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Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta

Community invited to Open House at Fort Salonga’s 27-acre estate ‘Owl Hill’ May 24

by Press Release - May 19, 2025

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0-8 — A recent photo of Owl Hill. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Since 2016, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has worked tirelessly to preserve Smithtown’s unique Owl Hill estate and its 27 acres from being developed into multiple housing units. His efforts prevailed as Suffolk County purchased the entire parcel from the developer for $8.3million using money from the Suffolk County Drinking Water Protection Fund.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta accepts the award for “Organization Excellence”
from Preservation Long Island’s Director Tara Cubie. Photo courtesy of PLI

The sprawling property is home to the 117-year-old, 6,500 square foot mansion designed by world-renowned American architect Henry Killam Murphy. Noted first patent attorney, Edmund Wetmore, commissioned Murphy to design it. Inside the mansion, there is an impressive mahogany staircase, mahogany floors and paneling; library; wood paneled dining room; eight bedrooms; music/living room; five bathrooms; kitchen; several fireplaces; basement, and much more. The dining room has an “owl” motif on the chairs, as well as the matching buffet. The grounds include stunning plants and mature trees, along with a garage and outer building.

On January 25, 2025, at its biennial awards ceremony, Preservation Long Island (PLI) awarded Legislator Trotta and Suffolk County with its biennial Preservation Award for “Organizational Excellence” for their efforts to preserve Owl Hill as a valuable resource in the community. Trotta is very committed to preserving the storied historic estate and adapting it for continued cultural and civic programs.

The public is invited to attend an “Open House” to see the property and “Owl Hill” on Saturday, May 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Owl Hill is located at 99 Sunken Meadow Road, Fort Salonga. For more information or questions, please call Legislator Trotta’s district office at 631-854-3900.

St. James Jewelry Shoppe recognized during the Suffolk County’s Small Business Month

by Press Release - May 16, 2025

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0-6 — Pictured at the Suffolk County Legislature are Smithtown Jewelry Shoppe owner Lenny Piskorz and Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

In 2023, the Suffolk County Legislature designated May as “Small Business Month” to recognize the important contributions that small businesses provide to the communities where they are located and to the economy. Each legislator selects a small business, with less than 25 employees, from their legislative district.

At the May 6 General Meeting of the Legislature, each legislator recognized their respective honoree. The St. James Jewelry Shoppe on Lake Avenue in St. James was chosen by Legislator Trotta. Current owner Lenny Piskorz started working in the jewelry business while in high school and took over this store in 2008. “Lenny and his staff provide exceptional service to meet the needs of their customers, and his store is an asset for the community,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

St. James Jewelry Shoppe has been a full-service jewelry store for over 40 years. The shop offers a wide variety of gold, silver and platinum jewelry and specializes in customed jewelry and repair work, including eyeglasses, all of which are done on the premises. Lenny’s artistic talents and craftsmanship shine when transforming a customer’s ideas fromdrawings, pictures or concepts into a one-of-a kind piece of jewelry.

Suffolk County Leg. Trotta recognizes nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center during Nurses Week

by Press Release - May 12, 2025

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0-5 — Pictured with Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (right) are from left, St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center’s President Chris Nelson, Chief Nursing Officer Karen T. Fasano, and Assistant Vice President of Nursing Elizabeth McNulty.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta recently recognized the nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown during Nurses Week.

National Nurses Week began May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, which celebrates all nurses and the important work they do in our community. The theme this year was “The Power of Nurses.” The theme emphasized the incredible impact that nurses have and their essential role in health care.

St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center held a special “nurses flag raising” ceremony at its main entrance to the hospital and will do so each year as an annual event. Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta presented officials from St. Catherine of Siena with a proclamation and thanked all the nurses for their tireless dedication, compassion and outstanding patient care.

Commack High School Regeneron finalist, Ishana Chadha, honored by Suffolk County Leg. Trotta

by Press Release - March 17, 2025

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0-15 — Pictured from left, Commack Superintendent Jordan Cox, Research Coordinator Jeanette Collette, Legislator Rob Trotta, Regeneron finalist Ishana Chandha, Principal Carrie Lipenholz, Science Director Laura Longo and Ishana’s mother. Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

“As a graduate of Commack High School North, I am always proud to recognize the achievements of Commack’s students,” said Legislator Rob Trotta at the March 4 General Meeting of the Legislature as he introduced Ishana Chadha who was selected as one of the 40 finalists in the annual Regeneron science competition. The contest had 2,471 entrants from 795 high schools.

For her project, she researched a protein gene that affects cognitive disabilities. It is entitled, “Understanding Neuronal Migration in Brain Development: The Role of Oligophrenin1 in Modulating Radial Migration of Pyramidal Neurons by Interaction with Pacsin2.” Ishana is particularly interested in this field as her great grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease and she recalls the impact it had on her great grandmother, parents and herself. In addition, she aspires to be a neurosurgeon.

Legislator Trotta noted that Commack has a tradition of students excelling in this competition as they have had 13 other Regeneron scholars over the years. He congratulated Ishana and thanked the school officials for their support, as well as her parents.

Preservation Long Island honors 2024 Preservation Award recipients at Cold Spring Harbor ceremony

by Press Release - February 14, 2025

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Awardees from Setauket, Mattituck, Sag Harbor, Fort Salonga, and Garden City recognized

Preservation Long Island hosted an awards ceremony and reception on January 25 to honor individuals and organizations who have exemplified excellence in their efforts to preserve their community’s valuable historic resources.

Held at Preservation Long Island’s headquarters gallery in the Old Methodist Church in Cold Spring Harbor, the evening brought together honorees and guests for a celebration of preservation excellence. Attendees enjoyed live jazz music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres while viewing historic paintings, artifacts, and antique furniture from Preservation Long Island’s permanent collection.

Preservation LI Board President Michelle Elliott Gokey welcomed guests and provided an overview of the biennial Preservation Awards that recognize extraordinary achievement in historic preservation across Long Island.

Executive Director Jackie Powers, emphasized the significance of the awards and acknowledged the public officials in attendance, including Suffolk County Legislators Steven Englebright and Robert Trotta (both 2024 awardees), Huntington Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Michelle McCarthy, Chief of Staff to Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smyth and Kevin Stuessi, Mayor of Greenport.

Guest presenters awarded certificates to the recipients of Preservation LI’s 2024 Preservation Awards and the 2024 Howard C. Sherwood Award:

1. Project Excellence Award: The Hawkins-Elzon House Restoration: Presented by Zachary Studenroth, Architecture and Preservation Consultant

The Safina Center received recognition for restoring the Hawkins-Elzon House, which now serves as the nonprofit’s headquarters. The award was presented to Carl Safina, founder of the Safina Center, and New York State Legislator Steven Englebright, both in attendance.

2. Organizational Excellence Award: Suffolk County for the Preservation of Owl Hill: Presented by Tara Cubie, Preservation Director, Preservation LI

Suffolk County was recognized for preserving Owl Hill, a 1907 mansion and 27 acres of open space in Fort Salonga, protecting it from redevelopment. Legislator Robert Trotta accepted the award on behalf of the county and County Executive Romaine. Also in attendance was Richard Martin, Suffolk County Parks Department Director of Historic Services. Independent historian Corey Geske was acknowledged for identifying the home’s renowned architect.

3. Project Excellence Award: The Church, Sag Harbor: Presented by Jeremy Dennis, Lead Artist & President, Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio

Artists April Gornick & Eric Fischl, along with Lee Skolnick & Jo Ann Secor of Skolnick Architecture, were honored for their leadership in transforming a 19th-century Methodist church into a vibrant arts and cultural hub. The award also recognized the site’s landscape design and amphitheater by renowned landscape designer Ed Hollander, accepted on his behalf by Jackie Powers.

4. Project Excellence Award: Mattituck Creek Tide Mill: Presented by Tara Cubie

The restoration of the historic Mattituck Creek Tide Mill was celebrated, with the award presented to Anthony Martignetti, a restauranteur, author, and designer. The careful restoration, undertaken with contractor Glenn Heidtmann of Heidtmann and Sons, was conducted under guidance from the New York State Historic Preservation Office. The Old Mill is set to open as a restaurant in Spring 2025.

5. Howard Sherwood Award for Preservation Advocacy: Brian Pinnola (Posthumous): Presented by Architect Paul Bentel

The evening concluded with a special tribute to Brian Pinnola, a devoted advocate for historic preservation, former board member of Preservation Long Island, and past president of The Garden City Historical Society. Brian’s lifelong dedication left a lasting impact on the community. The award was accepted in his honor by his partner, Maureen Soltren.

Photos by Len Marks Photography

Suffolk County Leg. Trotta’s Winter Coat Drive a success

by Press Release - January 25, 2025

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0-7 — Some of the hats knitted by Sue Harrison for children and adults. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who need warm winter clothing.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta with some of the coats residents dropped off at his office in Smithtown. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta’s office

“The response was phenomenal. We received numerous donations from so many residents,” said Legislator Trotta. “In addition, for the third year in a row, Sue Harrison knitted hats for the children and adults,” added Trotta.

“Every donated coat and warm garment represent a message of hope and care from one human being to another. Thank you to RSVP and Legislator Rob Trotta for all your support and enthusiasm each year to make our Coat Drive a success,” said Tricia Folliero, Vice President, SMM Advertising.

The donated winter wear was distributed to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, St, Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Jospeh’s Church in Kings Park, St. Gerard of Majella Outreach, Infant Jesus Outreach, Church of the Resurrection Outreach, Echo Arms Adult Home, Lighthouse Mission and Pax Christi Men’s Shelter.

“The Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer program is overwhelmed by the response of our RSVP volunteers and our community members to take this opportunity to care for our community. The number of blankets and coats that they provided was incredible and so often the donation came with a willingness to continue to help. We are grateful to be working with Leg. Trotta and SMM Advertising.,” said Maryflorence Brennan, Executive Director of RSVP.

Drivers may be owed ‘millions’ after red-light camera ruling

by Dylan Friedman - January 17, 2025

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Red-light-camera-springfield-ohio — Photo from Wikimedia Commons by Derek Jensen

By Dylan Friedman

Suffolk County’s red-light camera program officially ceased on Dec. 1.

The program generated hundreds of millions of dollars in fines and fees since its inception 14 years ago.

“The intent for it was to make things safer for our roads,” Suffolk County Legislator Robert Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) said.

However, despite the original intent, the program’s effectiveness has been a frequently contentious issue. Supporters emphasize a decline in severe accidents and fatalities as proof of its success. Conversely, detractors argue it has led to an uptick in rear-end collisions due to individuals stopping suddenly to avoid camera detection. Critics also label it a “cash grab” for the county, which reported earning approximately $13 million from the program in 2023.

In a recent CBS News report, county data showed an 11.3% drop in accidents with injuries and an 8.6% overall increase in crashes.

“The data showed that the rear-end accidents skyrocketed in those intersections [where the cameras were placed],” Trotta said.

According to Newsday, while Suffolk County had independently decided to terminate its red-light camera program, the decision swiftly followed a recent appellate court ruling invalidating Nassau County’s $100 surcharge on top of the standard $50 red-light camera ticket. The court found that Nassau County’s surcharge violates state law. It is worth noting that Suffolk County also previously collected a similar surcharge until 2023.

“If I saw road improvements or it went back to the school system, it would make me feel better about paying for these tickets,” said Nicholas Harding of East Patchogue in a CBS News interview.

Nassau County intends to challenge the recent court ruling that invalidated the county’s ability to levy surcharges on red-light camera tickets. Notably, the county’s red-light camera program remains operational during this appeal process.

However, according to a Fox News report, the recent appellate court ruling regarding the collection fees from these red-light cameras could potentially entitle drivers to “hundreds of millions of dollars,” although the exact amount remains uncertain.

“The purpose of the lawsuit is to get back every dime that was paid in excess of the statutory amount of $50 and $25 in Suffolk. In Nassau, it was even worse. It was an extra $100,” attorney David Raimondo said in a recent statement. “I’m hoping the residents of Nassau and Suffolk have some sense of justice … let’s hope they’re happy when they get their refunds.”

So, if the recent ruling is not directly related to the ending of the red-light camera program in Suffolk County, why else is the program ending?

According to Newsday, although former Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. (D-Sag Harbor) sponsored an extension bill in the state assembly, no member of Suffolk’s senate delegation, comprised of four Republicans and one Democrat, introduced a corresponding extension bill prior to the adjournment of the last legislative session in June.

Additionally, according to Newsday, extending the program in Suffolk County would have required approval from both the county and state legislatures, a process that would have occurred during an election year, potentially increasing complexity and political considerations.

Suffolk County Leg. Rob Trotta congratulates Troop 539’s newest Eagle Scout

by Press Release - January 11, 2025

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0-3 — Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, right, is pictured with Eagle Scout Michael Canonic (center) and Suffolk County Legislator candidate Frank Black. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Michael Canonic, a junior at Kings Park High School. During his 16 years, he has had many challenges as he is deaf and learned to listen through a cochlear implant hearing aid from a young age. Although no one in Michael’s family works in the car repairbusiness, his goal is to open up his own auto body shop to repair vehicles damaged in accidents.

For his community service project, Michael designed and created an outdoor learning space located off of the library at the William T. Rogers Middle School in Kings Park.

“Becoming an Eagle Scout is a testament to your character and leadership skills and is something that you have accomplished while still a teenager. This recognition will stay with you for the rest of your life and can never be taken from you,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta. “What you have done is very impressive and we will expect great things from you in the future,” added Legislator Trotta.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta congratulates Smithtown’s newest Eagle Scouts

by Press Release - December 3, 2024

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Pictured at Troop 888’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, (center), Eagle Scouts Douglas Antaky, Sean Bauer, Tyler Liebold, Michael K. Power and Anthony Zitoli.

Five scouts earned the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony at the American Legion Hall in Smithtown on November 30. Celebrating their achievement were Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, family, friends and fellow scouts and scout leaders, and other guests.

Douglas Antaky refurbished the playground at Sweetbriar Nature Center and built a new zipline platform, added a child safety zipline with handles and a seat and built a seesaw to replace the damaged one for his Eagle Scout Community Service Project.

For his project, Sean Bauer designed and planted a memorial garden at Angela’s House in Smithtown, a home for medically frail children. His brother Nicky has epilepsy and autism and has benefited from their support. Sean raised funds by selling a cookbook with recipes from family, friends and scouts.

Tyler Liebold renovated the deck hockey rink at St. Pat’s, which included removing a planter and installing brick pavers, changing and painting a door and siding on a storage shed, and installing pavers outside of the shed. Tyler’s project was a labor of love as he played hockey here from first grade until 11th grade.

Michael K. Power’s Eagle Scout project benefited both the staff and students at Ascent, a school for individuals with autism. For the staff, he built a lectern and bookcases, and he raised the garden beds and bought gardening tools for the students to learn how to garden.

Anthony Zitoli also did his project at the Sweetbriar Nature Center where he restored several picnic tables and benches by replacing the wood, sanding it and staining the furniture.

At the ceremony, Legislator Trotta presented each Eagle Scout with a proclamation recognizing their achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. “This is a very proud moment for these young men, and this accomplishment will be with them for the rest of their lives,” said Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

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Pictured at Troop 888’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor are Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, (center), Eagle Scouts Douglas Antaky, Sean Bauer, Tyler Liebold, Michael K. Power and Anthony Zitoli.

Winter coat drive underway in Smithtown

by Press Release - October 31, 2024

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Coat-Drive-Rob-Trotta — Photo from Leg. Trotta's office

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta, SMM Advertising and Retired Volunteer Services Programs (RSVP) will hold a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who are in need of warm winter clothing from Nov. 1 through Jan. 7.

They are collecting gently used or new coats, jackets, hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and blankets for infants, children, teens and adult men and women.

“As people prepare for the winter and clean out their closets or plan to give a new coat as a gift, it is important for all of us to help our fellow neighbors who need warm coats by contributing to this drive,” said Legislator Rob Trotta.

Donations may be dropped off at Legislator Trotta’s district office, 59 Landing Avenue, Suite 1, Smithtown, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For directions or questions, call 631-854-3900.

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