News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Concerns Voiced Over Lifting Stonebridge Covenants
It was standing room only at a recent town hearing when residents voiced concern over lifting restrictions to build more homes at Stonebridge Estates in Smithtown. Local officials also spoke out against a plan to build 30 houses at the site abutting Blydenburgh County Park and the headwaters of the Nissequogue River.
Plethora of Issues Addressed at Pattersquash
Brookhaven's newest town board member, Karen Dunne-Kesnig, brought residents up to speed on a number of issues at last week's meeting of the Pattersquash Creek Civic Association. The highest vote-getter even among the veteran council members in November, she picked up from where her predecessor, Supervisor Dan Panico, left off as she addressed resident concerns in full detail.
Suffolk Receives Prestigious Financial Reporting Award
For the 40th straight year, Suffolk County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from a prestigious multinational group.
District Attorney Tierney and Governor Hochul Go Tit-for-Tat in Babylon Body Parts Case
As Suffolk officials rally for changes in a criminal justice system that saw four suspects in a body mutilation case set free with no bail, Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney and Gov. Kathy Hochul went tit-for-tat on who's to blame for their release.
Kevin McCaffrey: Legislator, Presiding Officer
Aside from representing the residents of the 14th District, Kevin McCaffrey has another role in county government: he's also the legislature's Presiding Officer.
Kennedy Audit Exposes Millions in Wasted Cyber Spending
Nearly $14 million in unnecessary expenses were made by Steve Bellone when he was county executive in the wake of the 2022 cyberattack that paralyzed Suffolk government for months, with another $3.5 million lost in annual recurring costs, according to Comptroller John Kennedy in a report released last week.
Brookhaven National Lab, A World Renowned Research Center
Shortly after the Atomic Age began with the detonation of the first nuclear bomb, the government established research facilities to delve into the innate powers of nature. A major center was situated at the former Camp Upton, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and it quickly became renowned for helping make our modern world what it is today.
Anthony Piccirillo, Legislative Force
Chairing key committees in county government, Legislator Anthony Piccirillo has a lot to say about how Suffolk operates and where taxpayer dollars are spent. The Holbrook lawmaker, now in his third term, is part of a Republican majority seeking to take the county in a different direction after years of Democrat rule.
GiGi's Playhouse 3rd Annual Gala
Congressman Andrew Garbarino was among the guests at the 3rd Annual Wonderland Gala sponsored by GiGi's Playhouse Long Island in Patchogue. He announced federal funding to help launch GiGi University's career readiness program and the Hugs & Mugs supported employment program.
Thomas Bivona, Deputy Sheriff's PBA President
Representing 265 men and women in Suffolk law enforcement, the Deputy Sheriff's PBA has a new president, 13-year department veteran Thomas Bivona. The union, headquartered in Ronkonkoma, supports a vibrant workforce in its mission to keep Suffolk safe.
Babylon Body Parts Suspect in Jail on Shoplifting Charges
It didn't take long for a suspect out with no bail in the Babylon Body Parts case to be arrested again, this time for stealing cosmetics from a Lindenhurst CVS, according to police. Amanda Wallace, 40, of Amityville, was arrested for petit larceny while wearing an ankle monitoring device Friday evening.
Grants Available for Home Improvements Through EmPower+
Both homeowners and renters can get grants for energy upgrades and other improvements through the state's Empower+ Program. The goal is to conserve energy and help make living in New York more affordable.
John Jay Study Details Cashless Bail Risks
A recent study by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice shows a whopping 66% of individuals with a prior arrest who were detained and released in New York's suburban and upstate communities as a result of changes in the state's bail laws went on to be re-arrested within two years.
Low-Interest Loans Available in Wake of January Storm
Those impacted by the heavy rain and high winds from the January 9-10 storm can now apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration, local legislators have announced. To assist residents in obtaining the funds, in-person loan Outreach Centers will be open until March 29 at the Mastic Recreation Center and Babylon Town Hall.
Luck of the Irish Smiles on St. Patrick's Parade
The luck of the Irish was with Center Moriches Sunday as the sun broke through and smiled on the St. Patrick's Parade after a night of torrential rain. Everyone turned out in Kelly green as the sound of bagpipes filled the air. Floats were on display from numerous local businesses along with members of various organizations marching down Main Street.
Bellone Mystery Solved
A great political mystery of 2024 has been solved: What is former County Executive Steve Bellone going to do after 26 years in government?
Spotlight: Suffolk Legislator Trotta
A lawmaker who sometimes goes against the grain of the majority is Legislator Robert Trotta, a Fort Salonga Republican who was propelled back into office in November without a challenger.
Suffolk Police Academy List Set
County Executive Edward Romaine pulled the first name from a drum of 3,402 applicants who scored a 95 on the police civil service test. He later called some of the candidates to thank them for pursuing a career in public safety.
New 7th Precinct Inspector: Donald Raber
A 31-year police veteran, Donald Raber has taken charge of the 7th Precinct in Shirley with a mission of building trust and a working relationship between the Suffolk Police and the community.
Babylon Body Parts Case Suspects Out With No Bail
Blame for the crime wave sweeping across the state was laid squarely on Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York's Democrat lawmakers by a coalition of Suffolk officials and law enforcement in the wake of the now infamous Babylon Body Parts case where the suspects were released without bail.
Daily Feed
SCWA Preps for Major Suffolk Snowstorm
The Suffolk County Water Authority is preparing for a massive winter storm expected to blanket the region with several feet of snow.