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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy Leg. Trotta

By Sabrina Artusa

The Suffolk County Economic Development, Planning & Housing Committee met May 29 to consider, among other business, a resolution designed to increase home ownership. 

Resolution 1355, proposed by county Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) in early April, would obligate owners of developments with more than 20 units to designate at least half of them as owner-only units, either through condominiums or cooperatives. 

In an area with notoriously high property taxes — some of the highest in the country — many native Long Islanders are forced to rent due to lack of alternative affordable housing. Trotta hoped that this bill would help people build equity.

The lack of ownership opportunities “is killing the middle class,” Trotta said. Without the option to expand their economic standing through investment, people are forced “to pay $3,000 a month and get nothing in return.”

“Let the people own something, give them pride in ownership,” Trotta added. 

The bill further stipulated that a development with more than 20 rentable units will not receive workforce housing funding or be allowed to connect to a Suffolk County sewer district unless half of the units are owner only. 

Passage of Bill 1355 would allow Long Islanders to remain without the continuous financial stress of renting, Trotta said. 

“This Legislature finds and further determines that there has been a dramatic increase in the construction of multifamily rental units in Suffolk County,” the resolution read. 

At the May 29 meeting, the planning and housing committee voted against the bill.

“It is outside of the purview of what we should be doing here in the county and I believe that this is a free capital system. If people want to build apartments to rent, they should be able to do it. If they want to build them for sale, they should be able to do it,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst).

“I don’t think this is very American, what we just did. I think some people should really think about switching parties who just voted to kill home ownership in Suffolk County,” Trotta said. 

This is not perhaps a perfect initiative but it is part of an ongoing effort, I believe, of how to keep our elders here … and to provide an opportunity through apartment housing to stay in our communities,” said Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), the only other proponent of the bill.

 

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John Perkins and Mike Gugliotti, chief navigation officer and his ‘water Sherpa.’ Photo courtesy Maggie Fischer Memorial Swim

By Daniel Dunaief

What are you planning to do this Saturday?

John Perkins, Community Outreach Manager at St. Charles Hospital and St. Catherine of Siena Hospital and Islip Terrace resident, is planning to swim 12.5 miles around Key West. The swim isn’t just an exercise in rugged outdoor activities or a test of his endurance, but is a way to raise money to support St. Charles Hospital’s stroke support group and promote stroke awareness and prevention.

As of Tuesday morning Perkins, who is 56 years old, has raised $4,900 out of his goal of collecting $5,000.

“Stroke survivors can have challenges for the rest of their lives,” said Perkins. “My hundreds of hours of training and hundreds of miles I’ve swam over the last year is nothing in comparison to someone who has a stroke” and then has a gate impairment, a speech impediment or is visually impaired.

Perkins added that about 80 percent of the estimated 800,000 strokes in the United States are preventable, through efforts like managing high blood pressure and/or diabetes, increasing physical activity and eating a healthier diet.

Perkins hopes the money he raises can add a new piece of equipment in the emergency room or help with the stroke survivor and support group.

Challenging conditions, with help

Getting ready for this swim took considerable work, especially given that Perkins didn’t even know how to swim until he was 50.

That’s when a group of childhood friends called him up in 2017 and suggested he join them for a two mile swim in the Straight of Messina, between Sicily and Calabria.

He rose to the challenge and raised $1,200.

To prepare for this much longer swim, which he estimates could take eight hours of more, he has been getting up at 4 am and is in the pool by 5 a.m.

Three days during the week, he swims two miles before work, often surrounded by people who are training for grueling races like triathlons and ironman competitions. On weekends, he does longer swims. He has been increasing the distances he swims in the pool, recently covering 10 miles in six and a half hours.

When he’s doing these longer swims, he gets out of the pool every two miles to take a 30-second break, which could involve hydrating and a quick restroom stop.

“You can not be a marathon swimmer without considering the nutrition aspect,” he said.

When he’s swimming around Key West, he plans to bring a special blend of carbohydrates, with calcium and magnesium and some protein, making sure he consumes about 300 calories per hour.

In expending over 6,000 calories for the swim itself, he wants to ensure he doesn’t tire or get cramps.

When he swims around Key West, Perkins said his wife Pamela, who is a registered nurse and whom he calls his chief nutritionist, will be in a two-person kayak. She will signal to him every 20 minutes or so to take a break for some liquid nutrition.

Meanwhile, his chief navigation officer, Michael Gugliotti, whom he also refers to as his “water Sherpa,” will ensure that he stays the course, not straying from the checkpoints so that he doesn’t wind up adding any distance to the long swim.

When he’s swimming, Perkins tends to think about the struggles stroke survivors have that they have to deal with for the rest of their lives.

“Strokes impact your life, your community’s life, your family’s life,” he said.

People interested in donating can do so through the following link: St. Charles Host Your Own Fundraiser

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Evan Kay jumps for joy after last pitch of the Long Island championship game against Farmingdale on June 1. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Matt Shovelson is pumped after scoring in the fifth inning against Farmingdale. Photo by Steven Zaitz
Commack varsity baseball wins their second consecutive Long Island championship. Photo by Steven Zaitz

By Steven Zaitz

Start the buses!

The Commack Cougars captured their second straight Class AAA Long Island championship on Saturday, getting another brilliant pitching performance from senior right-hander Evan Kay.

Kay, who will pitch for Stony Brook next spring, allowed no earned runs, three hits, no walks, and struck out 11 against Nassau champion Farmingdale to earn a 2-1 victory. This win sends Commack back to Binghamton, where they lost in the final round last year, to play in the New York State championship tournament this weekend.

It was the second time this week Kay was at the bottom of a celebratory pile of teammates at the Middle Country Athletic Complex in Selden, as he pitched a similarly spectacular game on May 26 against Sachem North to bag a fourth consecutive Suffolk County crown for the Commack varsity baseball program.

“Being on the bottom of that pile is rough, I gotta admit, but there is no place I’d rather be,” Kay said after handcuffing the mighty Dalers, who had averaged six runs a game in their Section VIII playoff march.

But it was Kay who had the recipe to serve up a giant bowl of goose egg soup to Farmingdale, mixing mostly off-speed and breaking pitches in the first few frames and then blowing fastballs by them in the middle and later innings. Kay struck out the side on only 12 pitches in the first inning and although it got a little dicey later on in the game, it was a harbinger of how the night would unfold for him and the Cougars.

Kay worked quickly, threw strikes, and had Daler hitters muttering under their breath as they walked back to the dugout. Kay faced only 24 batters in seven innings – only three over the minimum.

“It might have been the best I’ve ever thrown in a high school game,” said Kay. “I live for big moments like this.”

Commack head coach Matthew Salmon has now presided over two straight Long Island Championships. He has watched Kay evolve from a kid who just a few years ago couldn’t crack 60 mph on a radar gun into the equivalent of the Long Island Cy Young.

“The bigger the situation is, Evan gets a little bit stronger and a little bit tougher and that’s just the way he is built,” Salmon said. “He’s pitched in big spots his whole career and has been successful in every one of those spots, and I think a case can be made for Evan as being one of the best pitchers in the history of Long Island High School baseball.”

A bold statement, and that list might include major leaguers like Frank Viola, Marcus Stroman, Steven Matz, and Commack alum Pete Harnisch – all of whom pitched, or are still pitching, in the major leagues. But the numbers back Salmon’s case.

Kay holds the Long Island record for consecutive scoreless innings with 60. Twenty-eight of those innings were pitched in the 2023 postseason against stiff competition such as Pat-Med and Massapequa. He has won two Suffolk County championship-clinching games, two Long Island championship-clinching games, and he beat Shenendehowa in the New York State semifinals last year. 

All five of these wins were complete games and three of them were shutouts.

His lifetime record is 16-2, has 147 strikeouts and his WHIP, walks and hits per inning, is a microscopic 0.59.

“His résumé speaks for itself,” Salmon said.

Another bullet point on Kay’s résumé is his ability to snuff out rallies before they become multi-run innings.

In last week’s win against Sachem North, he got a huge strikeout with the tying run on third with one out in the seventh inning and stranded the potential tying and winning runs on base to win Suffolk County. Against the Dalers, he pinned a two-out base runner at second with a strikeout in the fifth to maintain a 1-0 lead. After Commack added a run in the fifth for a 2-0 lead, Kay worked around an error in the sixth and retired the heart of Farmingdale’s lineup, surrendering only an unearned run on a foul ball sacrifice fly by starting pitcher Jordan Welsh. Commack kept its lead.

The Cougars scored in the first inning on a two-out RBI single by right fielder Dean Vincent and added another in the fifth when pinch hitter Matt Shovelson singled and came around to score on catcher Robbie Mascia’s single to center.

It was in Kay’s capable hands entering the final frame. As is his wont, Kay looked out to centerfield and took a deep breath before stepping on the rubber to begin the inning. In this case, he took two deep breaths.

“Before that last inning I took an extra second to think about how big the moment was and I really wanted to lock in to get those last three outs,” Kay said.

In fine style, Kay struck out the side in order in the seventh on only 11 pitches. Upon strike three to his final victim, Farmingdale left fielder Patrick Sebber, Kay thrust both of his arms into the air, did a half-pirouette on the mound, and threw his glove into the dusty, orange Selden sky before being snowed under by his raucous teammates. The trophy party in left field with friends and family lasted well past dark.

Now the Cougars return to Mirabito Stadium to face Fairport, a suburb of Rochester, on Saturday in the New York State semifinal game. The pitching rotation has not been set and it will be either Kay or Ryan Krzemienski to pitch that game. If the Cougars win, they will face the winner of Shenendehowa [Section II] and reigning state champs Ketchum [Section I], who beat Commack 2-1 last year in the finals despite three Cougar pitchers other than Kay, who pitched the previous game, combining for a no-hitter.

With all the gaudy stats, accomplishments, and accolades that Kay has accumulated in his Commack career, he still has a gaping space for one more.

“I want to win the New York State championship. Then I’m good.”

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METRO photo

By Daniel Dunaief

Daniel Dunaief

Want a social ice breaker with even the most reluctant neighbor? Get a dog!

People share quite a bit about themselves when they’re reaching down to pet a pooch who stares them in the eyes, wags his tail and appreciates their attention.

Thoughts, ideas, and pieces of themselves come pouring out in a range of categories.

Shaggy dog tales: Friends, neighbors and strangers in a park often offer vignettes about their own dogs. They talk about how much they enjoy having them in the house, how their beloved pets are eating the furniture, and how delighted they are to return to the house to find creatures who, unlike their teenage children, are genuinely happy to see them.

Would that they could: Even as they pet my eager dog, they sometimes share wistful thoughts about how they’d like to have their own dog. They travel too much, can’t get up early enough or have friends and family members who are allergic. Some are still in mourning for their late canine friends and can’t imagine getting another one.

Dog whisperers: Then, there are those people who know what your dog is feeling and thinking far better than you, despite the fact that you have lived with your dog for years? They direct their not so-subtle observations to the dog. “Oh, you adorable puppy, you look so hot. Are you hot? Do you need water? Do you need a bath? Do you need a better owner than this eavesdropping oaf at the other end of your leash?” Or, perhaps, “Are you walking too far for your short legs? Do you wish your owner would get more of his exercise at the gym and less of it taking you for these marathon walks?” “Are you hungry? Do you need a snack? Is your mean old owner trying to lose weight himself so he’s not feeding you enough?” Sometimes, of course, those people are right and my dog is hot, tired, or hungry. Then again, he’s a dog attached to a stomach, so he’s always hungry.

Feel free to unload while my dog does the same: While my dog relieves himself, people share considerable information about their lives. One woman told me, in eerie overtones with the show “Dear Evan Hansen,” how she and her ex-husband felt the need to intervene with a daughter battling mental health issues. Fortunately, the daughter and her parents are doing well.

The keep away owners: Some dog owners use their dog or dogs as shields, walking them at rapid paces on tight leashes, making it clear that they, and their dogs, have no interest in catching up. They are out getting some air or exercise and they have no need to give their dogs a chance to sniff each other, or to compare thoughts on anything from the weather to the best way to get rid of that not-so-fresh dog smell.

The couple competition: Even as dogs have non verbal cues as they approach each other, so, too, do humans. Some couples, who are walking next to each other, break apart, as one person is eager to be the first to pet the dog. Like Groucho Marx, my dog is more interested in joining the clubs that might not want him as much, and maneuvers around the extended hand to try to win over the more reluctant walker. The eager petter will whine, “what about me?” My dog either ignores him or gives that person the dog equivalent of an exasperated eye roll.

The dog watchers: Yes, I know it sounds conspiratorial, but they do exist. People sometimes sit in their homes, watching carefully to see if a dog leaves an unattended, unwanted dropping on their lawn. Eager to catch their neighbors in the act, they have cameras at the ready to document the offending moment.

The fact collectors: Some people seem more interested in learning details about my dog than they do in hearing about me. They ask me to remind them how old he is — one day older than when you asked yesterday — how much he weighs, where I got him, how he sleeps, and what games he likes to play. With them, it might be better to skip the “How are you doing?” and go straight to “How’s your dog’s day going?”

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By Leah S. Dunaief

Leah Dunaief,
Publisher

A number of my relatives and friends were born in June, so that means lots of birthdays to celebrate. My dad was born in June, and so was my brother. My granddaughter’s birth, the first child of my middle son and daughter-in-law, lit up the month of June for me. She was the first girl in a long familial string of boys. Then there is my West Coast cousin and several friends who all made their appearance on Earth in the same month.

I’m not good at buying presents or mailing cards, but I do try my best to remember the dates and to extend happy wishes. I adore celebrations and the digital age has helped in that regard. I send texts and emails, and if I don’t think it will cause too much grief hearing my atonal voice, I call the person and sing a heartfelt “Happy Birthday.” 

I learned of the entitlement of birthdays when I started elementary school. Feeling left out, I watched as classmates offered cupcakes and blew out candles that their mothers brought to class, while I rued the fact that I was a summer baby: no classmates, no groups  to sing to me.

Little did I know then that my dad’s family never celebrated his or his siblings’ birthdays. Perhaps it had something to do with there being nine children and that they were dirt poor.

My unfortunate mother never knew when she was born. Her mother, who could have told her, died when she was an infant, and I guess no one else really cared. All she knew was that it was sometime during harvest season. 

Well, I changed all that.

I came home from school one day, I guess about second grade, and professed outrage at never having a birthday party. My parents, innocently trying to eat dinner, seemed at first puzzled, then embarrassed at the oversight. They asked me what a party would entail, and I explained about the cake, the candles, the guests and the presents. And when it was time for my birthday, they made amends, that year and every subsequent year until I was married.

I appreciated their response, even going so far as to assign my mother a birthday in the midst of October, which I assumed was harvest time, and which we then celebrated annually—I believe to my mother’s delight.

Did you know that birthdays are a fairly recent consideration?

According to “The Atlantic,” only in the middle of the 19th century did some middle-class Americans celebrate birthdays, and not until the early 20th century, when my parents were born, did birthday celebrations start to be a nationwide tradition. The magazine ties together birthday observances with the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, during which the matter of time became more of a focus generally due to factory and labor hours.

The song, “Happy Birthday to You,” the most popular song in the English language according to the Guinness World Records, is only somewhat older than its 100th birthday.

Supposedly two American sisters, Patty and Mildred J. Hill, composed the melody in 1893, but that’s disputed.

As the 20th century unfolded, birthdays became a time to honor ordinary individuals, usually with cakes and candles, but in some circles, with fruit. It has also become a reason for families and friends to gather, both to appreciate one of its members and to reunite, however briefly. Birthdays ending in 0’s and 5’s are particularly special.

Today, birthdays are often regarded by those experiencing them as a time for evaluating their lives. Have they met their goals? How are they doing compared to their contemporaries? Do they look their age? Are they living the lives they desire? 

It’s a day to be pampered by one’s friends and loved ones and to pamper one’s self. Some people go on trips. Others buy themselves presents that perhaps they have always wanted. 

And some, at the end of their day, breath a sigh of relief, knowing that they don’t have to face another birthday for a whole year.

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Legislator Trotta donating blood at one of his sponsored drives at Travis Hall, Church of St. Joseph in Kings Park.
One Donation Can Save Three Lives

It’s time to batter up and give blood! Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta in conjunction with the Church of St. Joseph in Kings Park will host a community blood drive at Travis Hall located on the lower level of St. Joseph’s at 59 Church Street, on Wednesday,  June 12, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The drive is to benefit the blood banks maintained by Long Island Blood Services, which provides blood to hospitals throughout Long Island. Each donor will receive a pair of New York Mets tickets while supplies last.

To be eligible to donate blood, a person must be between the ages of 16 (16 with parental consent) and 76, (if older than 76, you need written permission from your doctor), weigh over 110 pounds and not have had a tattoo in the last three months. Please bring a valid photo ID with you. LI Blood Services recommends that you eat and drink plenty of fluids before donating. Previous donors should bring their blood donor card with them.

“Hospitals are always in need of blood supplies so it is important that if you can donate blood to do so because one pint of blood can help save three lives. We do a blood drive every year so I thank those who have attended in the past and hope you will consider donating again,” said Suffolk County Legislator Trotta.

For more information, please call Legislator Trotta’s district office at 631-854-3900.

 

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Photo courtesy of Fountaingate Gardens

In celebration of National Senior Health and Fitness Day, Cormack’s Fountaingate Gardens, an independent living community for active adults 62 years and better, hosted a Health and Fitness Fair filled with fun, fitness and informative activities to promote wellness and longevity on May 29.

“We are thrilled with the incredible success of our first Senior Health and Fitness Fair. We had a great turnout and enthusiastic participation from our community members, underscoring the importance of promoting successful aging through healthy, active lifestyles,” said John Mastacciuola, Executive Director of Fountaingate Gardens. “As a Blue Zone-inspired community, we are committed to fostering an environment that supports longevity and well-being. This event is a testament to our dedication to creating a healthier, happier future for our seniors.”

The inaugural expo featured:

  • Fitness Classessuitable for all levels of ability, including a member-favorite Stretch and Tone class and Chair Yoga, both held outdoors on the community’s rotunda. This area of the campus features the backdrop of a tranquil nature preserve, with native wildflowers, a cascading stream and a waterfall.
  • “Move it or Lose it!” Interactive Discussion that focused on the importance of regular physical activity for maintaining health and mobility as we age. In addition, FountaingateGardens’ wellness experts provided practical tips and answered questions, followed by a live exercise demonstration that got everyone moving.
  • Smoothie-Making Bikewhere participants pedaled their way to a delicious and nutritious smoothie! This unique activity playfully and interactively highlights the joy of combining exercise with healthy eating.
  • Blue Zone-inspired Food Tastingcourtesy of Fountaingate Gardens’ culinary team. Attendees had the unique opportunity to sample delicious and nutritious fare inspired by the Blue Zones, regions throughout the world known for their high longevity rates and healthy lifestyles. The sampling menu featured wholesome, plant-based dishes rich in nutrients, designed to fuel both body and mind, such as tabouleh salad, crudité cups and hummus dips.
  • A Wide Variety of Long Island Vendors showcasing health and wellness products, services and resources specifically tailored for seniors.

“Today’s event at Fountaingate Gardens highlights how special they make every day for us members,” said Sheila Maiman, a founding member of Long Island’s newest Life Plan Community . “I’ve met so many new people here and have gotten involved in so many things! It’s wonderful and it all adds joy to your life.”

Photo attached, credit Fountaingate Gardens.

Additional Photos available here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j8kHEkkAbnQfdX-li80eaCaMClt1yCu7?usp=sharing

 

About Fountaingate Gardens
Fountaingate Gardens, sponsored by Gurwin Healthcare System, is an elegant, 129-apartment home independent living community located on Gurwin’s 36-acre campus in Commack. The addition of Fountaingate Gardens completes Gurwin’s Life Plan Community vision of providing Long Islanders with independent living and assisted living options, short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, memory care and other healthcare services — all on one campus.

Fountaingate Gardens offers a vibrant, Blue Zone-inspired lifestyle for longevity for active adults aged 62 years and older. The community is comprised of beautiful apartment homes, myriad wellness-focused amenities and programs, and offers future financial and healthcare security, providing predictable monthly expenses and access to higher levels of care right on campus if ever needed. Visit FountaingateLI.org to learn more about this unique senior independent living community or call 631-715-2693.

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Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim visits Mt. Pleasant Elementary School to see its new recyclable garden beds. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said he was amazed at what’s growing at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School.

“I’m coming back when there are cucumbers to pick,” he told the students.

The Town of Smithtown, Reworld Waste and the Smithtown Central School District teamed up to create the new garden. Kathy Smerechniak, the STEM specialist at Mt. Pleasant, has been working with the student council to nurture plants from seeds under grow lights.

Students have been actively involved in the maintenance of plants and have spent time learning about the life cycle of plants in their science curriculum.

On May 22, Wehrheim, Town Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo, and Reworld staff visited the garden to see the students’ thriving plants in the garden beds. The vegetables grown in this garden will be donated to the local food pantry.

The garden beds, made from recycled material, were donated by Reworld along with seeds, compost, solar-powered water timers, and an irrigation system. The Town of Smithtown will continue to support Smithtown schools to advocate for additional opportunities at other elementary schools to develop similar projects.

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Stock photo

Boating, whether for fishing, leisure or sport, is a cherished pastime that brings joy to many residents all over the Island. However, with the thrill and relaxation that come with boating, there is an accompanying responsibility that must not be overlooked — safety! This is why National Safe Boating Week, observed from May 18-24 this year, holds such significance for our waterfront communities.

National Safe Boating Week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols on the water. Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard highlight that the vast majority of boating accidents are preventable. In 2023 alone, there were 3,844 boating incidents, resulting in 564 fatalities. Alarmingly, 75% of these deaths were due to drowning, and 87% of those who drowned were not wearing life jackets. There was also a total of property damage of $63 million.

These statistics are a valuable reminder that simple precautions can save lives.

Importance of life preservers

One of the simplest yet most effective safety measures is wearing a life jacket. Modern life jackets are designed for comfort and ease of use. Ensuring that each passenger on your vessel is properly outfitted with a life jacket is a basic yet critical step in boating safety. It is not just about compliance with regulations, it is about safeguarding lives.

Boating safety courses

Understanding how to operate your boat and navigate the waters is crucial. Boating safety courses are widely available and provide essential knowledge on navigation rules, emergency procedures and boat handling. These courses are not just for beginners. Even experienced boaters can benefit from refresher classes to stay updated on the latest safety practices and regulations.

The U.S. Power Squadrons offer a plethora of courses for those seeking boating safety advice, information and knowledge. Visit their website, www.usps.org/sss-boating-courses, for more information. Additionally, New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation has over 55 years of experience teaching captains to operate their boats safely. It offers an in-classroom course option designed as a comprehensive study of boating safety to teach the fundamentals of safe boating operation at parks.ny.gov/boating/boating-safety-class. 

Don’t drink and drive

Alcohol is a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. Like driving, operating a boat under the influence impairs judgment, balance and coordination, significantly increasing the risk of an accident. Our community must recognize that boating under the influence is not only illegal but also endangers everyone on the water. Designating a sober captain is a responsible choice that can prevent tragedies.

Be prepared

Being prepared for emergencies can make a significant difference in the outcome of a boating trip. This includes having a well-equipped first-aid kit, signaling devices and a fire extinguisher on board. Additionally, boaters should file a float plan with a friend or family member, detailing the trip’s destination, purpose and timeframe. This simple step can expedite rescue efforts in case of an emergency. Regular vessel safety checks are essential, too.

We share the responsibility of promoting and practicing boating safety. Even after National Safe Boating Week, let us commit to making our waterways safer for everyone. By embracing safety measures, educating ourselves and others and fostering a culture of responsibility, we can ensure that boating remains a joyous and safe activity for everyone. It is, after all, one of Long Island’s main attractions.

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Pixabay photo

By Samantha Rutt

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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