Government

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) joined Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County SPCA, Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney’s BEAST Unit, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, and legislative colleagues to officially sign into law “Adopting Local Law No. -2025, A Local Law to Further Protect Animals from Persons Convicted of an Animal Abuse Crime” on May 7.

This legislation was unanimously passed at the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on April 8th at the Legislature.

This local law amends the Suffolk County Code to establish a misdemeanor penalty for individuals on the convicted animal abuser registry who are found to be owning animals in violation of Suffolk County Code Sec. 229-28(F). 

In 2010, the Suffolk County Legislature enacted legislation to create the animal abuse registry, one of the first of its kind in the United States. Any Suffolk County resident aged 18 or older who is convicted of animal abuse is required to register their name, address, and photo with the registry. The registry is maintained on the Suffolk County Police website. Individuals must remain on the registry for 10 years and are prohibited from owning animals during this period.

The Suffolk County SPCA approached Legislator Bontempi to request this code amendment, highlighting a loophole in the current County code. The code did not impose any penalties on individuals listed on the Animal Abuse Registry, who were found to possess animals in violation of the County code. By passing this local law to strengthen the code, any individual who is required to register and is found to possess an animal in violation of section 229-28(F) will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and will face penalties associated with that class of crime.

“I would like to thank Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross and his entire staff of volunteers for bringing this important issue to our attention, as well as County Executive Ed Romaine, my colleagues at the Legislature, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, and Police Commissioner Catalina for their unwavering support. Together, we are finally able to close this loophole and further protect our animals,” stated Legislator Bontempi. “In Suffolk County, we will not tolerate the abuse or neglect of animals. By closing this loophole, we will ensure that those offenders who disregard the will law face consequences.”

2025 Town of Brookhaven Arbor Day event. Photo from TOB

On April 25, the Town of Brookhaven celebrated its 10th Annual Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway at Town Hall in Farmingville. The event yielded a strong turnout and portrayed a clear message: every small effort contributes to a greener, healthier community. Held in the south parking lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, the event offered residents a variety of free native tree seedlings, mulch, and compost, while promoting broader environmental stewardship initiatives.

Approximately 1,400 young trees and shrubs were distributed, with the hybrid poplar emerging as the most popular tree, followed by the bear oak. On the shrub side, prairie willow and sand cherry were resident favorites. All remaining plants will be put to good use on Town open space by the Division of Land Management.

Supervisor Dan Panico praised the success of the initiative, noting, “Every little bit helps—especially in our wetlands—for the health of our bays and bodies of water. We’re restoring 187 acres of wetlands down in Mastic Beach, but we have projects going throughout the entire Town. This Arbor Day project was started by former Supervisor and current Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and I know he’d be proud to see we’re giving away three times the amount of seedlings today.”

As part of the Town’s continued commitment to sustainability, residents also had the opportunity to purchase composting units and rain barrels in advance through the Town’s online store. In total, 86 rain barrels and 63 composters were purchased. Due to high demand, the online store is being reopened to allow more residents to take advantage of this program. Orders can be placed at https://brookhaven.compostersale.com/, and the next scheduled pick-up date is Friday, July 25.

Brookhaven has been recognized as a Tree City USA community, reflecting the Town’s ongoing investment in environmental initiatives, open space preservation, and public engagement through events like the Arbor Day Giveaway.

Brookhaven Health and Wellness Fair returns May 17. Photo from TOB

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico has announced that the 5th Annual Health and Wellness Fair will take place on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brookhaven Town Hall. Sponsored by JVC Broadcasting, as well as Stop & Shop and ShopRite, this eagerly anticipated event has become a cornerstone of the community’s commitment to promoting health and wellness for residents of all ages.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from various health and wellness industries, who will provide valuable information on topics ranging from fitness and nutrition to mental health and healthcare services. The fair is designed to connect the community with local resources, empowering residents to lead healthier, happier lives. To add to the excitement, plenty of free giveaways will be available throughout the event.

This year’s fair will feature over 50 vendors offering a wide range of services, including:

  • Health screenings and wellness resources
  • Mental health and counseling support
  • Fitness and nutrition guidance
  • Senior and caregiver services
  • Insurance and community outreach programs
  • Interactive activities and giveaways for all ages
  • Healthy snacks, compliments of our generous sponsors

Some of the participating organizations include:
NYU Langone Health, Aetna Better Health, Stony Brook Medicine, Suffolk County Psychological Association, Redefine Fitness, Sunshine Prevention Center, Getting Zen with Erin, and many more!

Adding a dynamic element to the day, JVC Broadcasting will be on-site conducting interviews with participants, vendors, and attendees. These interviews will be aired on 103.9 LI News Radio, offering listeners a chance to hear firsthand accounts of the event’s positive impact on the Brookhaven community. Supervisor Dan Panico emphasizes that the Health and Wellness Fair reflects Brookhaven Town’s dedication to providing opportunities for residents to engage with essential health-related resources.

“Our Health and Wellness Fair is not just an event—it’s a celebration of our community’s commitment to fostering a healthier future for everyone. We are grateful to JVC Broadcasting for their support in making this event a resounding success,” said Panico.

Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, will serve as the welcoming venue for this annual event. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join in celebrating health and wellness on Saturday, May 17. It promises to be a day filled with learning, community connection, and inspiration.

For more information, call 631-451-6331.

Smithtown residents turned out in strong numbers to take part in the Town’s bi-annual paper shredding event on May 3, safely and securely disposing of over 11 tons (19,980 pounds) of sensitive documents. Held at the Municipal Services Facility (MSF), the event saw a steady flow of participants throughout the day, all utilizing the confidential, full-service shredding provided by Data Shredding Services, Inc. This popular initiative is offered free of charge to residents (with a three-box limit per person), thanks to the ongoing partnership between the Department of Environment and Waterways (DEW) and MSF, as part of the Town’s commitment to public safety, identity protection, and environmental responsibility.

“We launched this service to give residents a safe, secure, and convenient way to dispose of sensitive personal documents—and it has grown into something truly impactful. We’re incredibly proud of how successful the shredding event has become, with more and more residents taking part each year. It brings real peace of mind, knowing you can protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands while also disposing of documents in an environmentally responsible way. A heartfelt thank you to Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Engelmann, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team led by Richard Kitt for their outstanding service and seamless coordination. The growing turnout and smooth execution of this event each year is a true testament to its value and the commitment of our team to serving the Smithtown community,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The Department of Environment and Waterways and Municipal Services Facility provided additional support staff to move vehicles. Residents were pleased with the service MSF and DEW staff provided and the two trucks from Data Shredding Services of Hauppauge. Participants enjoyed short to no wait times and the opportunity to safely dispose of their documents while avoiding the potential risk of identity theft.
“This Spring’s Shredding Event was well attended, exceeding last fall’s total weight collected (October 2024 was 9.43 tons or 18,860 pounds). We are pleased that Smithtown residents continue to take this opportunity to purge documents containing personal information at no risk. Thank you to Supervisor Wehrheim for supporting this program, the MSF team, Matt Laux, Tom Pascarella, and the DEW team, Richard Kitt, for keeping the process running smoothly and offering outstanding service to the community,” added Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator.
The May Shred Event was hosted at the Municipal Services Facility, located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Data Shredding Service, Inc. is a full-service confidential shredding service in Hauppauge. The next paper shredding event is scheduled for October 18. For updates on upcoming free events hosted by the Town of Smithtown, download the Mobile App, which is available for free on Google Play and the App Store.

As paving season kicks off, the Town of Smithtown Highway Department is hitting the ground running with a smarter, more efficient approach to infrastructure maintenance. By combining cutting-edge technology, and proactive planning, the department has completed a number of key projects to protect residents, prevent costly repairs, and improve road safety and flood resilience across the township.

“This year, the Town Board made a significant $3 million investment in our capital budget specifically for roads and critical infrastructure upgrades. This is not just about paving roads—it’s about protecting homes, neighborhoods, and the long-term quality of life for our residents. The Town Board and Highway Department are deeply committed to prioritizing smart, proactive solutions. We’re no longer just reacting to problems—we’re leveraging real-time data, advanced technology, and strategic planning to stretch every taxpayer dollar and deliver the highest quality work. These investments ensure our roadways, drainage systems, and stormwater infrastructure are safer, more efficient, and built to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws at us and other future challenges,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim in a press release.

With over 470 miles of roads, hundreds of drainage systems, sumps, recharge basins, curbs, and driveway aprons under its care, the Highway Department has been working year-round to get ahead of potential infrastructure failures before they occur.

“Our goal is to work smarter, not harder—and most importantly, to stay ahead of problems before they become public hazards or costly emergencies… Through the use of new technology and by partnering with our experts in Environment and Waterways, Parks, and Engineering, we’re creating safer, more resilient roads and stronger infrastructure for the future,” said Highway Superintendent Robert Murphy.

Flood Prevention Through the Clean Stream Program

Flood mitigation through the Clean Stream program is a cross-departmental initiative aimed at improving water flow and reducing stormwater runoff pollution. By clearing sediment, debris, and invasive growth from local streams, crews out in the field help to prevent flooding, high water table issues, and water stagnation in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Recent completed work included major cleanups along stream corridors in the Village of the Branch from Route 347 to the new footbridge along old Route 111 (near Mt. Pleasant Road), and off Terry Road in Nesconset (George St, Jerome St, Helene Ave, and Caroline Ave), where crews restored a blocked streambed to reestablish natural water flow.

The Clean Stream crew works hand-in-hand with residents, neighborhood associations, and village partners to maintain healthy, free-flowing waterways that serve as natural flood mitigation and filtration systems.

Smarter Repairs Through Advanced Camera Inspections

The Highway Department has also deployed specialty cameras, pipe crawlers, with fiber optic sensors to inspect underground infrastructure for damage—saving time, resources, and taxpayer dollars by spotting potential problems before they escalate.

In hamlets of St. James (the Numbered Avenues along Woodlawn heading west toward Lake Avenue) and in Commack (on Marie Crescent), crews used cameras to identify root intrusions, blockages, and potential pipe collapses, many of which could have caused severe road damage or flooding. In some cases, such as 7th Avenue in St. James, cameras detected a hidden sinkhole in time for crews to install a liner between manholes, avoiding excavation and a full road replacement. This damage could have eaten up a majority of the road programs budget had it not been identified and corrected.

At a sump location near Dana Lane in Commack, advanced camera inspections identified a potentially catastrophic infrastructure failure just in time. Had it gone unnoticed, the damage could have led to severe flooding and structural issues for nearby homes—resulting in an enormously expensive emergency repair. Thanks to swift action and proactive technology, the issue was stabilized before it escalated. This not only prevented a major financial burden on local homeowners, but also saved Smithtown taxpayers from footing the bill for extensive damage and remediation efforts. It’s a powerful example of how smart, preventative maintenance protects both the community and the public’s investment.

Preparing for Paving Season with Precision

With key repairs completed and infrastructure secured, the Highway Department is now preparing for its 2025 paving season, using data from inspections to prioritize roadwork based on urgency and long-term effectiveness. This proactive strategy not only makes roads safer and longer-lasting—it helps stretch taxpayer dollars further by preventing avoidable repairs and maximizing every mile paved.

Residents are encouraged to stay engaged by checking for updates on paving schedules and reporting any road concerns through the Town’s official website; SmithtownNY.gov or by contacting the Highway Department at 631-360-7500.

 

Photo courtesy of TOB
On April 29, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle (standing) was a guest speaker at the Centereach Senior Club monthly meeting held at the New Village Recreation Center. He discussed the role of the Town Clerk’s office and how it can help Brookhaven Town residents. He also spoke about service improvements by the Town Clerk’s office, engaged with civic members, and touched upon senior scams to be aware of.
Town Clerk LaValle said, “Thank you to the members of the Centereach Senior Club for having me. I enjoyed answering questions about the services we provide and the projects I’m working on to enhance those services.”
The Town Clerk’s office is located at Brookhaven Town Hall, One Independence Hill in Farmingville. For more information, office hours, and services, call 631-451-9101 or go to www.BrookhavenNY.gov.

The Town of Smithtown Department of Environment and Waterways, in coordination with the Municipal Services Facility, collected over 37 tons of hazardous waste during the annual Earth Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday, April 26. A total of 651 households safely disposed of thousands of pounds of toxic materials that cannot be placed in regular curbside pickup—making this one of the most successful collection events to date.

“As we marked Earth Day last week, it was truly uplifting to witness our community unite in record numbers for the first of three Household Hazardous Waste Disposal events this year. Thanks to the dedication of our environmentally conscious residents—and the exceptional teamwork of the MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW crew, Reworld (formerly Covanta), and our trusted contractor Radiac—we are actively protecting Smithtown’s drinking water, parks, air, and treasured waterways for future generations… These free events, held three times a year, give every resident the opportunity to make a meaningful impact—and this year, Smithtown rose to the occasion like never before,” said Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward R. Wehrheim.

“I want to personally recognize our outstanding department leaders, including Solid Waste Coordinator Mike Englemann, Environmental Director David Barnes, MSF Director Matt Laux, DEW Senior Analyst Rich Kitt, MSF Foreman Tommy Passariello, Environmental Technician Brooke Ferreira, and our dedicated partner at Reworld, Brian Aerne. Their commitment ensures a safe, efficient, and even enjoyable experience for all who participate… Beyond collection day, these initiatives help foster a culture of sustainability and responsibility throughout our community. Together, we’re preserving the natural beauty and quality of life that make Smithtown such an extraordinary place to live,” added Wehrheim.

This year’s event was made possible through the tremendous collaboration and support of the Town’s Department of Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld (formerly Covanta). Their efforts supplemented the work of Radiac Environmental Services, the Town’s licensed HHW contractor, to ensure a safe, efficient, and seamless experience for all residents.

Additionally, the Town saw record participation in a targeted waste diversion initiative focused on propane tanks, lithium-ion batteries, and mercury-containing devices, demonstrating a growing community commitment to environmental safety and sustainability.

“The 2025 Earth Day Hazardous Household Waste collection event was a great success. The rain didn’t stop hundreds of residents from responsibly disposing of potentially hazardous chemicals and products. Participating in the Town’s Hazardous Household Waste collection events profoundly impacts protecting our drinking water, air, and natural resources while enabling the Town to maintain high-quality parks, recreational facilities, roads, and waterways for all residents to enjoy.  Special thanks to Supervisor Ed Wehrheim for his support and leadership on environmental initiatives such as these, MSF staff, Public Safety Fire Marshals, DEW staff, and Reworld staff (formerly Covanta) for supplementing the work of Radiac (HHW contractor) and providing safe and efficient service to all residents. We continue to encourage residents to consider using environmentally friendly alternatives for in and around the home,” said Michael P. Engelmann, P.G. Solid Waste Coordinator for the Town of Smithtown.

A portion of the wastes collected for manifested disposal include: mercury, waste oil based paints/ flammable paints, gasoline, paint thinners, waste gases, petroleum distillates, flammable solids, oxidizers liquids and solids, sodium/potassium nitrates, acids, corrosives, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, misc. toxic liquids (i.e. Chlordane, etc.) and solids, lacquers, lithium batteries, battery acids and various other toxic compounds.

Reworld (formerly Covanta) distributed over 150  $5 Home Depot gift cards to residents for recycling potentially dangerous lithium-ion and other batteries, propane tanks and mercury containing devices thereby preventing these harmful items from curbside disposal.  112 propane tanks were recovered at the event.  Record participation with these hazardous waste diversions.

Additionally, eco-friendly reusable coffee k-cups were also provided by DEW to interested residents.

The next household hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for July 12th & October 4th, 2025. Hazardous Household Waste collection events are for Smithtown Township residents only. Proof of residency will be confirmed upon entry.

DID YOU KNOW?: 

Residents can also dispose of electronic waste, free of charge, at the Town Recycling Center located at 85 Old Northport Road. Electronic waste, such as computers, printers, TV’s, monitors, automotive and household batteries, can be dropped off during regular hours for proper recycling.

FREE MULCH: Mulch is also available free of charge to residents. Smithtown residents can line up for pre-packaged bags of mulch with a maximum of 10 bags per visit. We offer free loading of loose mulch into your pick-up or dump truck. A cover is required.

The Smithtown Municipal Services Facility is located at 85 Old Northport Road in Kings Park, NY.

Regular Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Legislator Kennedy (third from right) alongside the paving crew from Rosemar Construction. Photo courtesy Legislator Kennedy’s office

On Thursday, April 24, Leslie Kennedy  (R-Nesconset) visited a Rosemar Construction paving crew while they were repaving the Blydenburgh County Park South Entrance Way. The section of road spans from the entrance on Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge all the way to the Dog Park at Blydenburgh Park. This paving was funded through a 2025 Capital Project grant filed by the Legislator last spring.

“This project has really been 30 years overdue. Blydenburgh has been through a lot in the past year, and this is just one of the many projects we’re working on to make Blydenburgh the park it deserves to be,” said Legislator Kennedy.

Not only is the park actively used for canine recreation, but it is home to a number of camping sites, an interactive playground, numerous hiking trails used by the Long Island Green Belt Trail Group, but it also became home to the Hauppauge Vietnam Veterans Memorial last summer.

When the Stump Pond Dam is re-constructed, once again boating, canoeing, kayaking and freshwater fishing will be restored.

The road paving is just one of many Capital Projects Legislator Kennedy submitted last year. Some of the highlights of last year’s capital projects from the office of the 12th legislative district include but are not limited to silt remediation across the twelfth legislative district, funding for sidewalks in Smithtown and Brookhaven, $2.5 million in funds to repair and replace the weir and sluice way at Miller’s Pond, and $6.5 million to repair and replace the dam at Stump Pond in Blydenburgh County Park.

By Daniel Dunaief

The federal government took them away and has, for now, returned them.

Amid a national crackdown on international students throughout the country, the federal government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program removed the visas of 11 international students at Stony Brook University on April 10, without providing any public information about the reasons for the decisions or the process that would follow.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Early this week, the downtstate flagship university announced that the student visas, which are necessary for work and, in some cases, to remain in the United States, were reinstated.

“We are delighted to share that all 11 Stony Brook students whose immigration status was terminated by the federal government several weeks ago had had their status reinstated,” Provost Carl Lejuez, Vice Provost for Graduate Educate Celia Marshik and Senior Associate Provost for Global Affairs Lindsi Walker announced in an email to faculty, staff and students.

The 11 Stony Brook students were among the 1,500 students nationwide whose visa status was terminated. Most of those students have also had their visas restored, although the government indicated that it was creating a new system to review and terminate student visas.

At the University of North Texas, 28 international students had their visas restored on Tuesday, while Rutgers students also had their visas restored this week.

Judges in numerous juridsictions had temporarily restored student record amid lawsuits challenging the decision by Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Program (SEVIS) withdrawals.

District Judge Ana Reyes in the District of Columbia on Tuesday called the withdrawals “arbitrary and capricious” and suggested that the terminations “showed a lack of concern for human individuals,” according to ABC News.

In their joint email, Stony Brook officials expressed appreciation for the community support for these students.

“Stony Brook is deeply enriched by the perspectives and contributions of our global community, and we are proud to learn, teach and conduct research alongside exceptional international students and scholars,” the officials wrote in their email.

The reversal comes as litigation against the federal government mounts, with student arguing that the revocations were unconstitutional.

After Stony Brook University announced the visas had originally been removed, students gathered to express their support for the students affected and to urge the university to help defend against deportation and the loss of any work study efforts.

Stony Brook officials indicated that students had continued with their academic pursuits amid the shifting visa process.

“We are not aware of students missing classes as a result of their status being revoked,” Lejuez explained in a written message, “and now, with this restoration, they are able to simply continue in their studies without further distractions.”

Political support

Local politicians from both parties welcomed the administration’s decision to allow these students to continue with their educational programs.

“I am pleased that the visas of the international students at Stony Brook were restored,” County Executive Ed Romaine (R) explained in a written message. “Educating international students in the U.S. helps those around the world better understand our country and apprecaite the many good things and freedoms we enjoy.”

New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay

Democratic State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, whose district includes Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jeffferson Station, Mount Sinai and Coram, appreciated the support of the university and of the office of Sen. Charles Schumer (D).

As soon as she learned that these student visas were revoked, Kassay connected with Stony Brook University’s Associate Vice President for Government Relations Carl Mills and with Schumer’s office.

Once the students had legal representation, Schumer’s office was able to ensure that the appeals process proceeded fairly, Kassay said.

At the time, and as a part of her ongoing responsibility to the district, Kassay urged anyone with concerns to reach out to her office to “make sure you are getting the calls back” from any of the various entities involved in the process, she said.

Kassay suggested that her staff works to make sure constituents are getting service from all levels of government.

Kassay recognized that this visa issue could return for international students in the area.

“We stand at the ready to help navigate whatever might come about with issues resulting from federal executive orders or policies,” Kassay added.

To be sure, Kassay suggested that students on visas don’t have the freedom to break laws or to violate the terms of their time in the country.

“If individuals are found to have a criminal background, or to have cause for removal from our country and that is proven by due process, then so be it,” she said. “We all deserve due process. Now is the time to make that clear.”

Kassay suggested that she felt sympathetic to students who didn’t face any public charges and whose futures had suddenly become uncertain.

“My heart goes out to the individuals and their families,” Kassay said.

File photo

Huntington Town Clerk and Records Management Officer Andrew Raia invites everyone to get a history of Huntington as the town celebrates Municipal Clerks’ Week from May 5 to May 8 with an open house at Town Hall, 100 Main St., Huntington from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors can view the town’s old records chest, old maps, the statue of American Hero Nathan Hale, the town’s ID dating 1666, Native American deeds, exhibits, memorabilia and other interesting documents during this free tour.

For further information on tours, please contact the Town Archivist, Antonia Mattheou at 631-351-3035, email [email protected] or click on link https://www.huntingtonny.gov/Archives.

Large group tours of 10 or more can be accommodated by scheduling an appointment through Town Archivist Antonia Mattheou.