trends upward as it nearly doubled, reaching 31 in August of last year.

In response, state Sen. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and Assemblyman Doug Smith (R-Holbrook) introduced “Nick’s Law” in 2023. The proposed legislation aims to increase penalties for those convicted of leaving the scene of an incident involving a death. The move comes in the wake of a lenient six-month sentence handed down to one of the drivers involved in Puzio’s death, highlighting the inadequacies of current laws.

“Two drivers made reckless choices and left my son dying in the street. Who does that? Does anyone have regard for human life? The laws in New York State are far too lenient,” Puzio’s mother, Terry Puzio, voiced her anguish and frustration in a statement.

Under current laws, individuals caught fleeing the scene of a fatal incident face a Class D felony and a fine of up to $5,000. “Nick’s Law” would elevate the crime to a Class B felony with a fine of $30,000. This increase in penalties is aimed at deterring drivers from fleeing the scene to avoid harsher consequences for other offenses such as driving under the influence.

The need for this legislation is represented by the alarming statistics. According to multiple sources, in 2023, Suffolk County alone witnessed 16 fatal hit-and-run incidents. This year, multiple similar incidents have already occurred, including the recent death of 22-year-old volunteer firefighter Christopher Hlavaty in East Patchogue.

Hlavaty’s mother, Janine Hlavaty, shared her desire for the bill’s passage in a statement, saying, “My hope for the passage of ‘Nick’s Law’ is that people will think twice before leaving the scene of these horrific, life-altering accidents.”

The push for “Nick’s Law” has garnered support from local lawmakers and officials who have emphasized the importance of holding hit-and-run drivers accountable. 

“When people can face lighter sentences if they are involved in an accident while drunk or on drugs by leaving an injured person in the road, there is a clear benefit to them to run and hide. That is unacceptable and it must be changed as soon as possible,” state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said in a statement.

The community’s outcry and the introduction of “Nick’s Law” showcases a collective demand for justice and safety on the roads. For now, the community awaits legislative action, hoping that “Nick’s Law” will bring about the change to deter future hit-and-run tragedies and provide justice for those who have lost their lives on the roads of Long Island.

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Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson) (pictured right) along with Farah (left) and Sean Parker (second to left) and Avery Parker (center) on June 17, 2024. 

Throughout the last months of the school year, Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson) sponsored a  ‘There Ought To Be A Law’ contest for students in the 4th Assembly District. This week, Flood hosted a ‘There Ought To Be A Law’ ceremony to recognize the creativity and participation of the students at Terryville Road Elementary School in the Comsewogue School District. Avery Parker, a 5th-grade student, won the challenge with the most innovative proposal and was awarded an official Assembly Citation.

“I want to congratulate Avery for winning with the most creative proposal,” said Flood. “Her idea is to enhance protection and security on major social media sites by prohibiting them from requesting personal information. This is a major concern that needs to be addressed. Avery’s hard work is truly inspiring, and I commend her and the other 140 students who also participated and submitted wonderful ideas. Thank you to Superintendent Joe Coniglione, Teacher Ms. Reduto and Principal Annemarie V. Sciove for nurturing such incredible talent.”

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The Jazz Loft

The Jazz Loft recently announced a grant award from the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) to support the organization’s upgrades in equipment. This grant is part of a capital project funding announcement by NYSCA, which totals over $32 million to 102 capital projects across New York State. The grant is a matching grant, with $50K coming from the state and $50K from The Jazz Loft donors.

According to The Jazz Loft founder Tom Manuel, the grant funds will go towards installing high-end audio and video equipment so that the Loft can livestream, and record performances and the space can also act as a recording studio.

“The over 100 projects we’re supporting through this funding will showcase arts and cultural organizations across the state and spur economic development for decades to come,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “From historic sites to new multi-use arts centers, these diverse projects will expand accessibility and the sustainability of arts and culture organizations while growing local economies, driving tourism and creating jobs across New York State.”

“We are grateful to Governor Hochul and the legislature for their support. These projects are essential to the prosperity and well-being of our creative industry and our communities, especially as we continue to navigate the recovery of our creative sector. This support will help stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations for now and the future. Congratulations to The Jazz Loft, NYSCA is a proud supporter of your contributions to New York’s arts and culture,” said New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallon.

The Jazz Loft is located at 275 Christian Avenue i9n Stony Brook. For more information visit thejazzloft.org

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By Mallie Jane Kim

[email protected]

Permanent protections for New York horseshoe crabs cleared a major hurdle during the last days of the 2024 state legislative session, passing both the state Senate and Assembly on June 7.

“It’s extremely exciting,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment, which advocated for the bill. “The horseshoe crab has ambled around the earth for more than 350 million years — we think they have a right to continue to do so.”

The bill, which still needs the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) before becoming law, would prevent the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial or biomedical purposes from state waters. The animals are used as bait for commercial whelk and eel fishing operations, and their blue blood is used to improve vaccine safety and aid in biomedical research, though a synthetic alternative is already in the works for that purpose.

The species has faced a steady decline in the last few decades, which in turn impacts birds like red knots, who feed on horseshoe crab eggs during their migration.

Not everyone is happy with the bill as it is currently written.

“The commercial fishing industry here on Long Island is going to be severely impacted by the passage of this bill,” said Rob Carpenter, director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, which advocates on behalf of commercial fishermen. “Their needs are not addressed in the bill.”

Carpenter, who indicated he hopes for the bill to be amended or vetoed, said horseshoe crab is the only usable bait for commercial fishermen catching whelk. 

“If they are not allowed to utilize it, that means the state has just shut down an entire industry of fishing for an entire species,” he said.

The state Senate passed the bill 53-7 and the Assembly sent it through 102-39. Five North Shore legislators voted against the measure, namely Assemblymembers Jake Blumencranz (R-Oyster Bay), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown), Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) and Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor); and state Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk).

Esposito, who previously said she hoped new protections would incentivize commercial fishing operations to find alternative baits, said she knows from her recent time lobbying for the bill in Albany that the farm bureau and biomedical industry representatives are lobbying against it.

Biomedical companies do not currently harvest from Long Island waters, according to Esposito, though she is concerned stricter rules in neighboring states like Connecticut and Massachusetts could bring New York’s horseshoe crabs to their attention. 

“The fact that they are lobbying against this bill is absurd,” she said. “We’re not inhibiting the medical industry — they have alternatives and they’re using alternatives. They’re just crying wolf.”

According to state governmental procedures, since the Legislature is now out of session, the governor will have 30 days to sign the bill once it is delivered to her, but there is no indication of when that delivery will happen. If the bill is not delivered to the governor before the end of the year, or if she does not act within 30 days of delivery, the bill is effectively vetoed. 

“Our job’s not done yet,” Esposito said. “Now we’re going to begin our campaign to request the governor sign it.”

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Pixabay photo

By Samantha Rutt

In a move to address environmental concerns on Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has signed the Suffolk County Water Restoration Act. This legislation grants county officials the authority to present a proposal to voters, seeking approval for a 0.0125% increase in the county sales tax. The revenue from this tax hike is earmarked for sewer expansion projects and the replacement of nitrogen-polluting septic systems with advanced clean water technology.

The act, sponsored by state Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood), is projected to generate between $3 billion and $4 billion in new funding dedicated to water quality improvements. These funds will be divided between expanding sewer infrastructure and upgrading outdated cesspools and septic systems with modern, nitrogen-removing technologies. This initiative aims to combat nitrogen pollution, which poses a severe threat to the region’s ground and surface waters.

“Today, we have given authorization for the voters of Suffolk County to decide how best to address the impacts of nitrogen pollution,” Martinez said in a statement. “This serious threat to our region’s ground and surface waters is reversible, but only by making investments in the technology and infrastructure needed to stop its release into the environment. I am proud to have had this once-in-a-generation opportunity to sponsor legislation that addresses one of Long Island’s greatest environmental challenges, and I thank Governor Hochul for her continued support.”

Governor Hochul’s presence represents the importance of the legislation, which passed the New York State Assembly unanimously in April and subsequently cleared the state Senate with a 57-1 vote. The bill’s progression to the governor’s desk highlights the urgency felt by legislators, environmental advocates and the community regarding the need for decisive action on water quality issues.

David Ansel, vice president of water protection at Save the Sound, expressed his enthusiasm for the legislation in a statement: “We are thrilled that Governor Hochul made signing the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act such a priority, and appreciate that she came to Long Island to showcase the importance of this legislation. We appreciate the leadership and commitment of Assemblyman Fred Thiele [D-Sag Harbor] and Senator Monica Martinez, who sponsored the bill in their respective chambers, as well as the overwhelming bipartisan support of the New York State Legislature.”

The next step lies with the Suffolk County Legislature, which is expected to convene on June 4 to discuss and potentially approve placing the funding program on the November ballot. Last year, a similar measure failed to reach voters due to disagreements among lawmakers over the allocation of funds for sewer and septic system projects.

If the referendum passes, the Suffolk County water restoration sales tax will remain in effect until 2060, providing long-term funding for essential water quality improvements. This initiative represents a significant opportunity for county residents to invest in the health and sustainability of their local environment.

Ansel added, “Now, we look forward to the Suffolk County Legislature taking the necessary next steps to ensure the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is added to the November ballot, giving county voters a voice in their clean water future. So much work remains to be done to protect Long Island Sound, its rivers and streams, and Suffolk County’s groundwater from the degrading effects of nitrogen pollution. But for the first time in decades, we are making progress toward addressing this long-standing problem in a meaningful way.”

As the county Legislature prepares for this critical vote, the collaboration between state and local leaders, environmental advocates and the community underscores a shared commitment to preserving Long Island’s precious water resources for future generations.

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Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R,C-Northport) stands alongside Sen. Mario R. Mattera (R,C-Smithtown), Asharoken Mayor Dr. Gregory Letica, other elected and appointed officials and community representatives at the Asharoken Seawall in Asharoken Village on Friday, May 10, 2024.

By Samantha Rutt

The Asharoken Seawall, a critical infrastructure element protecting Asharoken Avenue — the only road connecting approximately one-third of village residents and the entire Eaton’s Neck community to the mainland — faces significant degradation. 

Each severe weather event heightens the risk of a catastrophic failure, which could isolate the community and hinder emergency responses.

The call for action to replace the deteriorating seawall has reached a critical juncture as Mayor Gregory Letica, local and federal officials, environmental experts and community members gathered at the Asharoken Village Hall in early May. 

Led by state Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) and Assemblyman Keith Brown (R-Northport), the meeting aimed to address the urgent need for repairs and the development of a long-term solution to protect Asharoken Village and the Eaton’s Neck community from the devastating impacts of severe weather events.

“With the current condition of the Asharoken Seawall, it is imperative we act to protect the residents who are affected every time there is a significant weather event,” Mattera said in a statement. “That is why I worked quickly with Assemblyman Brown to get all the stakeholders together to have an open and honest discussion.”

Brown emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach: “Senator Mattera and I were very pleased with the response from all levels of government to our letter to discuss the condition of the seawall, and the need for action to determine a short-term action plan to make immediate repairs and avoid a catastrophic failure of the seawall while a longer-term solution can be put in place.”

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also highlighted the collaborative efforts and funding secured for repairs, saying that he was “proud that $2 million in federal funding I appropriated has been secured by the village in recent years to make repairs to the crumbling seawall and plan future protective measures.”

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY1) continued the sentiment of support expressing his commitment to the people of the village: “I am fully committed to working alongside the village, local governments and community stakeholders to find a long-overdue and permanent solution that will improve the structural integrity and 24/7 accessibility of Asharoken Avenue.”

“In January, I testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Water Resources Subcommittee to highlight the situation at the Asharoken Seawall. Recently, I requested the committee to consider policy changes in the drafting of the Water Resources and Development Act to support communities like Asharoken,” LaLota said in an email. 

Though several elected officials are aware of the ongoing issue and have been actively engaged in finding a solution, the seawall project will take several years to implement.

“While I continue to advocate for federal resources, the Army Corps has informed all stakeholders that the seawall and beach replenishment portion of the project will continue to be subject to federal public access requirements, similar to the Fire Island-Montauk Point project and other projects nationwide. Even if the public access impasse is resolved, it would take several years to implement, as the Army Corps needs to conduct a new study based on current conditions to replace the one canceled in 2017. We cannot afford to wait that long,” LaLota said.

What can be done now?

Federal and state representatives continue to explore various mitigation methods. Ongoing efforts aim to secure additional funding and streamline coordination among all levels of government to expedite both interim and long-term solutions.

“Over the past 17 months, we have explored multiple mitigation methods, including restoring the seawall, replenishing sand, bolstering and elevating the road, and implementing an artificial reef to redirect problematic water currents. Additionally, in November, my office provided local officials with potential grant funding options,” LaLota shared. 

As the Asharoken community and Eaton’s Neck residents await these critical improvements, the unified stance of officials and stakeholders showcases a shared commitment to protecting this vulnerable area from future storm impacts and ensuring the safety and connectivity of its residents.

“In the meantime, we see a potential path forward by focusing on areas of consensus, starting with raising and improving the road,” LaLota said of what could be done most immediately to combat the crisis. “To address this issue from all angles, I have submitted requests to secure funding for two police vehicles for the village through the government funding process. Upon approval by the full House, this would free up additional resources for the village to tackle the seawall issue head-on.”

“We will continue to collaborate with the Army Corps, village, local officials and the community to support the residents of Asharoken and Eaton’s Neck every step of the way,” LaLota concluded. 

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Pictured from left, Office Manager Linda McDonald with Archie, Executive Director Pam Green, board member Denise Trifaro with Pippen, Riverhead Town Councilwoman Joann Waski, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, board member Lou Salvatico, board member Vinny DiCarlo Jr., NYS Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, kennel manager Judy Prianti (kneeling) with Ash, and board member Susan Trawick with Juno. Photo by Heidi Sutton/TBR News Media
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine speaks at the groundbreaking event. Photo by Heidi Sutton
Kent Animal Shelter's Executive Director Pam Green speaks at the groundbreaking. Photo by Heidi Sutton
New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio speaks at the groundbreaking event. Photo by Heidi Sutton
A ceremonial groundbreaking at Kent Animal Shelter. Photo by Heidi Sutton
A ceremonial groundbreaking at Kent Animal Shelter. Photo by Heidi Sutton
A ceremonial groundbreaking at Kent Animal Shelter. Photo by Heidi Sutton
A ceremonial groundbreaking at Kent Animal Shelter. Photo by Heidi Sutton

By Heidi Sutton

Twenty years in the making, Kent Animal Shelter in Calverton is finally breaking ground on a new dog kennel and isolation facility on the 2.8-acre campus at 2259 River Road. The announcement was made at a press conference attended by local officials and Kent’s board of directors, staff and volunteers on May 24. A few adoptable dogs made an appearance as well.

The current dog kennel, which was built in 1968, will be demolished and replaced with a 3000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility with additional kennel space, more dog runs, puppy facilities, and meet-and-greet rooms. A former caretaker’s cottage on the property will be replaced with a dedicated isolation and quarantine facility for sick animals that arrive at the shelter. The project is expected to cost around 4.3 million. 

“I am so excited today because we have been waiting to do this about 20 years now and there have been many roadblocks along the way,” said Kent Animal Shelter’s Executive Director Pam Green. “I am grateful to everyone that came along with us [including] the board of directors. It’s been a long time. Our goals and our mission are the same — to rescue as many animals as possible, bring them here, give them medical attention, vaccines, surgery, whatever they need to bring them to their permanent homes. That hasn’t changed since the founders in 1968 and it remains the same today.”

Green went on to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio for being so supportive of the project.

“It is a great day because Kent Animal Shelter does so much to help animals that are homeless find their forever home,” said Suffolk County Executive Romaine during the event. Romaine adopted his dog Lucky from the no-kill shelter several years ago. “He is my pride and joy,” he said.

Giglio praised County Executive Romaine for getting the project “over the finish line.”

“When he was the Town of Brookhaven Supervisor and sitting on the Pine Barrens Commission he realized the importance of this great project. He has always been a supporter of Kent Animal Shelter, also of the environment, myself included, which is why when I heard they were so close to getting the permits and getting across the finish line I had some grant funding that was presented in my lap.” 

Giglio then presented a check for $75,000 to the board of directors for a new Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic system to change the sanitary system over which is a requirement for Suffolk County given the shelter’s location in the Pine Barrens. “And I know the county is working on more funding for this great project,” she said.

“We will look to make sure that Kent has the funding they need to move forward on this project. They do a great job,” added Suffolk County Executive Romaine.

Joann Waski of the Riverhead Town Council and former Planning Board member also attended the event. “On behalf of the Town of Riverhead we’re so happy that we were able to move this project forward and we hope that a lot of the animals get adopted. You have a great program going on here,” she said.

“I want to also thank all the volunteers for everything that they do to make this place so special for all of these animals that are sometimes forgotten. May they find nice homes and may people enjoy their visit to  Kent Animal Shelter and find a pleasant environment just like the one that they will create when they adopt [pets] and bring them home,” said Giglio.

The project, which is being handled by J. Petrocelli Contracting, Inc. in Ronkonkoma, is expected to be completed in approximately six to eight months. In the interim, all of the adoptable dogs have been transferred to Bide-A-Wee at 118 Old Country Road in Westhampton Beach while the cat shelter will remain in Calverton. Hours for both locations are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

For more information, call 631-727-5731 or visit www.kentanimalshelter.com.

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Gov. Kathy Hochul speaking with Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory CEO Bruce Stillman during a recent visit. Photo courtesy of Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

By Daniel Dunaief

The transition from studying pancreatic cancer’s playbook to attempting new moves to wrestle it into submission is getting closer at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, thanks to support from New York State.

Recently, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) announced that the Empire State would contribute $15 million to a new Pancreatic Cancer Center at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory as a part of the lab’s Foundations for the Future Expansion.

The funds will support the construction of a new center that will continue to try to defeat this insidious type of cancer as CSHL aims to develop new treatments.

“Patients should not feel there’s no chance and no hope” after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, said David Tuveson, Director of the CSHL Cancer Center and a researcher whose lab has taken innovative approaches to pancreatic cancer. “They are watching the evolution of an area in a disease that previously has been challenging to treat. Through fundamental research, we are coming up with new approaches.”

As CSHL works with human organoids, which are tissues grown from a patient’s own cancer cells that can be used to test the effectiveness of various treatments and any resistance from cancer, animal models, and other techniques, they have moved closer to finding targets that could lead to new therapies.

Any novel treatment would likely involve creating new companies, likely on Long Island, that could develop these treatments, file for patents, and build a commercial presence and infrastructure.

“It’s an investment by the state to accelerate our translational research so we can go from preclinical to clinical,” said Tuveson. “Part of that will be to generate private entities that can focus on turning a lead to first-in-class, first-in-human products. It allows us to build that infrastructure.”

Tuveson has been working on a potential treatment for several years. Other potential treatments are also in the earlier stages of development.

Governor Hochul suggested that the state’s investment fits in the context of an overall goal to boost the local economy with new biotechnology companies.

“New York State is leading on innovative healthcare space, and this funding will advance research to better understand pancreatic cancer – one of the most devastating forms of cancer,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.

Big Picture

The Pancreatic Cancer Center will take a wide range of approaches to this particular type of cancer.

The Center will be, along with Northwell Health, a “pipeline from fundamental discovery science” to clinical trials conducted with hospital partners, explained Bruce Stillman, CEO of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

The center will address early detection as well.

For Tobias Janowitz, Associate Professor and Cancer Center Program Co-Leader at CSHL, the investment means “we can strengthen collaborations between experts in metabolism, immunology, cancer cell biology, and whole body effects of cancer, all of them interconnected and relevant to therapy development in pancreatic cancer.”

Janowitz explained that patients with pancreatic cancer have the highest incidence of cachexia, in which chronic illness causes a reduction in muscle and fat, lowers people’s interest in food and causes extreme and potentially terminal weight loss. Pancreatic cancer patients almost universally experience a loss of appetite and profound weight and muscle loss.

Understanding cachexia in the context of pancreatic cancer will “enable care for patients with other cancers, too,” Janowitz added.

From that perspective, Janowitz hopes the New York State funds could enable discoveries that reach beyond pancreatic cancer.

As an MD/PhD, Janowitz could be involved in the translation of fundamental discoveries into clinical research and, ultimately, clinical care.

Janowitz has a specific interest in optimizing the therapeutic window for patients with pancreatic cancer.

“We are looking for management options that intensify the anti-cancer effect,” while, at the same time, protecting or reconditioning the whole body, Janowitz added.

Janowitz is using special transcriptomics on clinical samples in collaboration with Jon Preall, who leads the genomics core facility.

In a statement, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Chair Marilyn Simons described the state funding as a “catalyst to mobilize further private investment in pancreatic cancer research at CSHL.”

Simons added that her father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. A doctor offered him an exploratory operation, which enabled him to live another 14 years.

“Few people are so lucky,” Simons added in a statement. “Our wonderful scientists at Cold Spring Harbor are working with Northwell Health and the Feinstein Institutes to help more people get access to the latest biomedical advances.”

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