Storm damage at Blydenburgh County Park. Photo courtesy Sebastian Artusa
8-month process to redesign Stump Pond spillway and dam underway
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine today announced that the Suffolk County Department of Public Works (DPW) has sent out a request for proposal (RFP) for the redesign of the Stump Pond dam and spillway that were destroyed by record rainfalls caused by a historic August storm that caused up to 11-inches of rain to fall in some areas.
“After the destruction of historic Stump Pond, our engineering team began working on a pathway forward for this area,” said Romaine. “It was decided immediately to rebuild this culturally and environmentally important pond for the residents of this county.”
The new proposal is for a reinforced earthen dam that will contain a culver and spillway in the same location as that was lost during the storm. Given the circumstances, it is anticipated that the dam’s classification will be upgraded by the State to Class B from Class A – Class B requiring more frequent inspections and higher standards of durability.
In addition to an increase in safety standards, vendors are also asked to design an alternative with a fish ladder.
Proposals from consultants must conform to a myriad of local, state and federal guidelines regarding the safety, hydrology and ecology of the project.
The deadline for proposals is Monday, November 25.
A tentative schedule of the design phase is as follows:
Complete project scoping within two months after contract award.
Complete preliminary design three months after scoping documents are approved.
Complete final design three months after approval of preliminary plans.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced today that the deadline for the 2024 Suffolk County Real Property Auction registration will be extended to Friday, November 15. To register, please click here.
The auction will be held online on Wednesday, November 20, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The Suffolk County Real Property Auction helps to relieve the tax burden for taxpayers and provides an unparalleled opportunity for individuals to become property owners in Suffolk County at a reasonable cost.
“Suffolk County continues to explore opportunities to make this County more affordable for our residents,”said Romaine. “By embracing modern technology and creating more opportunities for its residents and taxpayers to potentially become homeowners through this online platform, we are taking another step towards achieving that goal.”
The auction will be hosted online for the third time. The format allows for greater participation, as those looking to purchase property do not need to be present. In prior years, individuals looking to purchase property were required to attend the in-person, 2-day live auction. Additionally, the online vendor-operated format maximizes County resources by allowing County employees to pursue their normal job functions and duties.
Suffolk County selected the vendor Realauction.com, LLC in July 2024 to host the online auction. There is no cost to the County. A $325 auction fee per property is paid by the winning bidder.
The auction website hosts training webinars and provides information on how to register and navigate the online public auction. All properties are viewable online using GIS access on RealAuction.com and on Suffolk County’s website. Additionally, telephone help desk services are available both through the auction vendor RealAuction.com and through the Suffolk County 311 call center.
Approximately 65 Parcels are available this year. For a full inventory of properties, click here and go to pages 10 to 16.
Left: Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-PortJefferson).
Right: Rebecca Kassay. Courtesy Ed Flood and Rebecca Kassay for NYS Assembly's Facebook page
By Toni-Elena Gallo
In the wake of last Tuesday’s election, the race for NYS Assembly District 4 remains to be called.
With mail-in ballots still being counted, there is no exact timeline for when results will be in.
Rebecca Kassay released a statement last Thursday, saying, “We knew that the race for the NYS
Assembly seat in District 4 would be one of the most competitive races in New York State, and as of Wednesday, November 6, I hold a 211 vote lead. In a race this close, results will not be determined until the affidavit ballots and final mail in ballots are counted. This might take until late November, so in the meantime, our team is reflecting on our gratitude for the incredible individuals and community groups who we’ve connected with and built stronger relationships with during the journey of this campaign.”
“There is so much work to be done here in our district, our town, our county and our state, and I hope to have the opportunity to serve you as your Assemblymember,” Kassay continued.
TBR requested comment from Assemblyman Flood and his response was as follows: “As we await the final numbers, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has supported me throughout this campaign. I remain deeply committed to representing, advocating for and listening to our community. This dedication is not new; it has always been the foundation of my work and will continue to guide me moving forward.”
“Serving our community is an honor, and I am committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed,” he continued.
Nick LaLota celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
By Toni-Elena Gallo and Aidan Johnson
At Stereo Garden in Patchogue, the GOP was a sea of red on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 5. Guests mingled with drinks in hand, as music blared over the club’s speaker system.
The event was hosted by Jesse Garcia, chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee and Brookhaven Town Republican Committee, whose high energy propelled the evening and invigorated the large crowd. He spoke of the resilience of the Republican Party through the tumultuous past four years, and expressed confidence in Suffolk’s support for members of the GOP.
LaLota victorious over Avlon in battle for Congress, Avlon concedes
As results poured in from around 10 p.m. to the early hours of the morning, the race considered highly important in the flipping of the House majority in Washington, was decided. Incumbent Nick LaLota, representative of the 1st Congressional District, won 55.7% of the vote to Democratic opponent John Avlon’s 44.3%.
“Thank you so much to every single one of you. I’m only here because of everything you’ve done. You made the phone calls. You knocked on doors, you planted lawn signs,” LaLota said to the room.
“You’ve placed your trust in me and I’m going to take another term of office in a few weeks so I can continue to fight for you,” he continued. He added that he has run on his record, which is one committed to bipartisanship, and has seen more bills passed by him than “95% of Congress,” bringing “$150 million home” to Suffolk in the process.
“It’s a hard night in Suffolk County for us Democrats, it’s a hard night for many Democrats, but the fight continues,” Avlon said in a speech at the IBEW Local 1049 Union Hall in Holtsville, where many of the Suffolk County Democrats congregated for a watch party.
“It’s really important for us to keep the energy up, and understand that this is not a time for us to shirk back, but it is a time for folks to stand up continuously, because the good fight never ends and democracy depends on loving your country no matter who is president,” he added.
Anthony Palumbo celebrates his victory on Nov. 5. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo
Palumbo comes out on top in state Senate race
Incumbent Republican state senator of the 1st District, Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), beat Democratic opponent Sarah Anker, with 53.4% of the vote, to Anker’s 46.6%.
“This is a team win. I want to thank my wife, to thank my friends in law enforcement who supported us. We did this most importantly because of you folks. This is many, many months in the making,” Palumbo said. He continued by saying that he and his supporters worked hard on his campaign because “it is about what’s best for our constituency.”
Anker has not yet released a statement.
Mattera wins out over Herskowitz in NY 2nd Senate District
Incumbent Mario Mattera beat Craig Herskowitz, winning his third term in the 2nd Senate District, 58.7% to 41.3%.
Mattera was not on hand to make a speech, as he was in Smithtown speaking at another event. Chairman Garcia expressed his congratulatory feelings for Mattera, leading the crowd in a round of applause for him.
Kassay and Flood in tight contest for 4th District Assembly seat; Giglio defeats Chiaramonte in 2nd District
As of 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, no result has been confirmed for the state Assembly race between Republican incumbent Ed Flood and his Democratic opponent Rebecca Kassay, both from Port Jefferson. Kassay currently is leading Flood by 211 votes (29,246-29,035). The final result has not yet been announced as of press time.
Jodi Giglio (R-Riverhead) easily beat out Tricia Chiaramonte with 64.9% of the vote, to Chiaramonte’s 35.1%. Chiaramonte did not actively campaign against incumbent Giglio.
Fitzpatrick victorious over Basileo in NY 8th Assembly District
Incumbent of 22 years, Michael Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown), beat Democratic candidate Steven Basileo by a sweeping 66.4% to 33.6%, in the 8th Assembly District.
Fitzpatrick was just one of many Republicans who has been reelected to his seat, as newer Democratic politicians did not attract the same amount of support across the North Shore. Voters seemingly preferred the current occupants.
10th and 12th Assembly Districts
In the 10th Assembly District, Democratic incumbent Steve Stern (D-Dix Hills) beat Republican Aamir Sultan, 55% to 45%. In the 12th District, incumbent Keith Brown (R-Northport) defeated Democrat Thomas Cox, 57.5% to 42.5%.
4th District Court Judge, Town of Smithtown
Republicans Paul Damato and John Zollo beat Democratic candidate Maria Scheuring, receiving a combined 79.2% of the vote — 39.6% each — winning the two vacant seats, while Scheuring received 20.7% of the vote. Scheuring was not active during this election season.
All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”
6th District Court Judge, Town of Brookhaven
Evan Tannenbaum, Patricia Blake and Kenneth Lauri won the three available seats for District Court Judge of the 6th District. They received 23.4%, 23.2%, and 22.0% of the vote, respectively, beating out Democrats Margot Garant and Dorothy Cavalier.
“I want to thank the Town of Brookhaven and my fellow Republicans,” Lauri said. Tannenbaum echoed similar sentiments.
All these results are noted by the Suffolk County Board of Elections as “unofficial.”
Suffolk County receives “full plus recognition” for fourth consecutive year
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services has received “full plus recognition” from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its Diabetes Prevention Program for the fourth consecutive year. The designation is reserved for programs that have effectively delivered a quality, evidence-based program that meets all the highest standards for CDC recognition.
“Suffolk County residents are incredibly lucky to have available to them a no-cost program that is highly successful at supporting them with modest lifestyle changes to help reduce their risk of acquiring diabetes and other preventable diseases,” said County Executive Ed Romaine.
The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program exceeded the national average in participant risk reduction by roughly 30%. Among program participants last year, 80% achieved a 5% weight loss, 67% participated in 150 minutes per week of physical activity over the course of eight sessions and 27% reduced their baseline HbA1C.
The National Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) has been proven to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. The DPP is a year-long program that meets in small groups. A trained lifestyle coach leads the weekly session to help participants improve their food choices, increase physical activity and learn coping skills to maintain weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes.
The initial study, which began in 1997, showed the risk of developing type 2 diabetes was reduced by 58% in adults at high risk for the disease (71% for people over 60 years old). A 10-year follow-up study showed that participants were still one-third less likely to develop type 2 diabetes a decade later than individuals who took a placebo. Those who developed type 2 diabetes delayed the onset of the disease by about four years.
Suffolk County has been a partner in the diabetes program since 2013 and first achieved full recognition for its diabetes prevention program in October of 2016. The standards to achieve full recognition are strict, requiring extensive documentation and demonstration of an average weight loss of 5% across all evaluated participants in the year-long cohort, a 0.2% reduction in HB1c, or a weigh loss of 4% and at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity for 12 months.
To achieve “full plus” recognition, the program must retain certain percentages of a cohort over periods of time. For example, a minimum of 50% of a cohort must be retained at the beginning of the fourth month. Suffolk County’s designation is noted on the national registry website.
“It is not easy to change behavior, but we are making inroads, and we hope to ultimately see improvement in health outcomes as we train more lifestyle coaches in our communities,” said Dr. Gregson Pigott, Commissioner of Health Services. “To accomplish full plus recognition from the CDC is testimony to our dedicated staff who have brought this program to life in Suffolk County.”
To date, 438 Suffolk County residents have participated in the county’s Diabetes Prevention Program.
The Suffolk County Diabetes Prevention Program will be offering a new year-long program at the Suffolk County Department of Health, Office of Health Education in Hauppauge, starting on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Details are posted on the county website. To register, contact Debora Rippel at 631-853-2928 or debora.rippel@suffolkcountyny.gov.
Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey has released an open letter to residents about the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act and the chance for voters to approve a plan to upgrade the county’s wastewater infrastructure. This year, Proposition 2 allows Suffolk residents to endorse the plan. The full letter is below:
Dear Suffolk County Resident,
On June 25, 2024, I led the Suffolk County Legislature in a historic vote to extend and revise the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program and establish a Water Quality Restoration Fund. Collectively named the “Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act,” these actions create a long-term plan to expand and upgrade Suffolk County’s aging wastewater infrastructure and give the county the authority to establish a new stable and long-term funding source for wastewater improvement projects. Proposition 2 also extends the current 1/4 sales tax which funds water quality initiatives and open space acquisitions.
Currently, Suffolk County is home to more than 1.5 million people and relies on just 380,000 cesspools and wastewater systems. With over 209,000 designated environmentally sensitive areas, much of our land is ill-equipped for wastewater treatment. This lack of proper infrastructure has significantly contributed to nitrogen pollution in our bays, harbors and groundwater, fueling harmful algae blooms and creating barriers to sustainable economic growth.
On Election Day, Nov. 5., Suffolk County residents have the opportunity to address these environmental challenges by approving Ballot Proposition 2. A vote for Proposition 2 means new sewers and innovative septic systems across the county ensuring clean water for generations to come.
Throughout this process, I have often quoted an adage declaring “these waterways, bays and streams are not ours—they are borrowed from our children and grandchildren.” We must protect both our water bodies and our drinking water by making this investment.
Drafting and adopting the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act was a significant effort, years in the making, that persisted through multiple administrations and levels of government. When New York State approved funding allocations for wastewater infrastructure in 2023, the Suffolk County Legislature’s Republican Majority sought modifications to enhance the environmental impact and ensure fair distribution across the county. I am proud of my colleagues who remained committed to reaching a balanced funding formula to protect Suffolk’s water quality for decades to come.
Several colleagues and stakeholders deserve recognition for making this possible. My colleagues in the Legislature, County Executive Romaine, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Senator Monica Martinez who sponsored the legislation, were instrumental, as were Governor Kathy Hochul who signed the bill, and our partners in the private sector including The Nature Conservancy, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the Building & Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties, the Long Island Contractors Association, the Long Island Federation of Labor and others.
A “yes” vote on Proposition 2 means less pollution, improved water quality, continued open space acquisitions and increased local job opportunities. A “yes” vote is good science, good economics and good sense.
Kevin J. McCaffrey
Presiding Officer of the Suffolk County Legislature
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) will hold a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothingfrom Nov. 1 through Jan. 7.
They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.
“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.
Donations may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For directions or questions, call 631-854-3900.
On Election Day, voters will cast their votes for president, U.S. Senate, Congress and state legislators. In Suffolk County, voters also have a once-in-a-generation chance to safeguard the future of Suffolk County’s surface and groundwater in Proposition 2.
The proposition allows Suffolk County to begin the process of updating our wastewater infrastructure for the 21st century. Whether it is sewering our downtowns or supporting neighbors installing I/A systems to combat nitrogen pollution, the successful passage of Proposition 2 gives us the tools we need.
Passage of Prop 2 establishes Suffolk’s eligibility for state and federal funding. Recouping as many tax dollars from New York state is important to operate Suffolk County.
Proposition 2 also continues the highly successful Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Program (SCDWPP), which has preserved thousands of acres of environmentally sensitive land, stabilized sewer rates and supported clean water efforts.
We don’t have to look far to see the need for improved wastewater infrastructure. Harmful algal blooms, brown tides, rust tides, mahogany tides and hypoxia fill our summer headlines and cause many beach closures each season.
We know, though, that with sewers, smart zoning and open space preservation, the damage is reversible. The obstacles we face are steep but not insurmountable.
Building sewage infrastructure creates jobs and helps small businesses and downtowns flourish. Advancing our downtowns creates permanent jobs in our communities and expands housing options for young people starting out and older folks looking to downsize. Our legacy fishing industry and emerging aquaculture industry will be able to expand employment and production as the environment improves.
It’s no exaggeration to say that passage of Proposition 2 is the most important measure voters have had on the ballot in generations. Its passage will strengthen our environment and protect the way of life that is a cornerstone of Suffolk County. This is not a political issue; it affects every present—and future—resident of Suffolk County and beyond.
Remember to vote on Nov. 5 or take advantage of early voting. For more information on voting, please visit: https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
Heating Assistance is Available for Eligible Residents
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on Oct. 30 that Suffolk County’s HEAP program begins November 1st. HEAP provides eligible households with their home heating expenses and emergencies throughout the winter months.
HEAP—the Home Energy Assistance Program—is a federally funded program that issues heating benefits to supplement the annual energy costs of eligible households. HEAP is administered in Suffolk County through the Department of Social Services (DSS). In addition, its alternate certifier, the Office for the Aging (OFA) assists in HEAP Early Outreach cases which are households that include seniors, the disabled, children under age 6 and last year’s regular HEAP recipients.
“When our most vulnerable residents can’t cover their fuel delivery or burner repair costs, and still put food on the table, they need to know we have funds available to help keep their heat on,” Suffolk County Executive, Edward P. Romaine, said. “HEAP is a safety net for homeowners and renters– because no one should have to choose between heating their home and feeding their family.”
Eligibility for regular HEAP benefits and the amount of assistance provided is based on factors that include household income, household size, the primary heating source, and in some cases the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled. Emergency HEAP benefits eligibility is based on factors including income, available resources, and the type of heat or heat-related emergency. Heating equipment cleaning, tuning, repairing and replacement help is also available.
Important eligibility information, including maximum income limits per household, is available at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/. Applications are accepted by mail, fax, online through www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in person at Suffolk County DSS locations in Deer Park, Smithtown, Coram and Riverhead. All non-emergency applications are processed at the same rate, so applying online is encouraged.
Anticipating a high volume of inquiries, the above DSS centers will have additional trained staff on hand to answer questions and assist applicants.
“If you or someone you know is struggling to pay for heating costs this winter please don’t wait to reach out to us—help is available now,” urged Suffolk County Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, John E. Imhof. “We’re committed to supporting our community after business hours, too, so call us at (631) 854-9100 evenings, weekends and holidays for heat emergencies.”
Important application dates:
Regular HEAP with or without an emergency need opens Nov. 1, 2024;
Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement & Clean and Tune benefits is open now;
HEAP Early Outreach criteria household benefits is open now.
Last year, HEAP assisted 52,000 Suffolk households with their home heating expenses and emergencies.
To learn more about the program visit https://otda.ny.gov/programs/heap/ or call the DSS HEAP Unit at (631) 853-8820 or OFA HEAP Line at (631) 853-8326.
Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.
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Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.
Legislator Bontempi with Ms. Patricia Taylor’s Civics’ Class, at Harborfields High School in Greenlawn.
On October 21, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R – 18th L.D.) visited Harborfields High School, where she spoke with students in Ms. Taylor’s Civics class.
During her visit, Legislator Bontempi delivered an engaging presentation on the role of the Suffolk County Legislature. She explained the responsibilities of a Suffolk County Legislator, provided insight into her day-to-day work, discussed water quality initiatives and legislation on this year’s election ballot, as well as highlighted various community outreach programs offered by her office. Legislator Bontempi also guided students through the legislative process, from the inception of an idea to its passage as law.
The discussion included an opportunity for students to express their thoughts on school policies, such as the controversial “No Cell Phones in Class” rule. Legislator Bontempi encouraged students to think critically about how policies are formed, getting involved, and how they can influence their community.
“The students were incredibly thoughtful and engaged. It’s inspiring to see young people so interested in the civic process and government as a whole,” said Legislator Bontempi. “Their perspectives on policymaking are invaluable, as they will shape the future of our communities.”
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