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Northwell relocates familyhealth center in Huntington

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Northwell relocates family health center in Huntington

by Daniel Dunaief - April 18, 2024

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By Daniel Dunaief

Different name, different location, same mission.

On Monday, April 8, Northwell Health opened its family health center at 1572 New York Avenue in Huntington Station. The center will replace the Dolan Family Health Center in Greenlawn.

The new center, which occupies a space formerly held by Capital One Bank, will provide primary care, as well as multi-specialty care for women.

Easily accessible by bus lines, the center is “in the heart of the community we serve” with the majority of the expected 30,000 patient visits each year coming from Huntington Station, said Lee Raifrman, Assistant Vice President of Operations for Huntington Hospital and the Northwell Family Center Health Center. Instead of having patients travel to the center, “we’re moving to them.”

The center anticipates around 30,000 visits per year.

“The new location, nestled in the heart of the neighborhood it serves and conveniently close to bus lines, ensures that our care remains accessible to all,” Stephen Bello, regional executive director of Northwell’s Eastern region, said in a statement.

The almost 18,000 square-foot building will provide pediatric care, adult/ family medicine, OB/GYN, ophthalmology, podiatry, gastroenterology, orthopedics and infectious disease care specific to HIV.

The center’s prenatal care assistance program, which offers expanded Medicaid coverage for pregnant women and children under the age of 19, will continue to operate. The center also provides outreach through its Women, Infants and Children program, a supplemental nutriton offering that features nutritious foods for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants and children through the age of five.

The center also features a Nutrition Pathways Program, which is a collaboration dating to 2020 with Island Harvest that offers personalized nutrition counseling sessions with a registered dietician, access to nutritious foods from the on-site healthy food pantry, referrals to community resources and assistance with SNAP enrollment.

Through Nutrition Pathways, the center screens patients for social determinants of health.

“One of the areas we found that’s becoming more prevalent, unfortunately,” said Raifman. The center directs patients who are food insecure to a registered dietician, who can not only help balance food intake, but who can also manage the financial aspect of finding food.

“Better eating equals improved outcomes,” said Raifman.

Staff at the center reflects the diversity of the patient population.

About 19 percent of the patients are self pay, while a small percentage are on medicare. The center accepts many insurance plans, including all types of medicaid.

Staff at the Family Health Center will reflect a staff that reflects the patient population.

“Our mission is clear: to elevate the health of the communities we serve,” Nick Fitterman, Executive Director of Huntington Hospital said in a statement. “From our homeless to immigrant patients, we open our doors to all, offering care that’s not just accessible but compassionate.”

The hours for the center will be the same as they were in the previous location, opening 8:30 am to 5 pm on Monday and Wednesday and 8 am to 8 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Northwell executives would like to build similar healthcare facilities in other places within its geographic range.

The health care provider “anticipates replicating this model throughout the system in other under-served communities,” said Raifman.

Residents plead with Huntington town board to take action against plans for Vineyard Bay Estates

by TBR Staff - March 22, 2024

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Blue-and-gold-lights-at-Huntington-Town-Hall-Tuesday-March-1-2022-in-support-of-Ukraines-fight-for-freedom-scaled — Huntington Town Hall

By Rokah Sejour

Overdevelopment was one of the main concerns throughout the meeting for several residents of the Town of Huntington who joined the Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, March 12, sharing their concerns on the plans to develop the Vineyard Bay Estates property, located at 78 Bay Ave. and 211 Vineyard Road, Halesite.

“This is not a request, but a plea on behalf of a neighborhood, on behalf of the conservation of wildlife, and the history of Huntington,” said Karen Witkowski, a Huntington resident.

Residents worried that the aftermath of this project would lead to extensive traffic in the area, more parking needs and more exhaust in the air, in a space already limited to handling these increases.

“Both of the roads that I use to leave the neighborhood would be impacted by this because they both would be developed,” said Gillian Inglis Glaser, a new resident of Huntington Bay Village.

Glaser spoke on the lack of notifying the residents on the proposed development, having spoken on the restrictions that would be put on their community not just after but also during the construction process of this project.

“I think that’s what we are looking for, transparency,” Glaser said. “In general, we need more information and transparency about the process and what’s happening.”

Other residents addressed that only a few members of the community received notification of the plans for development, with some expressing that even with the notification, there was a lack of transparency in the impact that this development would have on the community.

Construction for the development is expected to last at least two years, with the developers intending to build eight homes in the area.

There were further concerns about the outcome of the future on displaced wildlife. Some feared that wildlife would be pushed into the community, into residents’ homes and yards, after being displaced from their natural environment. One resident explained that this is already an issue, which he attributed to past developments.

The Nathan Hale Nature Preserve Committee has requested that the Town of Huntington favorably considers and records a motion to order the Planning Board to vacate its findings that the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act has been met with this subdivision. Furthermore, that there be no significant environmental impacts and the issuance of a negative declaration pursuant to the Planning Board’s review of the environmental assessment data and the regulations as set forth in the resolution filed with the Town Clerk’s office on Feb 6.

There is a call from NHNPC for the Planning Board to undertake a comprehensive assessment of environmental, wildlife, safety, traffic, flora, fauna, water and air issues associated with the development.

The committee is requesting that the Town Board requires the Planning Board to instruct the developers to immediately stop any further development and create architectural renderings of the project, with detailed depictions of the proposed homes, as situated on the proposed sites, along with the true heights of the 200-foot-long walls that are calculated to be 10 feet high and possibly 20 feet high to hold back the slope.

“There are countless reasons that this development should be halted,” said Denise Goodwin Pace, a 44-year resident of Huntington and a member of the Nathan Hale committee.

Town of Huntington gives preliminary approval to Vineyard Bay Estates subdivision

by TBR Staff - March 9, 2024

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Huntington-Town-Hall_ABBASw — File photo

By Rokah Sejour

The Town of Huntington Planning Board unanimously voted Feb. 21 on the preliminary approval of the Vineyard Bay Estates proposed subdivision at 78 Bay Ave. and 211 Vineyard Road, Halesite.

This project has been planned for years and all of the proper analysis has been done. Improvements have been made to the plans as a result of some of the grievances brought by members of the community, the board said.

A map detailing the proposed plans for the development showed plans for one flag lot, a widening of Bay Avenue, a proposed 1.84-acre open-space dedication to the Town of Huntington, and a 4-plus acre of hillside to be preserved within the subject lots.

“You don’t have the right to make a determination tonight,” said Lawrence Kelly, a Bayport attorney present at the meeting. “You have a lot of procedural infirmities and you should just take the time to look at those.” He implored the board to take time to review the SEQRA determination.

This comes after a coalition was formed, The Nathan Hale Nature Preserve Committee, consisting of neighbors and residents surrounding the proposed Vineyard Bay Estates development.

The committee’s concerns focused on the preservation of the plot’s environment and ecosystem, especially with regards to the town’s steep slope law which sought to protect and safeguard scenic landscapes and the vegetative features of steeply sloped lands throughout the town. The committee worries that the statuesque specimen trees, rare and lush flora and fauna that the property preserved and protected will be at risk.

It was brought up by NHNPC that the town should purchase the area to ensure that it would remain a preserved and protected mark for Huntington. However, Vineyard Estates said that the property was not for sale.

A lawyer was formally retained by the committee for expert counsel in respect of the concerns of the committee ahead of the Feb. 21 meeting.

In a letter dated Feb. 20, the committee wrote to the town Planning Board detailing their interest in the property as well as their mission purpose.

The committee hoped that any further approvals would be suspended for the Vineyard Bay Estates development until reports from independent experts on the environmental impact of this proposed project are completed through the SEQRA process.

It was also requested by the committee’s lawyers in a Feb. 20 email to the Planning Board that “the public hearing be reopened so that the public may comment on the plans, as revised, and in response to any SEQRA determination this board, as lead agency, may be issuing.”

It was explained that this particular meeting was not a public hearing and that the other party was not present to counter any claims made against them.

Suffolk County’s loan to help first-time homebuyers

by TBR Staff - March 2, 2024

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By Emma Gutmann

First-time homebuyers in the Suffolk County Home Consortium have until this coming Friday, March 1, to apply for the Down Payment Assistance Program. If approved, an essentially zero-interest deferred loan of up to $30,000 will be provided toward the down payment of an owner-occupied, single-family residence. According to the program guidelines, deferred loans “are forgiven after 10 years.”

The Down Payment Assistance Program is designed to combat a recurring and ever-so-prevalent theme Long Islanders are facing — affordability. As an island with limited space that’s adjacent to the high-cost major metropolis of New York City, it stands as one of the highest taxed regions in the nation, making it challenging for young people, retired people and others to live comfortably and own property.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) announced Feb. 21 that the assistance fund still has $167,000 left, and there is about $2 million in additional U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development funding that could be partially funneled into the program as needed. Romaine encourages prospective homebuyers to apply and touts the down payment assistance as an auxiliary toward the American Dream.

“I am enthusiastic about the prospect of assisting many more individuals and families in Suffolk County achieve the American Dream of home ownership,” Romaine said. “Previously we were able to offer up to $14,000 per homeowner, and this year I am proud to say that we were able to increase that amount to $30,000 per homeowner. Together let us build a brighter future for our communities through the power of homeownership.”

Even with the smaller grants of previous years, the program has been able to bring many families and homes together following its launch in 1993. Since January 2018, a total of $630,000 has been paid out on 48 closings.

In order to be eligible, applicants must be first-time homebuyers, meaning that the household has not owned a home during the three years prior to the purchase of a primary residence. This requirement will be waived for U.S. military veterans with a DD-214.

It is also necessary that the household income is low to moderate, with a minimum allowable income of $40,000 and a maximum dependent on the household size and the area median annual household income. A chart laying out the 2023 HUD income guidelines can be found on the application (at scdownpayment.com).

Residences must be single-family homes, condominiums or cooperative apartments to be deemed eligible. The maximum appraised value of an existing home cannot exceed $532,000 and a newly constructed home cannot exceed $555,000.

Finally, the applicant must agree to occupy this property as their principal residence for at least 10 years and have sufficient financial resources and credit to qualify for a mortgage. Each individual named on the mortgage must attend a mortgage counseling session at a HUD-certified not-for-profit housing agency.

The funds will be provided to the recipient by Suffolk County at the closing, and the buyer will be responsible for the rest of the down payment as well as closing costs.

Rosanne D’Agostino, associate broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, asserts that down payment assistance can be very beneficial to the buyer both before and after closing. In an email interview, she explained that this tool can help buyers get into a property and possibly even afford renovations with the money saved. This opportunity is especially fortuitous considering that the prices of Long Island homes have increased significantly over the past few years.

“The only downside is that it can be more time-consuming, potentially adding a few weeks to the sale process. However, in the end, buyers are able to receive monies they would not have otherwise had and extend their budgets,” D’Agostino said.

The associate broker mentioned that much of the inventory on the Island exceeds the maximum appraised home values aforementioned in the guidelines. As a result, the program serves as a boon to many but not a given for all cases. “I do hope that grants like this continue to be options, so that it can open more possibilities for people who hold the goal of being homeowners,” she added.

According to the program guidelines, “Applicants must purchase a home within the Suffolk County Consortium HOME Selection Area.” This includes the townships of Huntington and Smithtown, but not Brookhaven, which “does not participate in the Suffolk County HOME Consortium of municipalities.”

For a chance at a smoother path to the American Dream, visit scdownpayment.com to download an application and submit to the portal by March 1.

10 couples take part in Town of Huntington’s annual Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon

by Press Release - February 16, 2024

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Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia carried on the tradition of officiating over the Valentine’s Day Wedding Marathon that took place in Huntington Town Hall.

First initiated in 1995 by then Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, the Annual Huntington Town Valentine’s Day MarriageMarathon has always been well received by all the participating couples and guests. Town Clerk Andrew Raia was honored to continue this special event initiated by his predecessor and mother, Jo-Ann Raia.

“Having a wedding on Valentine’s Day makes the holiday more memorable and a wedding you will never forget,” said Town Clerk Andrew Raia. “It has been a privilege and a pleasure for me to unite these couples and to share in their happiness on this very special day.”

At this year’s Valentine’s Day Marathon, Andrew Raia officiated 10 marriages in the Huntington Town Board Room, which was decorated with hearts, flowers, and candlelight.

Special thanks to local merchants have always been very generous and supportive of this event. This year’s merchants –consisting of bakeries, restaurants, florists, supermarkets/food stores, and pharmacies—donated items for this year’s celebration.

Blondie’s Bake Shop – Centerport
Buttercooky Bakery – Huntington
Cactus Salon Spa – Huntington
Copenhagen Bakery – Northport
Fiorello Dolce Patisserie – Huntington
Flowers by Patty – Huntington Station
Hengstenberg Florist – Northport
Hometown Bake Shop – Centerport

Hummel Hummel Bakery – East Northport
King Kullen – Huntington
La Piazza Cucina Italiana & Wine Bar – Melville
Main Street Nursery – Huntington
Rite Aid – Huntington
Southdown Marketplace – Huntington
Value Drugs – Huntington
Wild by Nature – Huntington

SCWA water distribution project set to improve reliability in Huntington

by Samantha Rutt - February 10, 2024

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Water Main Improvements Coming to Huntington Photo — Crew members excavate a trench in Huntington to install 4,600 feet of new ductile iron water main. Photo courtesy Suffolk County Water Authority

By Samantha Rutt

In a bid to enhance water service reliability and meet the growing demands of its customers, the Suffolk County Water Authority has embarked on a substantial water main replacement project in Huntington. The project, currently underway near West Main Street, involves replacing over 4,600 feet of old, undersized water main with a larger ductile water main.

The new 12-inch main is poised to significantly improve water flow in the system, allowing SCWA to deliver a more dependable and efficient service to its customers in the area. SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of the water main system, particularly during the winter, which experiences the highest incidence of water main breaks.

“During the winter, we see the busiest time of the year for water main breaks. Being proactive and replacing aging infrastructure ensures that we can reliably serve our customers with high-quality water without interruption,” Lefkowitz said in a statement.

He explained the proactive approach of replacing aging infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to high-quality water for customers.

“Our water main system is one of the most important parts of our infrastructure, making it crucial for SCWA to ensure its structural integrity,” Lefkowitz said.

The significance of this project is amplified by its location in one of Huntington’s busiest areas. West Main Street, a bustling thoroughfare that hosts numerous businesses, restaurants, residences and the renowned Paramount theater, attracts many visitors daily. Ensuring a robust water distribution infrastructure in this area is essential in minimizing the risk of main breaks and water service disruptions.

“The part of Huntington in which this project is taking place is one of the village’s busiest areas, making this project especially important to our residents,” Lefkowitz explained.

The project, which is expected to be completed by mid-February, aligns with SCWA’s commitment to providing water that can be trusted and service that can be relied upon. It reflects the authority’s dedication to modernizing infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its customers while ensuring the continued prosperity of Huntington’s vibrant community.

Residents and businesses alike can look forward to a more resilient water system that supports the thriving energy of West Main Street and SCWA’s ongoing efforts to deliver water service to the Huntington community.

As the project progresses, SCWA plans to continue to keep the community informed about any developments or potential disruptions, prioritizing transparency and collaboration throughout the process.

For more information and updates on the water main replacement project, residents are encouraged to visit SCWA’s official website (www.scwa.com) or contact their local SCWA office.

Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon returns to Huntington

by Press Release - February 7, 2024

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Valentine's Day weddings — Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia, Town of Huntington Marriage Officer, at last year's Valentine’s Day Marriage Ceremony Marathon. Photo from Town of Huntington

Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia will be performing his annual marriage ceremonies as the Town’s Marriage Officer on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by appointment in the Town Board Room at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington.

There is no charge to the couple for the ceremony and their guests are welcome to attend the reception.

Please note:

Marriage Ceremonies: A marriage ceremony may only take place after 24 hours issuance of a marriage license (more information); vow renewals do not require a waiting period.

Domestic Partnership Registry: Find more information on requirements for a Domestic Partnership Registry.

“Love is in the air once again at Huntington Town Hall this Valentine’s Day,” said Town Clerk Raia. “It is an honor and a privilege to join two people in a lifetime of love and commitment and it’s the part of my job that is the most heartwarming.”

To make an appointment, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (631) 351-3216 or email [email protected].

Town of Huntington breaks ground on new Halesite Marina Park

by Press Release - December 24, 2023

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HALESITE MARINA PARK CONCEPT PLAN 2024 — Graphic courtesy Town of Huntington

The Town of Huntington announced the commencement of construction at Halesite Marina Park, which is located directly behind the Halesite Fire Department north of Halesite Marina. In the coming months, the park will undergo a major facelift.

The plans include replacing the 60-year old bulkhead and new expanded floats to benefit transient and resident boaters, a redesign of the parking lot to improve traffic flow and add an additional 15 parking stalls, also the replacement of the existing flagpole, including a flag lighter.

The overall look of the park will be consistent with Halesite Marina. Brick pavers will replace concrete paths and decorative pedestrian street lighting will be added. The entire park will be replanted with native species plants and natural pollinators to improve the overall environmental feel of the park.

“Our parks are a lifeline for our residents”, said Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R). “My administration is fully committed to improving our parks and adding to the quality of life for taxpayers, their families and visitors alike.”

Completion of the project is slated for the end of summer 2024 and the planting will begin in that fall.

More details of the project can be found on the Town of Huntington website, huntingtonny.gov/news/?FeedID=5732.

Cergol and Cook leave Huntington Town Board with accolades

by TBR Staff - December 17, 2023

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By Sabrina Artusa

Huntington Town Councilwoman Joan Cergol and Councilman Eugene Cook received a send-off at their final Town Board meeting Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Cergol (D) joined the board in 2017 but has worked in the supervisor’s office for 16 years. Several presenters, from thankful constituents, staff and co-workers — including former Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, fellow councilmembers and former Deputy Supervisor Patricia DelCol — commended Cergol on her public service record.

Tom Hogan, a member of the Huntington Small Business Economic Recovery Task Force, expressed his gratitude for Cergol’s achievements, which include securing millions in grant funding and for Huntington’s downtown, working to increase affordable housing and establishing a shellfish garden.

Ken Patrick Johnson, director of the African American Task Force, said, “Joan’s tenacity, no excuses, getting-it-done work ethic inspired me to get interested in how local government works.”

Town Clerk Andrew Raia (R) added, “Joan, you helped teach me how to be a better elected official when it comes to bipartisanship because you look right past the politics and get right to the issue.”

Cook (R) was elected in 2012, and during his service has maintained his contracting business. Often referred to as a “self-made man,” Cook began his career as a welder before becoming a business owner and councilmember. Petrone complimented Cook’s determination, insight and fresh approach to politics. Veteran affairs was a signature concern of Cook’s.

Richard McGrath, member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, wrote in a letter to Cook, “Your commitment to focus on public service instead of politics became good politics. … You always still seem to find the time and often the resources to help anyone who needed help and asked you.”

“You put the pieces together, and the veterans will always be grateful,” Raia said of Cook, who often worked on behalf of veterans and taxpayers. For example, he repaved the Northport VA golf course at no cost to taxpayers.

In addition to celebrating the service of Cergol and Cook, the town staged a public hearing exploring the possibility of designating two properties as historical landmarks.

Barry Lites thanked the board for their role in the receipt of a county grant of $500,000 for the development of the Huntington African American Museum. Lites is president of the museum board. Cergol sponsored the resolution to dedicate town-owned land for the museum’s 99-year lease.

Brooke Lupinacci and Theresa Mari were elected to fill the seats of Cergol and Cook, and will be sworn in at the next Town Board meeting Jan. 3.

“In the rough and tumble of politics and government you can get a little beat up, but it is worth it for times like this,” Cergol said of her farewell.

Huntington’s Polar Plungers dive deep for Special Olympics

by TBR Staff - December 16, 2023

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By Michael Scro

The Town of Huntington hosted its 3rd annual Polar Plunge event at Frank P. Petrone Crab Meadow Beach on Sunday, Dec. 10, when well over 100 participants bravely made their way into the frigid water for a worthy cause, helping to raise more than $22,000 for Special Olympic athletes.

With temperatures unseasonably warm — at high 40s, low 50s — on the cloudy December morning, the water was somewhat more tolerable but still sent most plungers into shivers and cold shock as soon as they hit the water.

Town of Huntington Councilman Dave Bennardo (R) thanked everyone for attending, including students from neighboring schools such as Elwood, South Huntington and Northport, highlighting “the real stars of the show being our friends from the Special Olympics.”

John Cronin and his father, Mark, from John’s Crazy Socks, a Farmingdale-based business that sells various themed socks and donates 5% of its earnings to the Special Olympics, co-hosted the event with the town. Bennardo also pointed out that John Cronin has done 10 Polar Plunges, prompting a round of applause.

“John is an inspiration,” Bennardo said. “If he can do all the great things he’s done, we can certainly plunge in the water once for our Special Olympic friends,” adding, “Today, we put aside differences and different sides of the aisle and focus on something that has no downside — taking care of people we love.”

With John Cronin by his father’s side, Mark asked if he was ready to take another plunge, to which he happily replied, “I was born ready.” John and his father also handed participants polar bear-themed socks to help keep them warm after the plunge.

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