Huntington Rejects Bamboo Restrictions Again
The Huntington Town Board voted down legislation meant to curb the rampant spread of bamboo for the second time on Tuesday. The legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Susan Berland, was voted down 3-2 with Berland and Supervisor Frank Petrone in favor. The legislation calls for stiff penalties should the plant, an invasive species, creep onto town or neighboring private properties. Penalties for the first offense would start at $250 and increase with each subsequent offense to $2,500.
Hospital Unveils Remodeled Maternity Unit
Nassau University Medical Center recently unveiled it's newly remodeled maternity department. The family waiting room of the area of the unit was renovated through the philanthropic support of Amy Hagedorn and the Hagedorn Foundation.
Smithtown Officials Consider Radio Plan After Storm Snags
Smithtown officials have suggested the town consider starting an AM/FM radio station to improve its communication with residents due to problems after Hurricane Sandy. "Without a doubt, the Town of Smithtown and resources pulled together and did a commendable job for our residents. It was seamless," said John Valentine, Smithtown's director of Public Safety and Emergency Management. But he targeted one area for improvement - the town's communication with residents "Where LIPA failed was lack of communication and information with the public, which brings me to our Achilles' heel - We share this communication issue with LIPA," he said.
Malverne Schools Face $2 Million Budget Gap
The Malverne School District may have to cut programs and personnel in order to create a budget for 2013-2014 that pays for all mandated services and employee benefits while remaining under the tax cap. At Wednesday's poorly attended budget development forum, school officials revealed preliminary numbers, shared the results of an online survey, and explained the challenges facing the district this year.
Legislators Organize Drive for Comforters
Suffolk County legislators are running a "comfort a family" drive around the area. Residents are invited to donate new or gently used comforters that will be distributed by Family Service League, Island Harvest and other organizations to those who need warm bedding.
