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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta

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Legislator Rob Trotta presented a proclamation to Alyssa Faro at her Eagle Scout Court of Honor. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Since being sworn in as a Suffolk County Legislator in January 2015, Legislator Rob Trotta has attended numerous ceremonies where boy scouts have been recognized for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest award in scouting. Recently, Legislator Trotta had the opportunity to attend several events recognizing female Eagle Scouts. Most recently for Alyssa Faro of Kings Park on May 30 who had attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Troop 539G, which was formed in 2019.

Alyssa earned more than 21 merit badges and held various leadership positions, as well as completing her community service project where she organized and supervised a soccer clinic for Smithtown schools.

“I wouldn’t miss this event for the world. I am so proud of Alyssa for completing the requirements for becoming an Eagle Scout. It is important that she remembers that this achievement will be with her for the rest of her life,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

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Arline Goldstein with Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

At the annual Jewish American Heritage Celebration on May 7 at the H. Lee Dennison Building, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Arline Goldstein as the Jewish American Person of Distinction for his legislative district.

Arline Goldstein has a master’s in art and taught art at the Longwood School District for many years. After retiring, she was an instructor at the Smithtown Town Arts Council and later joined its board and served as President.

Through the years, she has organized art events in her community, such as The Backyard Painters, The Art Market with the Smithtown Historical Society, an Art Walk on Lake Avenue in St. James and is one of the founders of the St. James Cultural Arts Center, where she organized drawing and painting workshops. For 10 years, she chaired “Cottages to Castles,” featuring homes on a house tour, followed by a luncheon at Flowerfield, which also had a gift shop. The event raised funds for four local non-profits.

Her artwork has been featured in many publications, and she illustrated the children’s book, “Keeping Time with Jou-Jou.” The Long Island Museum in Stony Brook also showcased her work.

As a member of the Smithtown Rotary, this past winter, she organized “Operation Comfy and Cozy,” with the Smithtown Food Pantry. The community donated over 1,000 pajamas and hundreds of gloves and hats. As a Rotarian, Arline Goldstein strives to improve lives.

For several years, Arline Goldstein served as Legislator Trotta’s representative on the Suffolk County Citizens Advisory Board for the Arts. “It has been a pleasure to know and work with Arline on art related projects, and she has generously shared her knowledge and expertise with so many organizations in her town,” said Legislator Trotta.

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Pictured at the Legislature to recognize the Champions of Diversity from the 13th Legislative District are some of the members of the Smithtown Unity Council Michael Chlystun, Jay Fried, chair Maria LaMalfa (with the proclamation), Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta and Brian De Sorbe. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized the Smithtown Unity Council as the 2025 13th Legislative District’s Champion of Diversity at a ceremony during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting in Riverhead on April 8.

In 2022, the Legislature passed a resolution that each Legislator shall designate a Diversity Champion for their district to be recognized in the month of April every year. The honoree is one who demonstrates an openness in thinking and respects diverse racial, cultural and ethnic differences.

The Town of Smithtown initially formed the Smithtown Anti-Bias Task Force in 1994 and then in 2023, the Board renamed it the Smithtown Unity Council. However, the mandate remains the same – to identify and respond to bias through education and cultural initiatives, promoting both the diversity and unity of the people of Smithtown.

The Suffolk County Police Department Hate Crimes Unit provides the members with statistics to guide them in planning educational programs needed to remediate and to support the communities targeted by hate attacks.

Members of the Council attend monthly meetings of the Suffolk County Interfaith Anti- Bias Task Force to share information and programming ideas with other Town organizations. In conjunction with such organizations as the Suffolk County Community College Center for Social Justice and Human Understanding, 3GNY (an educational organization founded by the grandchildren of Holocaust survivors to preserve the legacies and lessons of the Holocaust), and the AME denomination (African Methodist Episcopal Church), the Unity Council offers opportunities for residents to learn and enhance their understanding through programs focused on the Holocaust and local African American history.

In conjunction with various organizations and businesses, the Unity Council hosts events throughout the year to bring people together to learn about and understand each other’s cultures on such special occasions as Iftar during Ramadan, Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration and an annual Pride Family Picnic.

“I applaud the work and contributions that the Smithtown Unity Council does for the residents and businesses of Smithtown. I commend each member for their contributions and personal involvement said,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Maria LaMalfa, chair of the Smithtown Unity Council, expressed their heartfelt thanks to Legislator Trotta and the County Legislature for recognizing and celebrating our ongoing commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. “Thank you, Legislator Trotta, for standing with us in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all,” she added.

 

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Smithtown Town Hall. File photo

By Peter Sloniewsky

An application for a controversial Kings Park waste management rail project was withdrawn by CarlsonCorp, a local developer, at the end of March. 

Townline Rail Terminal LLC, an affiliate of CarlsonCorp, proposed a new commercial rail terminal in Kings Park to the federal Surface Transportation Board in January. Elected officials that supported the project, including Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim  (R) and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R, Fort Salonga) cite a desire to take trucks off of the roads as a main purpose for the project. 

In a previous interview with TBR News Media, CarlsonCorp head Toby Carlson also cited the closure of the Town of Brookhaven Landfill as an important reason to build the rail yard. At a public meeting in January, proponents of the plan, including Carlson, claimed that a more efficient system of waste management is necessary and that replacing garbage trucks with freight trains would reduce road congestion and environmental impact. 

To pass, the proposal would have required amendments to local zoning and waste management laws alongside a town environmental review. The proposed construction would have extended approximately 5,000 feet off the Long Island Rail Road Port Jefferson Branch line, and would have been used to dispose of incinerated ash and construction debris with diesel freight trains. 

However, the proposal was met with firm community discontent. In particular, residents of Smithtown and surrounding areas revived the Townline Association, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization devoted to fighting the project. 

In a Change.org petition with more than 3,200 signatures, the Townline cited health risks, noise concerns, potential water pollution, a negative impact on home values and a lack of public notice for their opposition. The project was also opposed by the Commack Community Association and the Fort Salonga Association. 

While this project may have been canceled, the landfill’s closure still presents a major issue for waste management across Long Island. Nicole Garguilo, a public information officer for the Town of Smithtown, clarified that the town is still looking for solutions. 

“But while this specific proposal is no longer moving forward, the underlying issue — the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions — has not gone away,” Garguilo wrote to TBR News Media. 

Garguilo also emphasized that the Town of Smithtown is looking for a larger-scale process in the future. 

“The rail line project was set aside by the applicant until a broader, regional plan involving both Suffolk County and New York State could be established to address the growing solid waste crisis,” Garguilo told TBR. “Addressing the waste crisis will require thoughtful

planning, strategic research and coordinated action at the highest levels of government. Meaningful solutions must be rooted in comprehensive federal, state and county legislation, with sustained support and funding at the core of any long-term strategy,” She added. 

That being said, she also affirmed that the Town of Smithtown would be more open to public comment in the future on such matters. 

“This experience has reaffirmed a vital lesson: that early, transparent and consistent public engagement is essential, even when the Town’s role is limited by federal or state jurisdiction, or by constitutional and zoning laws. Residents deserve to have their voices heard and their concerns acknowledged — especially on issues as impactful as infrastructure and waste management,” Garguilo wrote. “As we move forward, we are committed to full transparency. The public will be kept informed in real time, and every proposal will be subject to rigorous review and community input. We know there are no easy answers — but we also know that inaction is not an option.”

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From left, Suffolk County Police Officer Matt Spilotros, Eagle Scout Alexander Tafone and Leg. Rob Trotta. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Troop 539’s Alexander Jude Tafone on April 6 at Travis Hall at St. Joseph’s Church in Kings Park.

For his community service project, Alex organized a 5K Fun Run/Walk to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Approximately 150 people participated in the event and Alex was able to donate over $10,000 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“This is a wonderful honor for Alex, and he certainly earned it. I know his parents, family, friends, troop leaders and fellow scouts must be extremely proud of him. What is so special about this award is that you obtained it while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life,” said Legislator Trotta.

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Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented his nominee and overall 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Kathy Albrecht with a proclamation signed by all 18 members of the Legislature. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta introduces his nominee and overall 2025 Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Kathy Albrecht (rear, left) as County Executive Edward Romaine (rear, center) and Legislator/Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (rear, right), Chair of the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Commission Twila Silverman and Director of the Office of Women’s Services Stacy Caggiano listen. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office
Pictured at the 2025 Woman of Distinction Celebration are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (center) with his nominee and overall winner, Kathy Albrecht, (right) and Adrienne Giannadeo his 2024 Woman of Distinction. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

At the March 4 General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Kathy Albrecht, Legislator Rob Trotta’s nominee for the 2025 Woman of Distinction was announced as the person chosen by the Suffolk County Women’s Advisory Committee as the overall county wide 2025 Woman of Distinction. Each legislator selects one woman from their district as their Woman of Distinction who is then considered for this overall recognition.

Kathy was recognized for her commitment to and involvement with her family, friends and community. “She has been a role model for her two daughters and other women, as well as an inspiration to all,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

She grew up in Westbury and then the family moved to Setauket where she graduated from Ward Melville High School. She enlisted in the Army where she served as a helicopter medic from 1980-1984. She met her husband, Dave, a marine, while in the service.

Kathy and Dave have lived in Smithtown for more than 40 years. She is Chief of Staff for New York State Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick and writes a column, Around Smithtown, for The Smithtown News. She is extremely involved in the community volunteering as a Sunday school teacher and director of Hospitality at the Grace Church in Smithtown, serves on the board of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and is the treasurer, a trustee with the Smithtown Cemetery Association, a member of the American Legion Post 833, former trustee at the Smithtown Historical Society and active with many other organizations.

“Kathy is an integral member of her community, and she is passionate about the town and the people who live there,” said Legislator Trotta. “In fact, several years ago she donated one of her kidneys to a young woman whom she did not know but read about her need in The Smithtown News and saw it on News 12. Kathy volunteered to be tested as a match and was pleased when she found that she was compatible with the woman. Since that time, she has been an advocate for organ donations,” added Trotta.

She has been recognized by the Smithtown Children’s Foundation with its Courage Award, New York State Medal of Honor for The Gift of Life, named the Times of Smithtown Woman of the Year 2012 and the Smithtown Business & Professional Women’s “Network of Example.”

Legislator Trotta said, “I have known Kathy a long time and she is most deserving of this recognition. She shares her time and talent with many individuals and organizations helping to make the community a great place for all to live and work.”

 

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A slide displaying some proposed improvements (right). Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

The Smithtown Town Board held the last public hearing Jan. 23 on the Kings Park Downtown Revitalization Plan before the window for public comments closes and it can be voted on for approval by the town board. 

The plan includes pedestrian-focused amenities and infrastructure, updated parking and wider sidewalks. It has been developed over the course of nine years. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) awarded Kings Park and Smithtown a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. Further, updated and expanded sewer systems were necessary to make the plan possible. 

“Communities like St. James, Commack and Smithtown can’t afford to stand still,” Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) said. “I have no problem with below ground parking…we are not going to turn Smithtown into Queens,” he said, responding to the common worry among critics that the increased floor maximum and below-ground parking represent a step toward further urbanization.

Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) addresses the Smithtown Town Board. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

The maximum height of 3 floors and 40 feet in the core downtown district, an increase, and the permittance of apartment buildings in the area were causes for criticism among some, including Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga). 

“I am not against building…I do not want overdevelopment of the town,” Trotta said. “When I think of underground parking, I think of Queens. We are setting a precedent.” 

State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said, “What this board has done is commendable…Kings Park is in dire straits for development, for the right development.” 

The majority of residents and business owners who spoke were in support of the “long overdue” plan. Kevin Smith, a member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, had a store front in Kings Park. “I was living my dream. It was the American dream. I had a shop front on Main Street and I had to close down,” he said. 

Smith reminisced on his own youth spent in Kings Park and how to have fun he would often visit other towns such as Patchogue or Babylon. He hoped that the return of a bustling downtown would keep the younger generation in Kings Park.

Some speakers, including Trotta, used their time before the board to protest the proposed 50-unit apartment building at the corner of Meadow Road and Indian Head Road. The adoption of the Kings Park revitalization plan would change the zoning of the area to transit-oriented development.  

Mike Rosato of Kings Park said, “Building height should be limited to no more than 2.5 stories to preserve the historical and suburban character of the community…this project along with others, if allowed to proceed, significantly alters the character of Kings Park, overwhelms local infrastructure, and negatively impacts our residential quality of life.” 

Another speaker said, “I think you guys should go forward with this project. It will give these young people an opportunity to afford a home.” 

For more information, visit the Smithtown website: www.smithtownny.gov.

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Brayden Michael Dickneider receives a proclamation for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout from Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recognized Brayden Michael Dickneider of Troop 214 for attaining the esteemed rank of Eagle Scout at his Court of Honor at the Smithtown Presbyterian Church on January 4. During the ceremony, he presented Brayden with a proclamation to acknowledge this accomplishment.

Brayden completed the requirements to be eligible to receive the rank of Eagle Scout. For his community service project, Brayden installed a new fence at the Smithtown First Presbyterian Church.

“This is a very proud moment for Brayden, his family and friends and the other scouts. This accomplishment will be with him for the rest of his life, and I am sure he will serve as an inspiration to the younger scouts,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

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Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Juan Rodriguez, a US Army veteran who served his country with distinction during the Korean War while assigned to the “Borinqueneers” the 65th Infantry Regiment, was recognized for his distinguished service at a celebration at the VFW Post 5796 in Kings Park on January 11.

During the Korean War, often referred to as the “Forgotten War,” the men of the 65th Infantry Regiment earned 10 Distinguished Service Crosses, 256 Silver Stars, and 596 Bronze Stars. In addition, on June 10, 2014, the Regiment was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Then in 2021 Congress designated April 13 as “National Borinqueneers Day.”The 65th Regiment was the first segregated Hispanic military unit from Puerto Rico and the first unit of the Korean War to receive such distinction.

After the war, Mr. Rodriguez enrolled in the School of Commercial Arts and upon graduating he worked in advertising and then started his own Hot Press business in Manhattan. With the advent of computers, he closed his business and worked out his home for a couple of years and then secured a position as a custodian for the Kings Park School District.

During the program, Legislator Trotta related a story about his father who joined the marines during the Korean War as he did not want to go to college. In boot camp, his superiors gave him a test and he did so well that they sent him to college, and he was stationed in Puerto Rico during the Korean War. “I am extremely proud to be here today and thank you for your service to our country,” added Trotta.

Pictured at the celebration are from left to right Nick Cipolla, representing US Congressman Nick LaLota, NYS Senator Mario Mattera, Korean War Veteran Juan Rodriguez and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Legislator Rob Trotta (left) congratulates Chief Phillip Carroll of the Kings Park Fire Department and presents him with a proclamation to recognize this honor.

The Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation designating the first week in August as Firefighter and EMS Personnel Volunteer Week to recognize these volunteers for donating their time, expertise and resources to make Suffolk County a safer place to live.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta realizes that all volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are dedicated men and women who stop what they are doing at any given time to respond to an emergency. Instead of picking one person, he decided to give this recognition to the entire Kings Park Fire Department and EMS Personnel.

The King Park Fire Department started in 1913 and has 90 members who respond to over 2000 calls a year, which is almost six calls a day. It covers the areas of Kings Park, Sane Remo and Fort Salonga.

Its members are responsible for dealing with fires and medical emergencies, car and boating accidents, hazardous materials cases, such as carbon monoxide poisoning, and other situations that may arise. During the summer, the local parks can add to the 17,000 people that the department serves. On some weekends, Sunken Meadow State Park, which is in Kings Park, can have up to 60,000 visitors a day.

“I commend these men and women for their tireless dedication and for demonstrating their commitment to meet the needs of the community twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

 

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