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Times of Smithtown

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Cicada. Pixabay photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

In 2025, Brood XIV of periodical cicadas are emerging across the eastern United States. This specific brood is among the three largest of all the periodical cicada broods, which famously emerge every 17 years. Beyond its size, this brood is not unique in any biological manner, although it was the first observed by European settlers in the Plymouth Colony. 

Cicadas courtesy of Three Village resident, Herman Warner. Photo by Beth Heller Mason

Broods of cicadas emerge every 17years: the length of time that is required for the cicadas to grow into adulthood. These broods are categorized by their generally synchronized emergence timing, although stragglers are also important for continued genetic diversity and interbreeding between broods. 

University of Connecticut entomologist Chris Simon emphasized the prevalence of misconceptions surrounding that 17-year period. 

“They don’t hatch out of the ground; they hatched from eggs in tree branches seventeen years ago,” Simon wrote in an email. “They are not sleeping underground, they are actively growing and passing through five juvenile stages.” 

Simon also addressed some other misconceptions about the insects while elaborating on their environmental importance. 

“They will benefit the local environment by fertilizing the soil, and feeding birds, turtles, snakes, fish… etc. above ground and soil invertebrates and moles underground,” Simon wrote. “Periodical cicadas are not dangerous… we are much more of an imposition on them, clearing their trees and building asphalt parking lots on top of them.” 

She added: “They don’t fly around in large groups and they don’t ‘emerge in writhing masses.’” 

Three Village resident Herman Werner said he had noticed an unusual number of cicadas on his property, but noted that their impact had indeed been minimal. 

“They don’t really bother anything,” Werner said. “[They] just get louder as the day gets warmer.” 

Simon stressed that people should try to enjoy the moment of emergence rather than considering the cicadas a threat.

“Rather than thinking of them as alarming or ‘annoying,’ think of having a ‘David Attenborough special’ in your own backyard,” Simon said. “They don’t invade. They have been there the whole time, quietly feeding on roots underground.” 

Simon also added an anecdote about the origin of the insects’ scientific name. 

“Avoid saying things like a certain area of the country was ‘spared’ from a ‘Magicicada’ emergence!” Simon wrote. “Rather, those areas were denied the spectacle! Periodical cicadas are ‘magical’; that is why they were renamed ‘Magiciada.’”

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Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

By Peter Sloniewsky

Two-term incumbent Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R, Kings Park) is running in the Republican primary for a third term on June 24. After taking office in 2018, Wehrheim has taken action to improve fiscal stability, revitalize business districts and enhance infrastructure. 

Prior to his two terms as supervisor, Wehrheim was born into a three-generation Kings Park family before serving in Vietnam, gradually rising through Smithtown Department of Parks bureaucracy and eventually serving as a town councilmember. In an interview with TBR News Media, he emphasized the importance of continuing what he considers to be a productive two terms. 

“I’m running on our record of accomplishments with the administration here in the Town of Smithtown,” Wehrheim said. “I’ve been around the government since 2003 here in Town Hall, and I think [voters] would verify that I’m very approachable at any time, and public service is very high… I’m here to do the best job I can for the Town of Smithtown taxpayers and will continue to do so.” 

Wehrheim noted the importance of continuing his work on a few issues. Namely, he intends to prioritize continued fiscal stability and overhauling community parks. 

“Smithtown is a fiscally stable town, and we’ve had an AAA bond rating since I took office in 2018,” Wehrheim said. The AAA bond rating is the highest financial distinction. “We have completely overhauled the parks and recreation facilities in Smithtown, and we are at this point about 75% complete.” 

Wehrheim also stands behind his administration’s work on business district revitalization. This issue stands to substantially affect this primary, considering Wehrheim’s opponent’s general opposition to substantial further development. 

“St. James’ downtown revitalization has been completed,” Wehrheim said. “We’re working on completing the renovations of the Kings Park business district, and the engineering plans for Smithtown and Nesconset are in the early stages.” 

He also took care to address some matters expected to arise in the near future. In Wehrheim’s view, the most pressing issues facing the town are the closure of the Town of Brookhaven landfill and the resulting solid-waste crisis, alongside the need for storm-safe infrastructure as Long Island weather becomes more severe. 

“All of Long Island is going to be faced with a solid-waste crisis, caused by the Brookhaven landfill due to be closed in two years… That is a pressing issue because of the cost to ship this material off the island… There are many, many entities working on remedies for that, but it is a pressing issue. The Suffolk County Supervisors Association is working diligently with state and federal officials to come up with an answer for how we would do that economically,” Wehrheim said.

“As everybody knows, the storms on Long Island have become increasingly severe, which causes intense rainfall,” he added. “All of the drainage structures throughout the whole road system, not just in Smithtown but in most towns in Suffolk County, were designed and engineered to take a two-and-a-half-inch rainstorm. So they’re inadequate. We’re in the process with our highway department of starting to replace those drainage structures and the infrastructure under the roadways to be able to accept more in line with a four- or five-inch rainstorm.” 

Wehrheim also drew a strict contrast between his campaign and that of his opponent, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R, Fort Salonga). 

“At this point, my opponent is running on open space and burying electric lines. That’s basically what his campaign is about,” Wehrheim said. “I am running for reelection on my record of accomplishments and how I have conducted my governmental operation here in the Town of Smithtown for residents… I think any resident you call will tell them that, if they call here, they get an answer back.”

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy Leg. Trotta

By Peter Sloniewsky

At the June 24 Republican primary, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R, Fort Salonga) is running to replace incumbent Ed Wehrheim (R, Kings Park) as the Republican candidate for Town of Smithtown supervisor. 

Trotta initially took office in 2014 following a lengthy career with the Suffolk County Police Department and will be term limited in November. Trotta’s platform includes limited development, open-space preservation, term limits and more generally limited town government. 

“They want four-story apartment buildings in downtown Smithtown,” Trotta said, referring to the current administration. “Their own consultants said that the people of Smithtown and Kings Park… do not want high-density apartments. And the first thing they did was shove high-density apartments into less than half an acre.” 

Trotta also referenced New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) plan for transit-oriented development, which involves the rezoning of residential areas around train stations to incentivize housing development. This development has been the subject of much debate and has generally received mixed reviews from suburban representatives on the state level. 

“At our train stations in Smithtown, her mandate was fifteen units per acre,” Trotta told TBR News Media. “They’re trying to shove forty-six in a half an acre… it defies logic. They’re urbanizing and making Smithtown into Queens.” 

When asked directly about Smithtown’s affordable housing, Trotta offered an alternative response. 

“When a house goes up for sale here, it sells in an hour. It’s affordable to someone… there are people that can afford to live here,” Trotta said. “It’s just getting older! Homes will free up… when you build all of these apartments, you’re robbing a generation of building equity by putting young people in those apartments.” 

“I’m not saying all apartments are bad,” Trotta added. “I’m not against all apartments, but the proliferation of it is ridiculous.” 

Trotta is also running on a platform of anticorruption measures and term limits. Previously, his tenure as a police officer and legislator was marked by strict opposition to the power of the Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association. The New York Times even reported in 2021 that Trotta’s foremost motivation in running for the Suffolk County Legislature in 2014 was to investigate the police department. 

“I’m honest, I’m trustworthy, and I’m cheap,” Trotta said. “I will watch after every dollar… I’ll watch every dollar of tax money, and I’ll root out any corruption.”

Lastly, Trotta plans to prioritize public-space management and expansion. As a Suffolk County legislator, such actions have been a major part of his tenure. 

“I’ve been responsible for over 400 acres being preserved in the town of Smithtown,” Trotta said. “People moved here for the suburban lifestyle, not an urban lifestyle.”

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The Smithtown Library's Main Branch. Photo courtesy of smithlib.org

Smithtown Special Library District Board of Trustees adopt resolution to move  forward with public vote on financing for capital improvement project Public vote to be held on Tuesday, July 1 

At its May 6 special meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Smithtown Special Library  District adopted a resolution to proceed with a community vote on Tuesday, July 1, on the  financing of capital improvement work. The Board is proposing renovations to the  Library’s Smithtown Building, located at One North Country Road, to address damage  caused by the catastrophic storm of August 2024. 

“As most residents are aware, the Smithtown Building suffered devastating damage  to its lower level due to the tremendous level of flooding experienced from the storm,” Library Director Rob Lusak said. “The lower level remains unusable and in need of  significant renovations. It is our hope to reimagine and rebuild the space so that it can once  again serve as a vital resource for the community.” 

Funding will be used to renovate the space to house the Library’s LearnLab (the  makerspace area), a podcast studio for community use, study areas and room for Literacy  Suffolk, which provides literacy services to adults. 

Additionally, the lower level will accommodate the Library’s newly established  Government Services Department, which will house the Patent and Trademark Resource  Center and Passport Acceptance Facility. It will also house the Library’s new Federal  Depository Library collection, which will provide free and open access to government  documents.  

“Our Library was designated as a federal depository library last summer; however,  due to the flood, we were not able to allocate space for this collection,” Lusak said. “We’re  pleased to make this significant addition available to the community.” 

The Richard H. Handley Collection of Long Island Americana (better known to  residents as the “Long Island Room”) will be relocated to the first floor of the building in  museum-quality shelving with temperature and humidity controls, UV-protective glass and  other archival standards in place to preserve and protect the historic documents. 

The total cost of the proposed construction is not to exceed $16.5 million. While it is  anticipated that FEMA funding and/or funds from other sources will be used to pay or  reimburse all or most of the improvement costs, the Library must plan to finance the full  amount to ensure the project can move forward without delay, regardless of the timing or  availability of outside funding.  

This will be done using a combination of bond financing (including the use of bond  anticipation notes, “BANS”) to fund the work in a responsible and cost-effective manner.  BANs are one-year notes that allow the Library to begin construction while it waits for  reimbursement from FEMA. This approach affords the Library the flexibility to finance only  that which it needs and therefore potentially reduce borrowing costs. Once the project is  underway, the Town may issue long-term bonds to repay the BANs and spread the cost of  the improvements over time.  

Should FEMA and/or alternate funding not be available (as unlikely as that may be),  the anticipated cost of the project to the average homeowner in the Smithtown Special  Library District is estimated to not exceed $36 per year for the maximum 15-year term of  the financing.

The referendum will be held on Tuesday, July 1 from 9:30am to 9:00pm at all four  Library buildings. Polling sites are determined by a resident’s home address and the Suffolk  County election districts. 

A Community Open House information session is scheduled for residents on  Tuesday, June 24, from 7:00-9:00pm at the Smithtown Building, located at One North  Country Road. All Smithtown Library District residents are encouraged to attend to learn  more about the proposal and ask any questions they may have prior to the vote.  

“Our libraries are at the heart of the Smithtown community and provide vital  resources and programs for residents of all ages,” Lusak said. “I encourage community  members to learn more about the proposal and how we are reimagining a new chapter for  our building, and to participate in the vote on July 1.” 

All information related to the proposal, as well as detailed voting information, can  be found on the Library’s website, www.smithlib.org. A special mailer will be sent to all  Smithtown Library District residents in June detailing the bond proposition. 

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The first-place winning photo by Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island Awards.

By TBR staff

TBR News Media won its first two Press Club of Long Island awards in the history of the organization on June 5, as photographer and sportswriter Steven Zaitz won both first and second place for Best Sports Photography.

Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island awards ceremony. Photo courtesy Steven Zaitz

Competing with Long Island multimedia behemoth and 10th largest paper in the U.S., Newsday, Zaitz’s two photos, named “Laxing Gravity” and “Loose Ball Blues”, took gold and silver in the category. A winner of 15 New York Press Association awards, 13 for photography and two for Sportswriter of the Year since 2020, Zaitz was ecstatic to have been able to not only win against the stiff competition, but win twice.

“I was shocked because Newsday has so many talented photographers and their high school sports coverage is so good and voluminous,” Zaitz said. “Plus, there are so many quality papers and photographers in addition to Newsday that win consistently at NYPA, so I’m honored to have won both of these prizes. I am also thrilled for our organization and hope that this is just the first two of many for TBR News Media.”

The contest was judged by the San Diego Society of Professional Journalists and took place at The Fox Hollow country club in Woodbury. Many recognizable Long Island media stars were on hand, as Antoinette Biordi and Shari Einhorn, both of News12 Long Island, hosted and took turns calling out the winners. National baseball writer and Newsday-based David Lennon won first place for Best Sport Feature about a Hofstra alumna and professional baseball umpire Jen Pawol, and Newsday TV reporter Virginia Huie won nine awards in total, including top prize for the prestigious Video Reporter of the Year award.

John Hildebrand, senior education writer for Newsday; Ellen Mitchell, a reporter for WCBS Newsradio; and Timothy Bolger, the editor-in-chief of both the Long Island Press and Dan’s Papers, were inducted into the Long Island Journalism Hall of Fame during this year’s ceremony.

The second-place winning photo by Steven Zaitz at the Press Club of Long Island Awards.

Held since 1982, the PCLI awards ceremony has recognized excellence in Long Island journalism for over 40 years and they hand out several scholarships to high school content creators. The Stony Brook Statesman won gold for Best College Newspaper and The Stony Brook Press won top prize for Best Magazine — an award that is open to all Long Island publications, professional as well as student-run entities. Overall, Stony Brook University won 17 PCLI awards.

Zaitz’s top two photos ran on the front page of The Times of Huntington on April 18, 2024, and Feb. 8, 2024 respectively. Laxing Gravity depicts Northport High School boys lacrosse player Logan Cash lifted out of the air and sandwiched belligerently by two opposing Ward Melville High School players. Loose Ball Blues was taken at the Commack High School gym during the fourth quarter of an intense boys basketball game. Evan Kay of Commack, currently a pitcher on the Stony Brook University baseball team, and Northport’s Brendan Fenlon, who starred for the Tigers hoops and volleyball teams, are at each other’s throats to corral a loose ball. The judges commented only on Zaitz’s first-place winner:

“In an extremely competitive category, the winner had it all: artful composition, color, and focus, resulting in a photo that captured the movement and physical, as well as sporting and visual impact of the moment.”

Zaitz’s approach has stayed consistent over his career, always searching for angles that offer a fresh perspective.

“My process during a game shoot is to look for a vantage point that is not often seen,” said Zaitz, who has been a freelancer for TBR for five years. “I make educated guesses on where I think the highest drama is likely to take place and I am constantly moving around, searching for the best light, or background, or emotion.”

TBR News Media Publisher and Editor in Chief Leah S. Dunaief is proud that the paper now has Long Island recognition to go along with its long history of success at the New York State level.

“Steven Zaitz makes us proud to feature his photography, both for its action and professionalism,” Dunaief said. “He not only captures the right moment but also the human striving that makes his pictures glow.”

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Attendees of the BLARG rally on June 9. Photo by William Stieglitz.
BLARG cofounder Monique Fitzgerald. Photo by William Stieglitz
William Kokell, speaking on behalf of South Country Peace Group. Photo by William Stieglitz

By William Stieglitz

On Monday, June 9, the Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group (BLARG) rallied outside the Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville to call for the closure of the Brookhaven landfill and the development of “zero -waste” solutions. Pollution from the landfill, activists argued, has endangered the health and safety of those in North Bellport, where the landfill is located, and that its closure would provide both environmental and economic benefits.

“This landfill has been with our community for fifty plus years,” said BLARG co-founder Monique Fitzgerald. She introduced herself as a proud descendant of the Setalcott Nation, which originally occupied Brookhaven’s land, and described the landfill in the minority community as “a monument to environmental racism.” The closure of the landfill, she said, had been repeatedly promised since the 1980s, but each time the landfill had been expanded instead. “It is 270 feet tall. It’s one of the tallest structures in Suffolk County.” According to Fitzgerald, Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio (R, Ridge) had previously said the landfill would close in 2024.

Loguercio said, “The landfill is forecasted to close sometime in 2028, consistent with our plan” and argued activists were spreading the false impression it could be closed sooner. He also said that as a Gold Star Family member, he objected to the setting of the rally, a memorial for fallen soldiers outside the town hall, being used for what he considered a “fanciful charade.”

William Kokell, however, who spoke at the rally as a veteran and as a member of the South Country Peace Group, said the landfill had become too large, and swift action needed to be taken to protect children’s lives. “I’ve been all over the Pacific Ocean, all over a lot of Southeast Asia. I have never ever, ever seen anything even close to that.” He said his son went to school with three young men from North Bellport who developed cancer, attributing the disease to air and water pollution in the area. 

John McNamara, who spoke as a coordinator from Christians Against Racism in the Apostolic Spirit (CARITAS), said solutions could be reached through a four-step plan toward zero waste. 

Step 1, he said, is to adopt a Save Money and Reduce Trash, or SMART, program, where instead of a set fee, “you just pay money for the amount of trash that you dispose of.” Step 2 is to implement both the “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill” and the “Manufacturer’s Responsibility Bill” in the state senate and assembly. The first, he explained, would allow more kinds of bottles to be covered for recycling, while the second would incentivize manufacturers to rely more on recyclable materials and limit the use of toxic chemicals. Step 3 would be a townwide composting program for Brookhaven, and Step 4 would be establishing “reuse and repair” centers for people to bring no longer wanted items where others could come to pick them up.

In terms of economic benefits, McNamara argued zero-waste policies would save taxpayer money he says is currently used to ship a portion of Brookhaven’s waste off the island to landfills in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and upstate New York. Fitzgerald also argued that the landfill, by bringing in industries like warehouses and truck terminals, and that this comes at the expense of funding needed to keep teachers employed at South Country district schools. 

Loguercio, responding to the topic, said, “We would love to reach a point of zero waste, so would everyone else in America, but it doesn’t work because the strength of the markets for recycling just don’t exist.” Fitzgerald, however, reading a statement from Zero Waste USA, argued that “communities across the US” using zero-waste policies have “cut their waste stream in half within a few short years: achieving 60%, 70% and 80% reductions.”

“We are looking for a partnership for zero waste,” said Fitzgerald. “We are looking to create, procreate, co-design, and get our hands dirty right along with the council and the town supervisor Dan Panico [R], so this is on all of us to do.”

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Smile Farms ribbon cutting event at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital on 6/9/25.

In an effort to address food insecurity on Long Island, Catholic Health and Smile Farms, Inc. have expanded their existing partnership, with monetary support from the Proskauer, by introducing a third cooperative food garden at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown. The announcement was kicked off with a ribbon cutting on June 9. Members of the Smithtown Rotary Club were also on hand to install a Peace Pole on the hospital property.

Members of the Smithtown Rotary with the Peace Pole on June 9.

Created to support mental health, the Smile Farms garden, which consists of seven flower beds, will be tended by youth volunteers from the Smile Farms Club at Saint Anthony’s High School in Huntington, as well as volunteers from the Smithtown Youth Bureau and Horizon’s Counseling and Education Center. One of the seven flower beds will also be tended by St. Catherine of Siena Hospital employees. 

Aligning with Catholic Health’s mission in addressing food insecurity, produce from the Smile Farms garden will be donated to local parishes and shelters.

“We are extremely grateful for the meaningful partnership with Smile Farms, Proskauer and all of our community partners,” said St. Catherine of Siena Hospital President Christopher Nelson. “The Smile Farms garden gives volunteers the opportunity to give back to their community, to nuture the garden to life, while also fostering teamwork. For our youth volunteers, as well as our hospital staff, it is a meaningful endeavor to know that the fresh produce that will be grown at St. Catherine’s, will be donated to local parishes in our surrounding communities.”

The first Catholic Heath/Smile Farms garden opened in 2023 at Catholic Health’s Mercy Hospital Outpatient Behavioral Health Clinic in Garden City, followed by a second, larger Mercy Hospital garden in 2024. The produce has been shared with food-insecure individuals at Mercy Hospital’s Family Center, an outpatient clinic for women and children.

“Our collaboration with Catholic Health is special and unique as it affords our Smile Farmers the opportunity to give to others while concurrently giving to themselves. The mental health benefits of gardening are well documented, including decreased anxiety, stress, and depression, and increased creativity, productivity, attention, memory, and self-esteem. We welcome and empower people with all abilities, skills, and experience for a day in the garden to engage with nature and each other. We are grateful to Catholic Health and Proskauer, for helping us serve the community while empowering people with disabilities,” said Smile Farms Managing Director Steve McDermott.

Catholic Health’s multifaceted food insecurity initiative currently offers emergency food “to-go” bags distributed in Catholic Health’s six emergency departments and throughout. Individuals who receive the bags are also provided with direct referrals to community-based organizations to identify resources, such as the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP) for regular access to healthy foods.  

For more information about Catholic Health’s behavioral health services, visit https://www.chsli.org/behavioral-health

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Photo from SCWA

The Suffolk County Water Authority announced on June 10 that all treated water it supplies to customers is in full compliance with the federal drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS—six years ahead of the 2031 compliance deadline set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA finalized a new enforceable standard of 4 parts per trillion (PPT) for both PFOA and PFOS in April 2024. SCWA’s testing this past April confirmed that no treated water in its system contained PFOA or PFOS above that level. This achievement comes despite the widespread presence of PFAS in Long Island’s aquifer.

“Given the extent of PFAS detections across Long Island and the size of our system, this is a historic achievement,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “This result shows that with the right investment and urgency, we can stay ahead of emerging threats to public health.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used for decades in products such as non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foams. These substances do not break down easily and have leached into groundwater in many areas, including Long Island. Long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds—particularly PFOA and PFOS—has been linked to health effects including developmental issues, hormone disruption and certain cancers.

To meet the new federal standards well ahead of schedule, SCWA installed 17 granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems for PFAS in the past year alone. GAC filters remove PFAS by adsorbing the contaminants onto specially prepared carbon. Water is passed through these large vessels, and the PFAS compounds adhere to the carbon, allowing clean water to continue through the system. Testing by SCWA shows that GAC removes PFAS compounds to non-detectable levels.

“This didn’t happen overnight,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “We’ve been working for years to build a treatment program that protects our customers and anticipates regulatory changes. The fact that we’re already in compliance—years ahead of the federal deadline—speaks to the expertise of our team.”

 SCWA continues to test regularly and will immediately remove any well from service if it detects PFOA or PFOS above 4 PPT if that well does not already have treatment in place. SCWA’s long-term goal is to supply water without any detectable levels of PFAS compounds, and additional treatment systems are planned for installation.

“This is about protecting public health,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R). “I want to thank the Suffolk County Water Authority for acting early and doing what’s necessary to provide residents with some of the cleanest drinking water in the country. Their leadership and investment in treatment technology are making a real difference.”

“Ensuring public safety and preserving our water quality are two of the highest priorities for me and my legislative colleagues. The leadership of the Suffolk County Water Authority has again shown its commitment to protecting the public, and in this case has exceeded expectations set by the federal government in achieving safer, even zero levels, of PFAS compounds in our water,” said Presiding Office Kevin J. McCaffrey.

“Clean drinking water is essential to public health, and PFAS contamination is a serious threat that demands action,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “Meeting the federal standards well ahead of schedule is a positive step forward in safeguarding Suffolk’s residents.”

SCWA’s accelerated timeline has been supported in part by $16 million in grant funding awarded by New York State. These funds have helped offset the significant cost of installing advanced PFAS treatment systems, allowing SCWA to move faster while minimizing the financial impact on customers. By leveraging state support and working efficiently, SCWA has been able to continue delivering high-quality water at some of the lowest rates in New York.

“This is one of the largest groundwater systems in the country—and one of the most complex,” Lefkowitz added. “We’ve proven that even in a region with serious PFAS challenges, we can deliver water that meets the highest health standards.”

SCWA is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.

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The Atlantic horseshoe crab. Public domain photo

By  Emily Mandracchia

In response to the alarming overharvesting and endangerment of horseshoe crabs on Long Island, conservationist John Turner of Seatuck is launching a groundbreaking fall project to create a lab-based, sustainable bait alternative — one he hopes will protect both marine life and local fishing livelihoods.

Horseshoe crabs are commonly used as bait for whelk, a carnivorous snail, and eel fishing; there are minimal measures currently in place to prevent over-harvesting. Long Island’s shore birds and migratory birds rely on horseshoe crab eggs for protein. Inhabiting as far north and south as Nova Scotia and Mexico, Horseshoe crab eggs are an essential food source for migrating shorebirds, fish and benthic (bottom-dwelling) species. Further, they are food sources for loggerhead sea turtles. Even sparrows feast upon their protein-rich eggs. 

Turner said these “very significant crabs”  linger on the sound’s floor, thereby increasing turbidity and stirring up a variety of food sources for other species. 

The consequences of horseshoe crab endangerment is not limited to our island’s coastal populations; they are most valuable to humans for their blood proteins which are extremely sensitive to bacteria, making them an effective reagent. 

The extracted compound, known as Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), acts as an indicator on screen-injected drugs and implanted biomedical devices for detecting gram-negative bacteria — Turner cites as a huge reason to thank these spider-legged creatures. Unfortunately, according to The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the mortality rate of these crabs, once released back into the wild, can surpass 30%. 

In terms of policy, Turner states that extremely small-scale measures may be decided by local jurisdiction. In the past, harvesting quotas have been instituted, reaching 150,000 crabs per year per location, as specified by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

But Turner says this is no solution, nor is it sustainable. 150,000 is a great number when considering how horseshoe crabs were exponentially more abundant in the past, especially because just one bird may rely upon hundreds out of a 4,000-egg nest to migrate — causing a ripple effect across the food chain. Humans are not exempt from the effects of wildlife endangerment.

Alongside the DEC, the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Stony Brook University, Turner’s project expected to launch this fall will craft lab-effective bait, which also must be cost and yield-dependent for fishers who participate in the trial.

Even still, stricter measures are necessary in keeping the horseshoe crab population abundant and thriving. Turner cited possible four five-day bans around new and full moons in May and June where harvesting is illegal so the crabs may spawn and disseminate uninterrupted, or total closings at certain locations. The DEC describes that sampling for taking population estimates would be conducted around these optimal moon phase and tide stage to indicate trends in horseshoe crab population.

Former closures have suggested that it takes between 8-10 years before changes in abundance of spawning-aged crabs are observed as a result of these management changes by the DEC, and an increase in adult horseshoe crab abundance is expected to begin in 2028.

State legislatures are still capable of vetoing these stricter conservation measures, as the  DEC’s overall goal is to improve the stock status of horseshoe crabs in the New York region over time while still maintaining use of the species, specifically “ecosystem services, commercial harvest and observation and appreciation.” 

Regardless, Turner remains cautiously optimistic as new, more serious regulatory policies for quotas or commercial banning still have a chance to be passed if conservation groups are persistent. 

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Photo by Raymond Janis

Nonprofits and the car show community?

Recently, I attended the Drive for Dana car show at the Smithhaven Mall. The strength and support of the car community that comes out to support a charity is incredible. Every weekend, actually every night of the week, there are shows. On many nights there are multiple events at different spots on Long Island. They are free to attend as a spectator and at regular events free to show your car. But wait until it’s about a charity. More cars arrive, more money is raised and at the Drive for Dana event more auction items are bought.

I have been promoting the idea of a motorsports park on Long Island. Currently, I have been assisting with public relations and announcing. As we enter the fifth year of racing in Calverton it has become very clear that the car, race car, show car, high-performance street car community is very strong. Besides the generosity seen at the car shows, there is an amazing amount of driving skills shown.

It’s definitely a feel-good story when monies are raised for a charity, but that’s only a portion of the story.

Long Island’s history and development of auto racing has led to many careers. We have seen some drivers move on to the professional level. Years ago, Steve Park enjoyed racing in Nascar, and today we have Justin Ashley running a Top Fuel Dragster.

The racing we enjoy at Calverton on the 7,000-foot runway that Grumman used when they were on Long island hosting drag racing (most cars are street legal, Drifting), the cars have more safety equipment than many others and Go-karts. From the cute 5-year olds to the much older that race around the country and a few even beyond that.

Long Island at one point had multiple circle tracks (now we have one), multiple drag-racing facilities and even a road course track that held a Formula One race. Are the race tracks as strong as they once were? No. Is the car community as far reaching as it once was? From what I see at these car shows and race events, it may not be as big, but there is a huge interest. The positives are community, careers and the economic benefit.

Brian Cohen

Three Village

DA Tierney, elder parole, redemption and compassion 

A few weeks ago Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney released a powerful statement warning of dangers he sees lurking in the Second Look Act, Earned Time Act, and Elder Parole Act.  

He said, “These measures, cloaked as compassionate reforms, prioritize criminals over the security of law-abiding New Yorkers and, in the process, once again drag grieving families and victims into a never-ending cycle of parole hearings and reconsideration of previously imposed sentences, for the sole purpose of drastically reducing sentences for violent, dangerous offenders.”

Specifically mentioning the Elder Parole Act, Tierney continued, ”This bill grants automatic parole hearings every two years to inmates who are 55 and older, and who have served 15 years in prison, regardless of the crime they were convicted of. Murderers, rapists, even cop killers would get a shot at freedom just for aging behind bars. This bill eliminates life without parole for serial and mass murderers.”  

Hoping for redemption is a noble goal, but how that “hope” is viewed by loved ones grieving their murdered law enforcement family members should be taken into consideration.  Over the last 8 years they’ve been forced to witness 43 convicted killers released from prison. 

NYS legislators considering voting for this bill should speak to the mothers, daughters, wives, husbands or children of these fallen heroes.  State pols must show proper respect and consideration for these victims.

How about offering those innocents something other than the continued heartbreaking prospect of reliving the tragic loss of loved ones every 24 months.  

New York State currently has 16 members sitting on the parole board.  There’s room for 3 more.  Let’s offer one or more of those spots to relatives trying to overcome their tragic loss.  Given that great hardship, it would seem they’ve earned a properly weighted voice in this discussion.  Perhaps some of the current 16 could gain a new and better understanding of how difficult a prisoner’s release can be on those surviving their loss. 

Our highly respected, local DA, Ray Tierney, looks to seek justice not vengeance for victims who’ve suffered at the hands of criminals.  He is on the front lines dealing with the aftermath of some truly heinous crimes.  Tierney consoles those harmed while prosecuting those charged.  His warnings should not be taken lightly.

If memory serves, much of disgraced Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s (D) “criminal justice reforms” were sold on the lofty theme of redemption.  If these kinds of grand ideas are going to be tried, we cannot forget those whose lives are devastated, when those grand ideas horribly fail them.  At the very least, they’re innocent victims worthy of our compassion.  

Jim Soviero

Setauket

In response to Drew Biondo’s letter from June 5 edition of TBR

He may call it “silly season,” but spreading misinformation, spin, and false claims isn’t silly, it’s dishonest. Port Jefferson deserves facts, not political games or distractions from real issues.

Let’s set the record straight on PASSPort, a first-of-its-kind municipal rideshare service created for Port Jefferson. Like every other municipal transit program in the country, it wasn’t meant to turn a profit. It was about accessibility, safety and smarter mobility. It worked, residents used it, and they appreciated it. On May 1, 2023, then Trustee Lauren Sheprow voted in favor of PASSPort, along with the entire Board of Trustees. She even requested a test ride and had only positive things to say. Now to attack the program she helped approve isn’t just disingenuous, it’s political.

Regarding the ballot issue, Mayor Sheprow was removed not by opponents but by the Board of Elections for failing to properly complete and file her own petitions, a basic, legal requirement every candidate must meet.

Let me be clear, neither I nor anyone from my campaign has ever created or used a fake social media profile. I’ve run this campaign the way I’ve served, openly and with integrity. 

Yes, I was asked by the village to use my photography to help promote the Dickens Festival. It was discussed in public meetings, disclosed to our auditor, and unanimously approved by the board where I recused myself. The images remain village property and continue to support our most cherished community event.

While Mr. Biondo claims I’ve been “disengaged,” I’ve continued serving our community through volunteer work, civic participation and staying connected with residents. Leadership isn’t just about holding office; it’s about consistent service.

As for the Maryhaven project, our process was transparent with full disclosure and open dialogue from day 1. We held a public meeting where the developer’s request was thoroughly explained. Contrast that with what we learned from another developer, who said Mayor Sheprow promised him annexation approval a year ago, something the public didn’t hear about until March 2025, only after a resident discovered it. That’s not transparency.

What should also concern us are closed-door executive sessions used for questionable purposes. 

Port Jefferson deserves true transparency and open government led by a mayor who will stand for honesty, accountability and integrity. That’s what I’ve delivered, and that’s what I’ll continue to fight for.

Kathianne Snaden

Port Jefferson

Armed guards have no place in schools

On Thursday, June 5, parents in the Three Village Central School District received what was deemed a “survey “ regarding the possibility of placing armed guards on our school campuses.  My first quarrel is with the ridiculous assertion that what we received was not so much a “survey” but a very lazy two-question attempt to assuage the minority of individuals that are demanding guns at our schools. Parents were simply asked what school their child/children attend(s) and if they are in favor of armed security.  This is how we’re going to decide whether our children go to school with guns in their buildings?  This is the best effort our school district could make on this highly volatile and incredibly important subject?

My second dispute is one I have previously voiced, guns have NO PLACE on school grounds.  Arming security guards is the hot talking point for those who ignorantly believe that this move will make one bit of difference in the extremely minimal possibility of a violent occurrence at one of our schools.  The safety of our children in school is a top priority, but there is zero proof that arming security is the solution to deterring an episode of violence.  There are, however, several studies proving just the opposite, that the presence of armed guards in school settings has invited and/or intensified the violence committed.  I ask those who continue to advocate for this change to actually research what happened in Parkland and Uvalde, two of the most horrific school shootings our country has ever experienced and realize that no lives were saved by their armed guards.  As a matter of fact, these good guys with guns literally caused more controversy and disruption.

The armed guard crusaders need a strong dose of reality.  The district has already invested in a new security system in response to our unfortunate incident in October.  [In October 2024, a student at Ward Melville High School brought a backpack with a weapon inside, which they took by mistake. The student’s parents were in law enforcement.] Thankfully, Long Island has been spared any instances of mass gun violence in our schools and hopefully it will remain that way.  Our one scary situation was handled professionally and transparently, but this analysis via survey of the latest campaign for change is just an apathetic attempt to mitigate the loud voices of those who scream first and read never.  Our new system of detection is more than sufficient for the safety of those in our buildings, students and staff.  If someone truly wants to cause harm in one of our school buildings that person will most likely make something happen.  Armed security guards, whether inside or outside of our schools will not hinder their actions but will add to the chaos.  I certainly do not begrudge any parent the feeling of safety and security when a child is in an academic setting, but before jumping on the bandwagon I suggest that every parent take a long, hard look at past responses to incidents in our buildings and think about how they would feel if the guns we put in the schools got into the wrong hands.  This is a far heftier debate than those two questions on a survey.  I will never support weapons on school grounds and will continue to advocate against any and all attempts to do so.

Stefanie Werner

Setauket

The UNneighborly House

Ever since we moved to this community 55 years ago, the Setauket Neighborhood House has been a wonderful community resource.  We’ve attended birthday parties, memorial services, club meetings and art shows and have always felt comfortable and safe as we met with our friends and neighbors.   In view of this, I was appalled to hear that every event is now being video and audio taped by the Neighborhood House.  When one has a meeting there among friends, it is assumed that it is private and not under surveillance.  Women doing yoga feel comfortable among themselves but don’t want to be watched by others, and clubs may meet to discuss sensitive topics that they don’t want shared outside of their circle.  There is little need for this internal surveillance to protect the house and I encourage the board to terminate the taping and to trust our neighbors who use the house to value and protect this great community resource.  

I encourage others in the community to let the Setauket Neighborhood House Board know how they feel about this audio and video taping of their meetings.  

Gene Sprouse

South Setauket

Correction : The article, “Rally at Harbor Road”, which appeared in the June 5th issue, incorrectly stated that Brookhaven found a title report signed by Gloria Rocchio. In fact, Brookhaven comissioned the title report. The document with Rocchio’s signature was an easement contract.

WRITE TO US … AND KEEP IT LOCAL  

We welcome your letters, especially those responding to our local coverage, replying to other letter writers’ comments and speaking mainly to local themes. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style, good taste and uncivil language. They will also be published on our website. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include an address and phone number for confirmation. Email letters to: [email protected] or mail them to TBR News Media, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733

 

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