Lake Cleanup September 17th, 9 AM
Sep 11, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
Meet at Brookhaven’s Michael Murphy Beach on Lake Shore Road.
Next Civic Meeting: September 8th
Sep 03, 2016 Filed in: Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday September 8th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
1. At this meeting, we will be presenting the results of our 2016 Community Survey.
2. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Romaine will be the guest speaker.
Civic meetings are open to members and non-members.
1. At this meeting, we will be presenting the results of our 2016 Community Survey.
2. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Romaine will be the guest speaker.
Civic meetings are open to members and non-members.
Summer Concert Re-cap
Aug 15, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
On August 4, 2016 the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization held its first summer concert at Raynor Park in Lake Ronkonkoma. Presenting a mix of classical music and show tunes, the seven musicians and a barbershop quartet provided excellent entertainment with their array of talents. Many in the crowd enjoyed the sing-alongs to "Sweet Summertime", "Yankee Doodle Dandy", and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame". Seven lucky members of the civic won gift certificates to Mamma LaRosa's, Chimichanga, Mesoyios, Flanagan's, and the Island Rock Diner. Some in the crowd went to Gino's Pizza and the Island Rock Diner afterwards where they were given 10% discounts. We wish to thank both of them for their generosity and the diner for donating two gift certificates for our raffle. Please see some pictures from the concert below.
We hope to see you at our upcoming concerts and events. If anyone would like to perform in our future concerts, please contact Fred at 631-338-6062
Thank you!
We hope to see you at our upcoming concerts and events. If anyone would like to perform in our future concerts, please contact Fred at 631-338-6062
Thank you!
Long Island's Hidden Past: Lake Ronkonkoma
Aug 07, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
A special lake, in the heart of Long Island, is featured in this month's Long Island's Hidden Past segment.
Three different tribes lived around Lake Ronkonkoma. To them, the lake was sacred, and used to do their hunting and fishing.
Formed by ancient glaciers, is Long Island's largest fresh water lake.
http://longisland.news12.com/news/long-island-s-hidden-past-lake-ronkonkoma-1.12118139
Three different tribes lived around Lake Ronkonkoma. To them, the lake was sacred, and used to do their hunting and fishing.
Formed by ancient glaciers, is Long Island's largest fresh water lake.
http://longisland.news12.com/news/long-island-s-hidden-past-lake-ronkonkoma-1.12118139
Follow Up Regarding Patchogue-Holbrook Road Bridge
Aug 07, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The civic has received additional information regarding the bridge project that we'd like to pass along:
We will continue to pass on additional updates as received. Thanks again to everyone who attended and provided practical and sometimes obvious solutions to some of the traffic impacts of this bridge project.
- Crews have been working every day since the community meeting.
- As was requested by the community, the number of left turn lanes from the North Service Road onto the bridge was reduced to one from two.
- They are working on getting a left-turn signal on Patchogue-Holbrook Road & the North Service Road (northbound while on the bridge) to help move traffic along quicker.
- They will be putting "Do Not Block the Box" pavement markings on the intersection with the South Service Road.
- They have moved the detour sign on Patchogue-Holbrook Road BEFORE Union Avenue to give unfamiliar drivers the opportunity to take Union Avenue as an alternate.
- They have increased signage on the entrance ramps to the LIE before the bridge in each directions.
We will continue to pass on additional updates as received. Thanks again to everyone who attended and provided practical and sometimes obvious solutions to some of the traffic impacts of this bridge project.
LRCO Community Survey is Closed
Aug 07, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The LRCO Community Survey has just been closed out. We wish to express our sincere thanks to those who took the time out of their busy days to participate. Your responses will help us set priorities for future actions.
We are in the process of analyzing the information and will share what we’ve learned at an upcoming General Membership Meeting.
Enjoy the beautiful summer weather!
The LRCO Executive Board
We are in the process of analyzing the information and will share what we’ve learned at an upcoming General Membership Meeting.
Enjoy the beautiful summer weather!
The LRCO Executive Board
LRCO Community Survey
Jul 12, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization is always looking for new ways to ensure it is meeting the needs of the community. We’ve prepared a brief survey as one approach. It’s anonymous and may be followed up by future brief surveys from time to time.
Please follow the survey link below and share your thoughts so we may help make our community a place we want it to be. And please share this with other members of the community - the more voices we hear from, the more effective this survey will be.
http://goo.gl/forms/b4jy4oUBxcUPDZtq1
Thank you!
Please follow the survey link below and share your thoughts so we may help make our community a place we want it to be. And please share this with other members of the community - the more voices we hear from, the more effective this survey will be.
http://goo.gl/forms/b4jy4oUBxcUPDZtq1
Thank you!
Highlights from Meeting Regarding Patchogue-Holbrook Road Bridge
Jul 09, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
As mentioned previously, the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization has received many complaints about the status of the work on the Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge. We arranged for a community meeting NYS Dept of Transportation to find out more information about when the project can expected to be completed.
The meeting was held on June 27th at the Sachem Public Library. Here are some highlights:
Thanks to everyone who attended!
The meeting was held on June 27th at the Sachem Public Library. Here are some highlights:
- Approximately 50 members of the community were in attendance.
- The bridge was in very bad shape, poorly maintained over the years. The concrete platforms holding up the bridge were deteriorating. Some of the steel support beams needed repair. And the underpinning of the road surface was falling down.
- The project has been affected by a series of delays mainly caused by accidents: the bridge has been struck four times over the past two years by trucks. These were serious accidents, one happened just before the work started, two significant hits subsequent to that, and one more recently. The original completion data was June 2016 but that has obviously passed. The contractor has an additional year (until June 2017) to complete the project, but has a financial incentive to be done before this winter. No work can be completed during winter months.
- The concrete road deck of the southbound lanes of the bridge should be poured in July, and once that's complete they can start the second half. Those southbound lanes should be paved in July 2016 with the walkway and side rail shortly thereafter. The northbound lanes may be paved before year end depending on weather. It’s likely that the walkway alongside the northbound lands and that side rail will be built in the spring and may entail some limited lane closures but this isn’t definite.
- The contractor will have to pay penalties if work isn’t fully completed by year end 2016 and it seems that the penalties get even more serious if work isn’t fully completed by mid-year 2017.
- We learned that as part of the repairs, the bridge is being raised six inches on one end and 18 inches on the other end.
- The DOT will review the traffic patterns around the bridge to try to address community concerns. Assemblyman Graf will communicate the plans and the civic will relay any news on this that we learn.
Thanks to everyone who attended!
2016 Brookhaven Road Paving Update
Jul 03, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
Road paving is one of the most visible services we get from Brookhaven Town. The Civic has been working with the Town to raise awareness about the state of the roads in our community and increase transparency about paving plans.Read more...
Lake Ronkonkoma Closed to Bathing
Jul 03, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
Lake Ronkonkoma, in the town of Islip, is closed to bathing due to the finding of bacterial levels in excess of acceptable criteria.
According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit the Beach Monitoring page on the Suffolk County website.
According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit the Beach Monitoring page on the Suffolk County website.
Suffolk County Activates Public Health Information Line
Jun 28, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
County Executive Steve Bellone and Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken announced today the activation of the Public Health Information Line: 631-787-2200. The Information Line is being employed to enhance continuing efforts to detect and prevent the spread of communicable illnesses in Suffolk County. The line is now available from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.Read more...
ATTENTION: Upcoming meeting regarding Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge
Jun 21, 2016 Filed in: Events
The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization has received many complaints about the status of the work on the Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge. As mentioned previously, we asked Assemblyman Al Graf to set up a community meeting with the NYS Dept of Transportation to find out more information about when the project can expected to be completed.
The meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 27th at the Sachem Public Library, 6:00 PM. Please be there to voice your concerns and urge the DOT and its contractors to complete this project soon! Please share the flyer below with your friends and neighbors.
The meeting has been scheduled for Monday June 27th at the Sachem Public Library, 6:00 PM. Please be there to voice your concerns and urge the DOT and its contractors to complete this project soon! Please share the flyer below with your friends and neighbors.
New Cyanobacteria Blooms in Lake Ronkonkoma
Jun 20, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
Recent sampling performed by SUNY Stony Brook has confirmed new cyanobacteria blooms, more commonly known as blue–green algae, in Lake Ronkonkoma off Pond Road in the Town of Brookhaven and Mill Pond in Southampton.
Currently, cyanobacteria blooms exist at the following Suffolk County locations:
Due to these findings, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area. Extra precautions should be taken to avoid direct exposure to waters at the Brookhaven side of Lake Ronkonkoma and Agawam Lake, as levels of cyanobacteria and associated toxins are very high.
Though blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become abundant, forming blooms mostly typically in shades of green but also in shades of blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom that is in a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State DEC: 518-402-8179 between 8:00 am – 4:00 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 – 4:30 or by anytime via email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov
For a comprehensive list of affected waterbodies in NY State, visit the DEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom Notification Page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website:http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/HarmfulAlgalBlooms/Cyanobacteria.aspx
Currently, cyanobacteria blooms exist at the following Suffolk County locations:
- Lake Ronkonkoma (Brookhaven side)
- Mill Pond, Southampton
- Maratooka Pond, Mattituck
- Agawam Lake, Southampton
Due to these findings, health officials ask residents not to use or swim or wade in these waters and to keep their pets and children away from the area. Extra precautions should be taken to avoid direct exposure to waters at the Brookhaven side of Lake Ronkonkoma and Agawam Lake, as levels of cyanobacteria and associated toxins are very high.
Though blue-green algae are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers, they can become abundant, forming blooms mostly typically in shades of green but also in shades of blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom that is in a body of water that does not contain a Suffolk County permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State DEC: 518-402-8179 between 8:00 am – 4:00 p.m. or anytime via email at habsinfo@dec.ny.gov
To report a suspected blue-green algae bloom at a body of water that does contain a Suffolk County-permitted bathing beach, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Office of Ecology at 631-852-5760 between 8:30 – 4:30 or by anytime via email at scdhsweb@suffolkcountyny.gov
For a comprehensive list of affected waterbodies in NY State, visit the DEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom Notification Page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/83310.html
For more information about blue-green algae, visit the Suffolk County website:http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/HealthServices/EnvironmentalQuality/Ecology/MarineWaterQualityMonitoring/HarmfulAlgalBlooms/Cyanobacteria.aspx
Highlights from the last LRCO meeting
Jun 20, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed the following updates:
1. Members of Boy Scout Troop 9 were in attendance. They were fulfilling a requirement for the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.
2. Anna Throne-Holst, Democratic candidate for Congress, addressed the membership, speaking about her background, experience and priorities if she is elected. She is being challenged in a Democratic primary by Dave Calone. A representative of Mr. Calone was also at the meeting. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 28th.
3. Maria Barbara from County Legislator Cilmi's office was in attendance.
4. County Legislator Tom Muratore was there and provided an update on the county budget issues and red light cameras.
5. A representative from NYS Assemblyman Al Graf's office was there to discuss the Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge project as well as the Assemblyman's efforts on the heroin epidemic. The civic has asked the Assemblyman to set up a meeting between the civic and other community stakeholders and the NYS Dept of Transportation regarding the bridge project. We will certainly pass on to the community any updates that we received. Right now, they claim it will be finished in August. However, to those of us who regularly travel over the bridge, that seems optimistic at best.
6. Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle and Chamber of Commerce representative Kevin Hyms spoke about the Hawkins Avenue revitalization project.
- 22 new street lights have been installed.
- New street trees have been planted.
- New drainage basins will be installed.
- Hawkins Avenue, from Division to Smith, will be repaved in the fall.
- Pedestrian countdown timers were installed at Division Street.
'In addition, other updates from Councilman LaValle:
- The parks department has cut the grass at Arrowhead Park.
- Shoprite is expected to open in 2017 (located at the old Waldbaum's on Portion Road).
- Five corners: the signage at that corner (from the shopping center) is in fact allowed, a permit is in place. The civic had asked the town if the unattractive & cluttered signs there were legal.
- The town will be paving streets on the Farmingville-Lake Ronkonkoma border, specifically Warren Avenue and some of the side streets there.
- The proposed roundabout for Five Corners is still in the planning phase. The civic will be attending a presentation by the town's consultant.
- The town board passed a resolution requiring a new septic system be installed when any structure is built or re-built within 500 feet of protected bodies of water.
5. An orchestra is being formed to present an evening of music at Raynor Park during this summer. Musicians are needed; auditions are tentatively scheduled for July 9th at Raynor Park. For more information and/or if you are interested, please contact Fred Wallenmaier:
7. The next LRCO general meeting is not until September. We'll continue to update you over the summer on events and issues important to the community. Enjoy the summer and congratulations to all of the new graduates!
1. Members of Boy Scout Troop 9 were in attendance. They were fulfilling a requirement for the Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge.
2. Anna Throne-Holst, Democratic candidate for Congress, addressed the membership, speaking about her background, experience and priorities if she is elected. She is being challenged in a Democratic primary by Dave Calone. A representative of Mr. Calone was also at the meeting. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 28th.
3. Maria Barbara from County Legislator Cilmi's office was in attendance.
4. County Legislator Tom Muratore was there and provided an update on the county budget issues and red light cameras.
5. A representative from NYS Assemblyman Al Graf's office was there to discuss the Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge project as well as the Assemblyman's efforts on the heroin epidemic. The civic has asked the Assemblyman to set up a meeting between the civic and other community stakeholders and the NYS Dept of Transportation regarding the bridge project. We will certainly pass on to the community any updates that we received. Right now, they claim it will be finished in August. However, to those of us who regularly travel over the bridge, that seems optimistic at best.
6. Brookhaven Town Councilman Kevin LaValle and Chamber of Commerce representative Kevin Hyms spoke about the Hawkins Avenue revitalization project.
- 22 new street lights have been installed.
- New street trees have been planted.
- New drainage basins will be installed.
- Hawkins Avenue, from Division to Smith, will be repaved in the fall.
- Pedestrian countdown timers were installed at Division Street.
'In addition, other updates from Councilman LaValle:
- The parks department has cut the grass at Arrowhead Park.
- Shoprite is expected to open in 2017 (located at the old Waldbaum's on Portion Road).
- Five corners: the signage at that corner (from the shopping center) is in fact allowed, a permit is in place. The civic had asked the town if the unattractive & cluttered signs there were legal.
- The town will be paving streets on the Farmingville-Lake Ronkonkoma border, specifically Warren Avenue and some of the side streets there.
- The proposed roundabout for Five Corners is still in the planning phase. The civic will be attending a presentation by the town's consultant.
- The town board passed a resolution requiring a new septic system be installed when any structure is built or re-built within 500 feet of protected bodies of water.
5. An orchestra is being formed to present an evening of music at Raynor Park during this summer. Musicians are needed; auditions are tentatively scheduled for July 9th at Raynor Park. For more information and/or if you are interested, please contact Fred Wallenmaier:
- Phone: 631-338-6062
- E-mail: niecees0413@yahoo.com
7. The next LRCO general meeting is not until September. We'll continue to update you over the summer on events and issues important to the community. Enjoy the summer and congratulations to all of the new graduates!
Squashing the litterbugs
Jun 20, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The column below appeared in Newsday recently. Given that members of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization have spent countless days cleaning up after other people, we felt it was worth sharing the author's sentiments. Since its creation, the civic has made it a priority to do its part to pick up roadside litter (along Portion Road, Hawkins Avenue and Railroad Avenue) and trash along the shores of the lake. We hope that one day, we will no longer need to do so.
Squashing the litterbugs
May 22, 2016
By Michael Dobie michael.dobie@newsday.com
When we bought a house and moved to Long Island from the Bronx more than 25 years ago, there were certain things I was prepared for. Those quintessentially Long Island things.
I did not expect one of them to be litter. On my own property. In single-family-home heaven.
It’s not so bad in the winter, but now ’tis the season.
That’s not my imagination. The temperature rises, and the litter falls. A lot of it ends up on my lawn. Or, more precisely, on the planting strip outside the hedge and the fence.Read more...
Squashing the litterbugs
May 22, 2016
By Michael Dobie michael.dobie@newsday.com
When we bought a house and moved to Long Island from the Bronx more than 25 years ago, there were certain things I was prepared for. Those quintessentially Long Island things.
I did not expect one of them to be litter. On my own property. In single-family-home heaven.
It’s not so bad in the winter, but now ’tis the season.
That’s not my imagination. The temperature rises, and the litter falls. A lot of it ends up on my lawn. Or, more precisely, on the planting strip outside the hedge and the fence.Read more...
For Town of Brookhaven Residents - Special Recycling Event Schedule
Jun 02, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
Next Civic Meeting: June 9th
May 22, 2016 Filed in: Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday, June 9th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
We will be discussing the status of repaving town roads and the downtown revitalization grant project.
Civic meetings are open to members and non-members.
We will be discussing the status of repaving town roads and the downtown revitalization grant project.
Civic meetings are open to members and non-members.
MUSICIANS NEEDED!
May 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The Civic is working on an evening of music to be performed by local musicians in Raynor Park this summer.
If you are interested in joining the orchestra, contact Fred at niecees0413@yahoo.com
If you are interested in joining the orchestra, contact Fred at niecees0413@yahoo.com
Town of Brookhaven Residential Building Permit Requirements & Process
May 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
| As mentioned previously, the last civic meeting featured an in-depth discussion on the residential permit process in general, with a focus on decks & sheds as these commonly result in homeowners having to obtain approval after the fact and perhaps also having to appear before the Zoning Board. Provided below is more in-depth guidance as provided by the Town of Brookhaven. However, please contact the Town of Brookhaven Building Division directly for assistance with your specific situation. |
Shed Flyer
When is a Building Permit Required?
A Building Permit is required for New Homes, Additions, Alterations, Manufactured Homes, and Accessory Structures. Accessory Structures most commonly include detached garages, sheds, decks, gazebos and swimming pools. “A permit shall not be required for minor repairs to existing plumbing systems.”
Alternations Requiring Permits:
• Structural changes:
◦ Extension
◦ Moving internal wall
• Pool; both in ground and above ground
• Fences which meet certain criteria
◦ Over 6 feet tall
◦ Over 4 feet tall in front yard
• Fireplace or Wood burning Stove
• Deck more than 6 inches off ground
• External cosmetic changes if house is in an historic district
• Shed more than 144 square feet (12x12)
• Gazebo more than 144 square feet
• Accessory apartment
• Finished basement (see definition of basement)
• Garage conversion (to non garage use)
• New / Replacement HVAC system
• HVAC conversion to gas
• Solar panels
• Major plumbing system modifications
• Curb cut change – Highway Department
• Driveway apron change (decorative) – Highway Department
• Large garden structures, especially those which restrict a driver’s view
• Outside basement entrance
• Detached Garage
• Barn
Alterations not requiring Permits:
• Kitchen Remodel
• Window replacement / remodel (except historic district)
• New or replacement roof / new or replacement siding
• Electrical system upgrade (i.e. new panel)
• Driveway and related work (note driveway must be hard surface, i.e. asphalt or concrete)
• Shrubbery and trees
Process:
• Bring paperwork (architectural plans et al) to building department (1st floor of town hall – behind guard desk).
• Meet with initial reviewer / reviewer provides form package for completion / reviewer checks package to ensure it’s complete. Scheduled appointments are available through online system.
• Meet with permit examiner / if all is in order building permit is issued.
• Note: one of the forms is a structural affidavit – this will identify any missing permits / certificates of compliance. These need to be addressed as part of the permit issuance process. The Town has access to aerial views allowing the Town to validate the structural affidavit.
• The building permit is good for one year. Extensions are available and may be requested on line.
• During building Town inspectors must be called in to review various stages of constructions. Details will be included in the building permit package.
• Once the construction is complete a final survey must be completed (by a licensed professional such as an architect).
• The final survey and certain other paperwork are submitted to the building department for issuance of a certificate of compliance. The other paperwork will be specified in by the building department and will include items such as a tax assessor statement.
Other matters:
• When there is existing work which was done without a permit, appropriate fees/penalties must be paid. These fees are three times the standard fees. Architectural plans are not required but appropriate descriptions must be provided to the Building Dept.
• Existing work done without a permit must be addressed prior to sale of property.
• The building department will research original certificates of occupancy and certificates of compliance and surveys, for a fee.
Stakeholders Meeting to discuss proposed changes to Suffolk County’s Sanitary Code, Construction Standards, and the upcoming Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan
May 15, 2016 Filed in: Events
In accordance with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone's Reclaim Our Waters initiative and the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, Suffolk County is pursuing proactive measures to reduce nitrogen pollution of our waters. The county is currently testing several innovative alternative single-home wastewater treatment systems to evaluate their effectiveness at reducing the amount of nitrogen that leaches from typical wastewater systems that have been widely used in Suffolk County.
To accommodate the use of alternative-wastewater-treatment systems, changes are being proposed tothe Suffolk County Sanitary Code and Construction Standards. In concert with the proposed changes to the codes and standards, a Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan is being prepared that will provide recommendations for nitrogen load reduction goals and a recommended wastewater management strategy for all of the priority subwatersheds of Suffolk County. The stakeholders meeting will present the proposed changes to the Suffolk County Sanitary Code and Construction Standards and will present the proposed scope of work for the Suffolk County Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.
When: 12:30 -3:30 p.m., May 16, 2016; registration begins at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, Babylon Student Center- Montauk Point Room, Selden, N.Y.
Registration: Seating to this event may be limited. Please click on the link below to RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/subwatersheds-wastewater-plan-and-proposed-changes-to-sanitary-code-tickets-25207033917
To accommodate the use of alternative-wastewater-treatment systems, changes are being proposed tothe Suffolk County Sanitary Code and Construction Standards. In concert with the proposed changes to the codes and standards, a Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan is being prepared that will provide recommendations for nitrogen load reduction goals and a recommended wastewater management strategy for all of the priority subwatersheds of Suffolk County. The stakeholders meeting will present the proposed changes to the Suffolk County Sanitary Code and Construction Standards and will present the proposed scope of work for the Suffolk County Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan.
When: 12:30 -3:30 p.m., May 16, 2016; registration begins at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus, Babylon Student Center- Montauk Point Room, Selden, N.Y.
Registration: Seating to this event may be limited. Please click on the link below to RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/subwatersheds-wastewater-plan-and-proposed-changes-to-sanitary-code-tickets-25207033917
MEMBERSHIP CONTEST!
May 09, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you are a member of the civic in good standing and you get a new family to join as a member by our June meeting (June 9th), you will win a $15 gift certificate to one of our local restaurants. If you are not a member but join the civic as a paying member with a friend, you too can win a $15 gift certificate.
Help us grow and support our local restaurants!
Help us grow and support our local restaurants!
The Great Brookhaven Cleanup
Apr 28, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
Volunteer to Keep Lake Ronkonkoma Clean!
Join the Annual Great Brookhaven Cleanup on
Saturday, May 21, 2016
On Saturday, May 21, the Town of Brookhaven will once again participate in Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup and Ronkonkoma residents can participate and help keep the Lake Ronkonkoma shoreline clean and beautiful. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm volunteers will meet at Brookhaven’s Michael P. Murphy Beach on Lake Shore Road and walk the shoreline of the lake picking up litter and garbage.
For details, visit www.brookhaven.org or call 631-451-6222
LRCO Update
Apr 24, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed the following updates:
1. Ronkonkoma Hub update: Initial ground breaking is likely to commence in November, pushed back from this summer.
2. The next LRCO general meeting is scheduled for May 12. We’ll discuss the Land Use Plan and residential building permit requirements.
3. May 21 is the Great Brookhaven Cleanup Day. LRCO will participate with a clean-up effort at Lake Ronkonkoma. More details to follow.
4. The Lake Ronkonkoma Inter-municipal Organization (IO) had its first meeting recently. George Schramm and Dawn Hopkins, LRCO Board members, presented draft bylaws for consideration by the IO. This is an important step towards remaking the Lake into the community asset it once was and should be.
5. The Town Board passed a resolution sponsored by Councilman LaValle and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Cartwright last week requiring the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to attend semiannual meetings with the Law Department. The Law Department will review land use plans and recent town code changes. The intent is to encourage these board to make decisions consistent with community interests. LRCO strongly supports this resolution.
1. Ronkonkoma Hub update: Initial ground breaking is likely to commence in November, pushed back from this summer.
- Tritec, the developer, does not plan to include Section 8 housing at the HUB.
- The State budget included funding for commuter parking structures which will replace the parking north of the tracks. This is of critical importance to the project
- The civic will form a committee to make sure Tritec follows through on their commitments to the community.
2. The next LRCO general meeting is scheduled for May 12. We’ll discuss the Land Use Plan and residential building permit requirements.
3. May 21 is the Great Brookhaven Cleanup Day. LRCO will participate with a clean-up effort at Lake Ronkonkoma. More details to follow.
4. The Lake Ronkonkoma Inter-municipal Organization (IO) had its first meeting recently. George Schramm and Dawn Hopkins, LRCO Board members, presented draft bylaws for consideration by the IO. This is an important step towards remaking the Lake into the community asset it once was and should be.
5. The Town Board passed a resolution sponsored by Councilman LaValle and co-sponsored by Councilwoman Cartwright last week requiring the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals to attend semiannual meetings with the Law Department. The Law Department will review land use plans and recent town code changes. The intent is to encourage these board to make decisions consistent with community interests. LRCO strongly supports this resolution.
LRCO Update: Sachem School District News
Apr 17, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed an update on the Sachem School District. Jeff Kagan, civic treasurer, attended the last school board meeting and provided the following summary:
- The school board voted not to pierce the tax cap reversing their previous direction. The state tax cap is 0.76%. The previous decision to pierce the tax cap was made before the State budget passed. With the additional school funding from the New York State budget, Sachem will stay within the Tax Cap. The budget is not finalized but while they discussed reinstating some of the cuts made over the past year, indications are that not all of the cuts will be reinstated. The next and final budget meeting will be Wednesday April 20.
- The school board also voted to select the new Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kenneth E Graham. He replaces James Nolan who is retiring June 30. Dr. Graham presently works in the Long Beach school district as assistant superintendent of schools.
Suffolk County to Increase Rabies Monitoring
Mar 28, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
With a recent report of the capture of a rabid raccoon in Nassau County and out of an abundance of caution, Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken announced today that he has ordered increased surveillance of raccoons in the Towns of Babylon and Huntington, which border Nassau County.
“Suffolk County has an ongoing countywide rabies surveillance program that we will be enhancing in in those western towns in light of this new information,” said Dr. Tomarken. “We ask the public’s assistance.”
Reporting Guidelines:
Residents are asked to report sightings to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services by calling 631-852-5900, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After hours, call 631-852-4820.
Rabies Protection:
New York State and Suffolk County law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating your pet not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. It is very important to make sure that these animals, as well as livestock and horses have current rabies vaccinations. To further protect yourself from possible exposure to rabies:
For more information on rabies, visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/rabies/rabies.htm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/.
“Suffolk County has an ongoing countywide rabies surveillance program that we will be enhancing in in those western towns in light of this new information,” said Dr. Tomarken. “We ask the public’s assistance.”
Reporting Guidelines:
- Residents of all towns are asked to report raccoons that come into contact with humans or pets to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
- Residents of the Towns of Huntington and Babylon are asked to report abnormally acting raccoons and dead raccoons.
- In towns other than Huntington and Babylon, dead raccoons should be discarded in the garbage in a safe manner and with no direct physical contact with people or pets.
Residents are asked to report sightings to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services by calling 631-852-5900, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After hours, call 631-852-4820.
Rabies Protection:
New York State and Suffolk County law requires that all dogs, cats and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies. Vaccinating your pet not only provides protection for the animal, but vaccinated pets act as a barrier to keep the rabies virus from spreading between wild animals and people. It is very important to make sure that these animals, as well as livestock and horses have current rabies vaccinations. To further protect yourself from possible exposure to rabies:
- Keep dogs, cats and ferrets on a leash and keep livestock confined in the evening.
- Do not have contact with any animal other than your own.
- Do not feed wildlife or stray animals and discourage them from seeking food near your home.
- Do not touch dead or dying animals. Use a shovel, wear rubber gloves and double bag the
- carcass, if you need to move them.
- Do not approach an unknown animal, either wild or domestic, especially if it is acting in an unusual way.
- Keep garbage cans tightly covered and avoid storing any food outside.
- Children should be advised to tell an adult immediately if they were bitten or scratched by any animal.
- To prevent the possible spread of the rabies virus, no one, including trappers and nuisance wildlife rehabilitators, should transport and relocate any wild animals at this time.
For more information on rabies, visit the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/rabies/rabies.htm, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies/.
LRCO Update: Lake Advisory Board Meeting
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed an update on the last Lake Advisory Board meeting. Dawn Hopkins, civic vice president attended along with civic president George Schramm, and provided the following summary:
Besides members of the Lake Advisory Board, about twenty-five people attended the Lake Advisory Board meeting on March 9.
Larry Farrell, community member, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the physical conditions around the Lake. Remnants of the bookstore that burned, fallen trees and debris scattered around the Lake were among the pictures that he showed. He wants to work on lake restoration in 2016.
Chart Guthrie, regional fisheries manager for the New York State DEC, reviewed his plan for development of the fishing access site on Victory Drive. A redesign of the bio-filtration system and an enlarged parking area were some of the ideas he presented. He stressed this was still in the design phase and it would be presented to the community for input. He cited numerous sources for funding the project. A number of neighbors from Victory Drive and Richmond Boulevard attended the meeting and some spoke about their concerns. The issue of vandalism was paramount and also that of parked cars at all hours of the day in the area. Chart pointed out he would have an access site steward from 7am until 4pm, weekends, holidays and some weekdays. The steward is recently mandated by State legislation on removal of invasive vegetation on boats going into and out of the Lake. The steward would also be charged with reporting incidents of concern. Chart also pointed out that there is a 24-hour DEC hotline: 877-457-5680.
George Schramm gave a history of the Memorandum of Understanding that created the Intermunicipal Organization which, for the first time, has Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown and Suffolk County unified and committed to the health of the Lake.
Besides members of the Lake Advisory Board, about twenty-five people attended the Lake Advisory Board meeting on March 9.
Larry Farrell, community member, gave a PowerPoint presentation on the physical conditions around the Lake. Remnants of the bookstore that burned, fallen trees and debris scattered around the Lake were among the pictures that he showed. He wants to work on lake restoration in 2016.
Chart Guthrie, regional fisheries manager for the New York State DEC, reviewed his plan for development of the fishing access site on Victory Drive. A redesign of the bio-filtration system and an enlarged parking area were some of the ideas he presented. He stressed this was still in the design phase and it would be presented to the community for input. He cited numerous sources for funding the project. A number of neighbors from Victory Drive and Richmond Boulevard attended the meeting and some spoke about their concerns. The issue of vandalism was paramount and also that of parked cars at all hours of the day in the area. Chart pointed out he would have an access site steward from 7am until 4pm, weekends, holidays and some weekdays. The steward is recently mandated by State legislation on removal of invasive vegetation on boats going into and out of the Lake. The steward would also be charged with reporting incidents of concern. Chart also pointed out that there is a 24-hour DEC hotline: 877-457-5680.
George Schramm gave a history of the Memorandum of Understanding that created the Intermunicipal Organization which, for the first time, has Brookhaven, Islip, Smithtown and Suffolk County unified and committed to the health of the Lake.
LRCO Update: Friedman Property aka Ackerly Lane Office Building
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed an update on the Planning Board hearing for the proposed office building on Ackerly Lane near Portion Road. Dawn Hopkins, civic vice president attended and provided the following summary:
Numerous hearings have been scheduled and held on this application to build a dental practice facility on Ackerly Lane. Local residents have turned out in opposition to the development at each hearing.
Given the grading of the land and the size (2 stories) of the building, occupants of the new building would look directly into a neighbor's kitchen. There is a concern about adequate parking with neighbors worrying about people parking on the surrounding streets of Ackerly and Conway.
The Civic is also concerned with the encroachment of commercial business into residential neighborhoods. The Land Use Plan, developed by the community and the Town of Brookhaven, specifically underscores that commercial business belongs on Portion Road not in residential areas. Towards that, 66 neighbors in the Ackerly community signed a petition against this building being placed on a residential block.
The application has been placed on the Planning Board's decision calendar for March 21st.
Numerous hearings have been scheduled and held on this application to build a dental practice facility on Ackerly Lane. Local residents have turned out in opposition to the development at each hearing.
Given the grading of the land and the size (2 stories) of the building, occupants of the new building would look directly into a neighbor's kitchen. There is a concern about adequate parking with neighbors worrying about people parking on the surrounding streets of Ackerly and Conway.
The Civic is also concerned with the encroachment of commercial business into residential neighborhoods. The Land Use Plan, developed by the community and the Town of Brookhaven, specifically underscores that commercial business belongs on Portion Road not in residential areas. Towards that, 66 neighbors in the Ackerly community signed a petition against this building being placed on a residential block.
The application has been placed on the Planning Board's decision calendar for March 21st.
LRCO Update: Sachem Budget
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed an update on the Sachem School District budget. Jeff Kagan, civic treasurer, attended the last school board meeting and provided the following summary:
The Sachem School Board has tentatively agreed to a budget that will result in a 1.99% property tax rate increase. The approval is tentative because the State budget and school aid amount is not yet final. The 1.99% property tax rate increase technically pierces the State tax cap and will therefore require a 60% approval rate in the district-wide budget vote. If there is no change in state aid, the level of services will be the same as in the current school year, but for the previously approved closure of two elementary schools and one middle school. If state aid increases, the Board will have the opportunity to revisit the level of services. Note that the State budget deadline is April 1st so this should be resolved shortly, if the State acts on time.
The Sachem School Board has tentatively agreed to a budget that will result in a 1.99% property tax rate increase. The approval is tentative because the State budget and school aid amount is not yet final. The 1.99% property tax rate increase technically pierces the State tax cap and will therefore require a 60% approval rate in the district-wide budget vote. If there is no change in state aid, the level of services will be the same as in the current school year, but for the previously approved closure of two elementary schools and one middle school. If state aid increases, the Board will have the opportunity to revisit the level of services. Note that the State budget deadline is April 1st so this should be resolved shortly, if the State acts on time.
LRCO Update: Suffolk County Alarm Management Program
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed a briefing on this program by Jeff Kagan, civic treasurer:
Suffolk County passed legislation last year requiring residents and business with central alarm systems to obtain permits from the Suffolk County Policy Department by April 1, 2016. A brief brochure was recently mailed to all Suffolk County addresses describing the program and how to obtain a permit. The stated purpose of the program is to reduce the cost of police response to false alarms. After April 1, 2016, policy response to a false alarm will result in a fine. This fine is waived for those with a current permit. The permit costs residents $50 the first year and $25 in renewal years.
A copy of the brochure is provided below.
Suffolk County passed legislation last year requiring residents and business with central alarm systems to obtain permits from the Suffolk County Policy Department by April 1, 2016. A brief brochure was recently mailed to all Suffolk County addresses describing the program and how to obtain a permit. The stated purpose of the program is to reduce the cost of police response to false alarms. After April 1, 2016, policy response to a false alarm will result in a fine. This fine is waived for those with a current permit. The permit costs residents $50 the first year and $25 in renewal years.
A copy of the brochure is provided below.
LRCO Update: Town of Brookhaven Info
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
If you weren’t at the last civic meeting, you missed an update on Town of Brookhaven issues. Jeff Kagan, civic treasurer, attended the last town board meeting and provided the following updates:
1. Councilmen LaValle and Foley, who together represent the LRCO community, have indicated that we should see more local paving in 2016 and 2017. Hawkins Avenue, which spans both council districts, will be paved in 2016 in conjunction with the downtown revitalization project. Councilman LaValle stated that additional streets will be paved in his district in 2016. These should include the South Howell and Crestwood Lane area. Councilman Foley advised that he is working off of the civic’s submitted street list and it has been submitted to the Town Highway Department.
The civic will continue to provide updates on progress towards getting adequate attention to our community’s streets.
2. Numerous people spoke at the Town Board meeting in support of Caithness II. Caithness II is a proposed 750 megawatt power plant to be located in Yaphank nearby the existing Caithness I power plant. PSE&G recently reported that projected demand on Long Island does not support Caithness II and the project was set aside. The Town stated that it is not on the Town decision calendar and that the Town had already given all requisite approvals. The speakers advised that they were requesting action by the Town Board as individuals in support of this project. There are many issues related to energy needs and the future of Long Island. While these were not discussed at the meeting, this is a high-stakes issue and is should heat up considerably in the near future.
1. Councilmen LaValle and Foley, who together represent the LRCO community, have indicated that we should see more local paving in 2016 and 2017. Hawkins Avenue, which spans both council districts, will be paved in 2016 in conjunction with the downtown revitalization project. Councilman LaValle stated that additional streets will be paved in his district in 2016. These should include the South Howell and Crestwood Lane area. Councilman Foley advised that he is working off of the civic’s submitted street list and it has been submitted to the Town Highway Department.
The civic will continue to provide updates on progress towards getting adequate attention to our community’s streets.
2. Numerous people spoke at the Town Board meeting in support of Caithness II. Caithness II is a proposed 750 megawatt power plant to be located in Yaphank nearby the existing Caithness I power plant. PSE&G recently reported that projected demand on Long Island does not support Caithness II and the project was set aside. The Town stated that it is not on the Town decision calendar and that the Town had already given all requisite approvals. The speakers advised that they were requesting action by the Town Board as individuals in support of this project. There are many issues related to energy needs and the future of Long Island. While these were not discussed at the meeting, this is a high-stakes issue and is should heat up considerably in the near future.
SCPD March 2016 Community Meeting Invitation
Mar 22, 2016 Filed in: Events
Open invitation to March’s monthly 6th Precinct Community Meeting;
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 at 7PM at the Middle Island Fire Department, located at 31 Arnold Dr. Middle Island (directly off Middle Country Rd.). Please spread the word.
Respectfully,
P.O. Todd Bradshaw
Suffolk County Police Department
6th Precinct COPE Unit
400 Middle Country Road
Selden, NY 11784
Phone: (631)854-8689
E-mail: todd.bradshaw@suffolkcountyny.gov
Tuesday March 22nd, 2016 at 7PM at the Middle Island Fire Department, located at 31 Arnold Dr. Middle Island (directly off Middle Country Rd.). Please spread the word.
Respectfully,
P.O. Todd Bradshaw
Suffolk County Police Department
6th Precinct COPE Unit
400 Middle Country Road
Selden, NY 11784
Phone: (631)854-8689
E-mail: todd.bradshaw@suffolkcountyny.gov
Next Civic Meeting: March 10th
Mar 10, 2016 Filed in: Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday, March 10th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Please attend this informative meeting and invite others to come as well.
Thank you!
Please attend this informative meeting and invite others to come as well.
Thank you!
Sachem School District Preliminary Budget
Feb 27, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
The Sachem School Board met February 24, 2016. Among other agenda items, they discussed the upcoming Budget. The Board has recently been forced to make mid-year budget adjustments to deal with financial shortfalls. The Board also decided to close three schools for the upcoming school year to address the emerging financial stress.
The financial shortfalls are substantially the result of years of reduced NY State School funding and unfunded State mandates. The actual amount of NY State school funding for 2016/2017 will not be finalized until the State finalizes its budget on or about April 1, but unfortunately preliminary funding projections are modest. While our local legislators are making every effort to provide additional funds, the Board needed to make preliminary decisions based on the preliminary funding projection.
The Board has tentatively decided to pierce the State property tax cap in order to properly fund the current level of school services. The State tax cap is 0.76% and the Board is proposing a 1.9% tax rate increase. The Board made this decision recognizing that the NY State tax rebate program refunding school property tax increases in Districts that stayed within the tax cap has ended and been replaced with a far more modest program. Thus the impact of piercing the cap is significantly reduced.
The Board fully intends to work with our State representatives to encourage additional State aid. Once the Board knows the final amount, final decisions about the proposed Sachem School Property Tax Rates, and the level of school services provided will be made. This should occur in the first weeks of April.
The financial shortfalls are substantially the result of years of reduced NY State School funding and unfunded State mandates. The actual amount of NY State school funding for 2016/2017 will not be finalized until the State finalizes its budget on or about April 1, but unfortunately preliminary funding projections are modest. While our local legislators are making every effort to provide additional funds, the Board needed to make preliminary decisions based on the preliminary funding projection.
The Board has tentatively decided to pierce the State property tax cap in order to properly fund the current level of school services. The State tax cap is 0.76% and the Board is proposing a 1.9% tax rate increase. The Board made this decision recognizing that the NY State tax rebate program refunding school property tax increases in Districts that stayed within the tax cap has ended and been replaced with a far more modest program. Thus the impact of piercing the cap is significantly reduced.
The Board fully intends to work with our State representatives to encourage additional State aid. Once the Board knows the final amount, final decisions about the proposed Sachem School Property Tax Rates, and the level of school services provided will be made. This should occur in the first weeks of April.
February Meeting: Ronkonkoma Hub Update
Feb 17, 2016 Filed in: Events
Here’s what you missed if you weren’t able to attend last Thursday’s civic meeting:
- President George Schramm updated attendees on several local land use projects: proposed office building on the corner of Portion & Ackerly, Dunkin Donuts parking lot expansion, Wendy’s redevelopment and others.
- Rob Loscalzo and Jim Coughlan from Tritec Real Estate gave a presentation on the latest news on the Ronkonkoma Hub project. Residents in attendance asked many questions of the Tritec representatives:
- Several key properties have been purchased for Phase 1 of the project (eastern side of Mill Road); other parcels are in contract. They expect to break ground later in 2016.
- They are buying up properties from multiple owners for Phase 2 of the project (east of Hawkins Avenue).
- Phase 1 is primarily residential, with six buildings, 489 dwelling units, 1,000 estimated residents. Phase 2 is mixed use buildings: offices, retail, residential.
- Right now, the residences are planned to be 10% owner-occupied (condos) and 90% rentals. The rentals will include studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units, with studios starting at $1,350/month. There will not be an affordable housing component to the project.
- Phase 2 will have nine buildings as well as five parking structures (not for commuters). A major grocery store could be included here.
- Phase 3 includes more office and retails space plus a parking garage to replace the lost parking for commuters.
- Phase 4 focuses on some of the area between Hawkins Avenue and Mill Road.
- They discussed some of the architectural details of the buildings, including the use of arches throughout the project as well as French quarter style details in the residential buildings.
- See images below of Phase 1 and Phase 2.
- There was also discussion about the sewering. Right now, there will be a pumping station at the far east end of the project to hook up to the Southwest Sewer District.
- Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy was in attendance and engaged Tritec in specific questions on the project.
Hope to see you at the next civic meeting!
Another Hearing for Proposed Building at Portion & Ackerley
Feb 05, 2016 Filed in: Events | Your Action Needed
On Monday January 25, community members attended this Planning Board hearing to speak about the proposed office building at the corner of Portion Road and Ackerly Lane.
Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization Vice President Dawn Hopkins along with nearby property owners addressed the Planning Board. The owners of nearby parcels spoke of their concerns about the amount of trash that currently accumulates on the property as well as the youths that congregate in the parking lot at night. Their fear is that this new building will create more of an opportunity for these behaviors. A significant concern was the placement and height of the proposed building that will allow the occupants to look directlyinto the kitchen and backyard of the house next door.
The civic pointed out that the required notice of property change to the community was incorrectly posted on public property (telephone pole) instead of the Friedman property. We also spoke to the lack of posting on Ackerly Lane where the proposed building would actually be built. As a result, the Planning Board determined there must be a correct re-posting done on Ackerly and Portion. The application will be reheard at the February 8 Planning Board meeting.
Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization Vice President Dawn Hopkins along with nearby property owners addressed the Planning Board. The owners of nearby parcels spoke of their concerns about the amount of trash that currently accumulates on the property as well as the youths that congregate in the parking lot at night. Their fear is that this new building will create more of an opportunity for these behaviors. A significant concern was the placement and height of the proposed building that will allow the occupants to look directlyinto the kitchen and backyard of the house next door.
The civic pointed out that the required notice of property change to the community was incorrectly posted on public property (telephone pole) instead of the Friedman property. We also spoke to the lack of posting on Ackerly Lane where the proposed building would actually be built. As a result, the Planning Board determined there must be a correct re-posting done on Ackerly and Portion. The application will be reheard at the February 8 Planning Board meeting.
Sachem School Board votes to close Tecumseh and Gatelot Elementary Schools and Sequoya Middle School
Jan 25, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements
Members of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization attended the last Sachem School Board meeting, the main focus of which was the decision to close three schools to help address the district's financial difficulties. A summary of the meeting follows:
The Sachem School Board met Wednesday evening January 20, 2016 to make the final decision on school closings. The School Board had voted to propose closing Tecumseh and Gatelot Elementary Schools and Sequoya Middle School during their December 16, 2015 meeting. The next and final steps to finalize the proposal were a Public Hearing and then a School Board vote. The Public Hearing occurred Wednesday. Numerous people addressed the School Board members covering three basic issues.
Residents associated with Gatelot expressed their disappointment that Gatelot was selected. They cited comments in the report of the Facilities Study Committee Report from January 2014 stating that Gatelot should not be closed.
School nurses and parents expressed concern about nurse staffing after realignment.
Residents expressed concern about Administrative and Custodial staffing after realignment.
The School Board closed the Public Hearing and commenced the regular meeting. Item 9.3 was the resolution to close Tecumseh and Gatelot Elementary Schools and Sequoya Middle School. This resolution passed by a vote of 6 to 3. The school closings take effect with the school year starting September 2016.
The School Board and Administration advised meeting attendees that the vote does not decide staffing of Nurses, Administrative or Custodial personnel for the upcoming school year. Staffing will be determined during the budget process which will commence shortly.
The School Board and Administration also advised meeting attendees that they intend to make every effort to lease the closed schools and do not intend to sell them at this time. They pointed out that they leave the option open to reopen the schools at a later date if circumstances warrant.
The Sachem School Board met Wednesday evening January 20, 2016 to make the final decision on school closings. The School Board had voted to propose closing Tecumseh and Gatelot Elementary Schools and Sequoya Middle School during their December 16, 2015 meeting. The next and final steps to finalize the proposal were a Public Hearing and then a School Board vote. The Public Hearing occurred Wednesday. Numerous people addressed the School Board members covering three basic issues.
Residents associated with Gatelot expressed their disappointment that Gatelot was selected. They cited comments in the report of the Facilities Study Committee Report from January 2014 stating that Gatelot should not be closed.
School nurses and parents expressed concern about nurse staffing after realignment.
Residents expressed concern about Administrative and Custodial staffing after realignment.
The School Board closed the Public Hearing and commenced the regular meeting. Item 9.3 was the resolution to close Tecumseh and Gatelot Elementary Schools and Sequoya Middle School. This resolution passed by a vote of 6 to 3. The school closings take effect with the school year starting September 2016.
The School Board and Administration advised meeting attendees that the vote does not decide staffing of Nurses, Administrative or Custodial personnel for the upcoming school year. Staffing will be determined during the budget process which will commence shortly.
The School Board and Administration also advised meeting attendees that they intend to make every effort to lease the closed schools and do not intend to sell them at this time. They pointed out that they leave the option open to reopen the schools at a later date if circumstances warrant.
New Hearing for Proposed Building at Portion & Ackerley
Jan 24, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Your Action Needed
There is a new hearing date for this proposed office building, at the corner of Portion Road and Ackerly Lane. The hearing will be on Monday January 25th at 4:00 PM. This hearing is number 4 on the agenda. The agenda reads:
Portion Properties LLC @ Ronkonkoma
Location: S/EC of Portion Road (CR 16) and Ackerley Lane
Description: To construct a 3,230 sq. ft. Office building (medical office) and associated site improvements, with parking variances.
Tax Map#: 0200 64900 0200 031001
Council District: #5
Log#: 15SP0013
Area: 2.157 acres
Zoning: J Business 4
School District: #5 Sachem CSD
Applicant Info: Scott Friedman c/o Portion Properties, LLC 500 Portion Road Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
We have previously communicated our concerns about the original proposal. In December, we met with a representative of the property owner to discuss those concerns and review a revised proposal.
The building itself is much improved; the architecture matches the current office building at that corner and appears to be compliant with the Land Use Plan (LUP) for this part of the Portion Road corridor. [See images below.]
The LUP also suggests that a new building on this property be aligned with the existing commercial frontage along Portion Road, as is the existing building, as opposed to being placed on a residential side street (Ackerly Lane). Placing the building on Portion Road would also protect the residential properties on Ackerly and Conway.
However, should the building be placed on Ackerly, we would recommend the following protective measures:
Maximize the size of the buffer along the east, south, and west property lines
Within these buffers, use as much of the natural vegetation as possible supplemented with additional evergreen landscaping, such as Leyland cypress.
The buffer should also address the grade change across the properties and try to limit the visibility of the structure at the second floor level.
Use landscaping to disguise the retaining wall that’s visible from the street.
We are also concerned that proper noticing of this hearing has not been done; the required signs on the parcel itself have not been posted properly.
We encourage nearby property owners to attend Monday’s hearing to share their concerns and comments on this proposal with the Planning Board.
Portion Properties LLC @ Ronkonkoma
Location: S/EC of Portion Road (CR 16) and Ackerley Lane
Description: To construct a 3,230 sq. ft. Office building (medical office) and associated site improvements, with parking variances.
Tax Map#: 0200 64900 0200 031001
Council District: #5
Log#: 15SP0013
Area: 2.157 acres
Zoning: J Business 4
School District: #5 Sachem CSD
Applicant Info: Scott Friedman c/o Portion Properties, LLC 500 Portion Road Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
We have previously communicated our concerns about the original proposal. In December, we met with a representative of the property owner to discuss those concerns and review a revised proposal.
The building itself is much improved; the architecture matches the current office building at that corner and appears to be compliant with the Land Use Plan (LUP) for this part of the Portion Road corridor. [See images below.]
The LUP also suggests that a new building on this property be aligned with the existing commercial frontage along Portion Road, as is the existing building, as opposed to being placed on a residential side street (Ackerly Lane). Placing the building on Portion Road would also protect the residential properties on Ackerly and Conway.
However, should the building be placed on Ackerly, we would recommend the following protective measures:
Maximize the size of the buffer along the east, south, and west property lines
Within these buffers, use as much of the natural vegetation as possible supplemented with additional evergreen landscaping, such as Leyland cypress.
The buffer should also address the grade change across the properties and try to limit the visibility of the structure at the second floor level.
Use landscaping to disguise the retaining wall that’s visible from the street.
We are also concerned that proper noticing of this hearing has not been done; the required signs on the parcel itself have not been posted properly.
We encourage nearby property owners to attend Monday’s hearing to share their concerns and comments on this proposal with the Planning Board.
Long Island Water Quality Hearings
Jan 23, 2016 Filed in: Events
| The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC) are embarking on a Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan, that is part of a wide-range of actions necessary to restore Long Island’s drinking and surface water. In connection, they are hosting three meetings to discuss the scope of this plan and are looking for input from stakeholders. SUFFOLK COUNTY Date: February 1, 2016 Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Location: Suffolk County Water Authority Education Center - 260 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge, NY 11788 — Date: February 2, 2016 Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Location: Suffolk County Community College, Culinary Arts Center Multipurpose Room - 20 E. Main Street, Riverhead, NY 11901 NASSAU COUNTY Date: February 3, 2016 Time: 1:00-3:00 PM Location: Hofstra University, North Campus, Sondra & David S. Mack Student Center - Multipurpose Room - Hempstead, NY 11549 RSVP to the NYSDEC by January 28, 2016 to LIwaterquality@dec.ny.gov. | ||||||||||
Public Service Commission REV Information Sessions
Jan 22, 2016 Filed in: Events
On January 26, 2016, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) will offer information and the opportunity for public comment on Long Island regarding the regulatory reforms proposed under “Reforming the Energy Vision” (REV), Governor Andrew Cuomo’s comprehensive strategy to build a clean, resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers.
The information sessions regarding REV will take place at the Suffolk County Legislative Building, 300 Center Drive, Riverhead from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and at the Nassau County Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave, Mineola from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public will be invited to submit comments immediately following these hour-long sessions.
“Through regulatory overhaul, REV is remaking New York’s utilities to encourage the cleanest, most advanced, and efficient power system operation,” said PSC Chair Audrey Zibelman. “We are seeking innovative ways to redesign state programs to support clean energy, accelerate market growth, unlock private investment and ensure that by the year 2030 half of the state’s energy needs are met by renewable resources.”
To this end, the Department of Public Service – the Staff arm of the PSC – filed a "White Paper on Ratemaking and Utility Business Models" (see attached) on July 28, 2015 (http:/www3.dps.ny.gov/W/PSCWeb.nsf/All/C12C0A18F55877E785257E6F005D533E?OpenDocument). The White Paper sets forth proposed reforms for the utility business model, the ratemaking process, and rate design. Comments from parties and the public will be considered by the PSC as it moves forward with the REV initiative. These hearings and forums are the latest in a series of REV-related public events designed to maximize public education about and participation in Commission decisions. Previous events have included a symposium, a seminar series, technical conferences, Commission conferences, numerous webinars, prior public statement hearings and public information forums, and informal meetings with stakeholders and communities. Notice of future events will be posted on the Commission’s web site.
In order to make comments on the record, it is not necessary to be present at the start of a hearing or to make an appointment in advance. Written materials will be accepted but they are not required of public speakers. Persons will be called to speak after completing a request card. The public statement hearing will continue until everyone wishing to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made.
Disabled persons requiring special accommodations should call the DPS's Human Resources Management Office at (518) 474-2520 as soon as possible. TDD users may request a sign language interpreter by placing a call through the New York Relay Service at 711. Individuals with difficulty understanding or reading English are encouraged to call the Commission at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this notice.
Other Ways to Comment
Internet or Mail: In addition to speaking at the formal hearings, members of the public desiring to comment may submit written comments by sending them electronically to the Commission’s Secretary at secretary@dps.ny.gov or by mail or delivery to Hon. Kathleen H. Burgess, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223-1350. Comments should refer to Case 14-M-0101.
Toll-free Opinion Line: Comments may also be submitted through the Commission’s Opinion Line at 1-800-335-2120. This number is designed to take comments about pending cases from in-state callers, 24 hours a day. Callers should press “1” to leave comments for the cases referenced above.
Opinion-line comments are not transcribed but are summarized, with the summary reported to the Consumer Advocate and the Commission. Written comments may be accessed on the Commission’s website by searching Case 14-M-0101 in the input box labeled "Search for Case Number" and clicking on the “Public Comments” tab. Many libraries offer free Internet access.
About Reforming the Energy Vision
Under Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), New York State is spurring clean-energy innovation and attracting new investment to build a cleaner, more resilient and affordable energy system for all New Yorkers. REV encompasses groundbreaking regulatory reform to integrate clean energy into the core of our power grid, redesigned programs and strategies to unlock private capital, and active leadership in deploying innovative energy solutions across the State’s own public facilities and operations. REV will enable a dynamic, clean-energy economy operating at a scale that will stimulate opportunities for communities across the state to create jobs and drive local economic growth, while protecting our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Successful initiatives already launched as part of REV include NY Sun, NY Green Bank, NY Prize, K-Solar, and a commitment to improve energy affordability for low-income communities. To learn more about REV, please visit www.ny.gov/REV4NY
Suffolk Drone Bill Public Hearing on January 21
Jan 17, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, pursuant to Local Law 29-2015, will hold a public hearing, in order to receive input from the public regarding the establishment of an unmanned aerial vehicle permitting process and regarding which County parks are appropriate to allow such permits to be utilized.
A public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Thursday, January 21, 2016 in Media Room 182 of the H. Lee Dennison Building, located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788, at which time all interested persons will be heard.
A public hearing will be held at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Thursday, January 21, 2016 in Media Room 182 of the H. Lee Dennison Building, located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788, at which time all interested persons will be heard.
Lake Advisory Board Meetings for 2016
Jan 09, 2016 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATURE
LAKE RONKONKOMA ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2016
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
Wednesday March 9th, 2016
Wednesday May 11th, 2016
Wednesday July 13th, 2016
Wednesday September 14th, 2016
Wednesday, November 16th, 2016
Time: 6:30 PM
Location
Clerk’s Conference Room at the William H. Rogers Legislature Building (Bldg. No. 20)
725 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, New York.
QUESTIONS?
Contact the 12th Legislative District Office
(Office): 631-854-3735
Hearing for Proposed Building at Portion & Ackerley
Nov 04, 2015 Filed in: Your Action Needed | General Announcements
Thanks to all of you to attended this hearing on October 5th. However, the developer did not properly notify neighboring residents as well as the community in large, about the Planning Board hearing. As such, the hearing will be re-heard on Monday November 9th, 4:00 PM at Brookhaven Town Hall. Please plan to attend to ensure your voice is heard on this proposal. You now have a second shot to address the Planning Board to ask for changes or to ask that they deny the proposed development as presented. See notes below from our prior email to you for more information and why the civic organization has serious concerns about this developer's plans.
The hearing is number 9 on the Planning Board agenda; this is how it appears on the agenda:
9. Portion Properties LLC @ Ronkonkoma
Location: S/EC of Portion Road (CR 16) and Ackerley Lane
Description: To construct a 3,230 sq. ft. Office building (medical office) and associated site improvements, with parking variances.
Tax Map#: 0200 64900 0200 031001
Council District: #5
Log#: 15SP0013
Area: 2.157 acres
Zoning: J Business 4
School District: #5 Sachem CSD
Applicant Info: Scott Friedman c/o Portion Properties, LLC 500 Portion Road Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Thank you!
The hearing is number 9 on the Planning Board agenda; this is how it appears on the agenda:
9. Portion Properties LLC @ Ronkonkoma
Location: S/EC of Portion Road (CR 16) and Ackerley Lane
Description: To construct a 3,230 sq. ft. Office building (medical office) and associated site improvements, with parking variances.
Tax Map#: 0200 64900 0200 031001
Council District: #5
Log#: 15SP0013
Area: 2.157 acres
Zoning: J Business 4
School District: #5 Sachem CSD
Applicant Info: Scott Friedman c/o Portion Properties, LLC 500 Portion Road Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Thank you!
Brookhaven Town Road Paving - Your Action Needed
Oct 29, 2015 Filed in: Your Action Needed
Thanks to all of you who responded to our road paving request! The civic compiled a list of nearly 40 local streets that are in poor condition and submitted it to Councilmen LaValle and Foley; we asked them to forward the list to the Highway Department as there is no published e-mail address for Highway Superintendent Losquadro.
Now we need you to keep the pressure on. Please contact the Councilmen; their e-mail addresses are provided below. Please also contact the Highway Department, a link to an online contact form is provided. We need to make sure we get our fair share of tax dollars allocated to our poorly maintained streets and roads.
Thank you.
CouncilmanLaValle@brookhaven.org
CouncilmanFoley@brookhaven.org
http://www.brookhaven.org/Elected-Officials/Highway-Superintendent
Now we need you to keep the pressure on. Please contact the Councilmen; their e-mail addresses are provided below. Please also contact the Highway Department, a link to an online contact form is provided. We need to make sure we get our fair share of tax dollars allocated to our poorly maintained streets and roads.
Thank you.
CouncilmanLaValle@brookhaven.org
CouncilmanFoley@brookhaven.org
http://www.brookhaven.org/Elected-Officials/Highway-Superintendent
Election 2015: Meet the Candidates on October 8th
Sep 29, 2015 Filed in: Events | General Announcements
The Executive Board has invited candidates for Town and County positions to the General Membership meeting on Thursday October 8th to meet with our members. The Board does not endorse any particular candidate or political party, but we do encourage our members to come to the meeting and ask our guests about the issues that are important to them.
The meeting begins at 7:30 PM at the
Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum, 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Brookhaven Town Road Paving - Follow Up
Sep 20, 2015 Filed in: Your Action Needed
As you know, the last general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization was dedicated to a discussion of ROAD CONDITIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY. This was part of an ongoing effort by the civic to explore how roads are paved, how is it decided which roads will be paved, and how paving dollars are allocated by hamlet and by council district within the Town of Brookhaven.
Read more...
Read more...
Next Civic Meeting: September 10th
Aug 30, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday, September 10th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum located at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
ROAD CONDITIONS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Please attend and share your road condition frustrations
Also: Ronkonkoma Hub Project Update
Update on Patchogue-Holbrook Road Bridge Project
Aug 30, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
| The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization reached out to Assemblyman Al Graf to get an update on the Patchogue-Holbrook Road bridge over the Long Island Expressway. Many of our members have asked the civic for news on this reconstruction as it seems to be moving at a slow pace with no end in sight. According to the Assemblyman: The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016. It has been delayed by a truck accident and inclement weather. The work is done from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. This is a much more involved project than the Ronkonkoma Avenue bridge: there will be a new structural bridge deck, new roadway approaches, wider shoulder lanes, a new sidewalk, improved traffic signals, and new landscaping. The New York State Department of Transportation appreciates the patience and cooperation of motorists during this important project. We'll continue to pass along any additional information we receive on the status of this bridge work. |
Health Officials Warn of Cyanobacteria Bloom on Lake Ronkonkoma (Brookhaven side)
Aug 30, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
| Researchers from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services have confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) at Lake Ronkonkoma* off Pond Road, in the Town of Brookhaven. Additionally, blue-green algae persist at the following locations: |
| Sagaponack Pond in South Hampton |
| Georgica Pond in East Hampton |
| Roth Pond, Stony Brook University |
| McKay Lake in Calverton |
| Fort Pond in Montauk |
| Kellis Pond in Bridgehampton |
| Wainscott Pond in Wainscott |
| Agawam Lake and Mill Pond in Southampton |
| Maratooka Lake in Mattituck. |
Cyanobacteria are naturally present in lakes and streams in low numbers; however, they can become abundant, forming blooms in shades of green, blue-green, yellow, brown or red. They may produce floating scums on the surface of the water, or may cause the water to take on paint-like appearance. Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins that can cause health problems in humans and animals if exposed to large enough quantities.
Contact with waters that appear scummy or discolored should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur after contact: nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation; or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
To report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom at a body of water that contains a Suffolk County-
To report a suspected cyanobacteria bloom that is in a body of water that lies within Suffolk County but does not contain a permitted bathing beach, contact the Division of Water at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: (518) 402-8179.
For more information about cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), visit the Suffolk County website:
*Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip is open for bathing. Cyanobacteria have not been detected at levels warranting beach closure at Lake Ronkonkoma Beach this summer.
Town of Brookhaven Planning Board Meeting - Ronkonkoma Hub Project
Aug 22, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
On Monday, August 17th, the Brookhaven Town Planning Board held a hearing related to the Ronkonkoma Hub project. The hearing was regarding Phase 1 of the project: “Demolition of all existing structures and construction of 489 rental units consisting of 9 studios, 238 one-bedroom, 227 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom units consistent with the Town Board adopted Form Based code, and SEQRA Findings of June 24, 2014. Applicant is Master Developer of Ronkonkoma Hub. Plans also show proposed infrastructure and proposed County sewage pump station. Application also includes request for Planning Board covenant relief.”
LRCO Vice President Dawn Hopkins attended the hearing and spoke in favor of the proposal. She discussed the civic’s involvement in the project since 2007 as well as the community’s involvement in the planning phases. She also discussed the reasons that Tritec was selected as the master developer of the Ronkonkoma Hub project. There were four speakers in attendance that supported the application and one opposed. A decision from the Planning Board is expected at the September 21st Planning Board meeting.
These renderings of Phase 1 were provided by the master developer, Tritec.
LRCO Vice President Dawn Hopkins attended the hearing and spoke in favor of the proposal. She discussed the civic’s involvement in the project since 2007 as well as the community’s involvement in the planning phases. She also discussed the reasons that Tritec was selected as the master developer of the Ronkonkoma Hub project. There were four speakers in attendance that supported the application and one opposed. A decision from the Planning Board is expected at the September 21st Planning Board meeting.
These renderings of Phase 1 were provided by the master developer, Tritec.
Brookhaven Town Road Paving
Jul 26, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
Members of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization have expressed concern about the condition of our local roadways for some time. As such, the LRCO Board has been attempting to increase Town of Brookhaven Highway Department attention to the woeful state of our communities’ streets. While the Highway Department has not agreed to a meeting with the civic organization, we were able to obtain certain highway paving records through the Freedom of Information rules. Read more...
Lake Ronkonkoma Beach Reopens
Jul 05, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
Northport, Eatons Neck and West Sayville Beaches Close to Bathing
Lake Ronkonkoma Beach Reopens
Steers Beach in Northport, Prices Bend Beach in Eatons Neck and West Oaks Recreation Club Beach in West Sayville are closed to bathing due to the finding of bacteria at levels in excess of acceptable criteria. The beach closure for Lake Ronkonkoma Beach in the Town of Islip has been lifted, as recent water samples meet New York State standards.
According to Suffolk County Commissioner of Health Dr. James Tomarken, bathing in bacteria-contaminated water can result in gastrointestinal illness, as well as infections of the eyes, ears, nose, and throat.
For the latest information on affected beaches, call the Bathing Beach HOTLINE at 852-5822, contact the Department's Office of Ecology at 852-5760 during normal business hours, or visit the Beach Monitoring page on the Suffolk County website.
suffolkcountyny.gov
Facebook.com/SuffolkCountyHealthServices
Twitter.com/SuffolkCoHealth
Contact: Grace Kelly-McGovern
631-854-0095
healthPIO@suffolkcountyny.gov
Meeting Schedule for 2015
Jul 05, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
All meetings are at 7:30 PM, at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum, 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Thursday, February 12th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, March 12th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, April 9th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, May 14th: Annual Civic Meeting
Thursday, June 11th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, September 10th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, October 8th: "Meet the Candidates"
Thursday, November 12th: General Membership Meeting
Thursday, February 11th, 2016: General Membership Meeting
If you use Google Calendar, you can subscribe to the Google's LRCO Meeting Calendar by clicking on this link:
No Civic Meeting in July and August
Jun 30, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
There will be no General Membership Meeting in July or August.
Next meeting: September 10th. Enjoy the summer!
Sachem’s “Meet the Candidate” Night
Apr 27, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
Sachem’s “Meet the Candidate” night, sponsored by the Sachem PTA Council, will be on Tuesday, April 28 in the auditorium at Samoset starting at 7:30 p.m. You’ll have a chance to hear from the individuals running for seats on Sachem’s Board of Education.
Want to Help Your Community? Serve on Your Civic Board.
Apr 27, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
There is a vacant Director position on the civic’s executive board. This position has been earmarked for someone who will manage our social media efforts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) and also to work on increasing the profile of the civic in the community. If you have the needed skills or know of someone who does, please contact the civic: information@lakeronkonkomacivic.org We will be interviewing interested individuals over the next few months in order to find a community member who has these skills.
Street Sign Clean Up
Apr 27, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Your Action Needed
The civic is once again compiling a list of street name signs and traffic control signs that are missing, vandalized or in generally poor condition. Send your list of signs to the civic; we will verify and forward on to the appropriate town departments for review and possible replacement.
Members can share this information with the civic three ways:
➢ Bring the list to the next civic meeting
➢ Mail the list to the civic at P.O. Box 2916, Lake Ronkonkoma, 11779
➢ E-mail the list to information@lakeronkonkomacivic.org
We are also compiling a list of streets in the community that are in need of paving or resurfacing. Please include that information in your correspondence to the civic. Provide us with the full street name. Note, this list is not for pothole repair, we are looking for entire streets that need serious attention. For pothole repair, please call 451-TOWN.
Members can share this information with the civic three ways:
➢ Bring the list to the next civic meeting
➢ Mail the list to the civic at P.O. Box 2916, Lake Ronkonkoma, 11779
➢ E-mail the list to information@lakeronkonkomacivic.org
We are also compiling a list of streets in the community that are in need of paving or resurfacing. Please include that information in your correspondence to the civic. Provide us with the full street name. Note, this list is not for pothole repair, we are looking for entire streets that need serious attention. For pothole repair, please call 451-TOWN.
Next Civic Meeting: May 14th
Apr 27, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday, May 14th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Guest speaker:
Town of Brookhaven
The meeting begins at 7:30 PM at the
Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum, 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Next Civic Meeting: April 9th
Mar 23, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
The next general membership meeting of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization will be on Thursday, April 9th, 7:30 PM at the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum at 328 Hawkins Avenue.
Guest speakers:
Town of Brookhaven Council Members
The meeting begins at 7:30 PM at the
Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society Museum, 328 Hawkins Avenue.
A Reminder From the Membership Committee
Mar 23, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Your Action Needed
Our fiscal year ends soon and that means it’s time once again to renew your membership.
You can pay for your renewal online, safely and securely, by using your credit card or PayPal account. Just visit the Civic membership page:
http://www.lakeronkonkomacivic.org/membership/membership.html
You will be automatically transferred to a secure PayPal-hosted page where you can complete the payment for your membership using American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, or if you have a PayPal account, you can use that too. Your credit card information remains safe and secure with PayPal's encrypted website; the Civic does not store, nor have access to, your credit card data.
You can pay for your renewal online, safely and securely, by using your credit card or PayPal account. Just visit the Civic membership page:
http://www.lakeronkonkomacivic.org/membership/membership.html
You will be automatically transferred to a secure PayPal-hosted page where you can complete the payment for your membership using American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, or if you have a PayPal account, you can use that too. Your credit card information remains safe and secure with PayPal's encrypted website; the Civic does not store, nor have access to, your credit card data.
Be A Hero
Mar 15, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER?
On June 13, 2015, the Suffolk County Department of Civil Service is offering an entrance examination for the position of Police Officer. This exam is offered once every four years. Download the flyer below or visit: http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/recruitment.htm
seminar 3-9-15 version
On June 13, 2015, the Suffolk County Department of Civil Service is offering an entrance examination for the position of Police Officer. This exam is offered once every four years. Download the flyer below or visit: http://apps.suffolkcountyny.gov/police/recruitment.htm
seminar 3-9-15 version
PSEG Long Island’s Three-Year Electric Rate Proposal
Mar 07, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
If you missed the recent NYS Department of Public Service press release regarding the Notice of Informational and Public Statement Hearings concerning PSEG Long Island’s Three-Year Electric Rate Proposal, Director Julia Bovey outlined the Rate Setting process in the following video https://vimeo.com/120532557
Brookhaven Special Recycling Events Schedule for 2015
Mar 07, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
Includes e-Waste / Paper Shredding / Drug Take-Back. Download the schedule at: http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=8144&PortalId=0&TabId=134
Lake Ronkonkoma St. Patrick's Day Parade
Feb 24, 2015 Filed in: Events | General Announcements
Sunday, March 8th at 2:00 PM
Parade will begin at Patchogue Holbrook Road at Portion Road, West on Portion Road, South on Hawkins Avenue, West on Church Street, ending at Pond Road.
Visit http://saintregiskofc.com for details.
Brookhaven Special Recycling Collection on Saturday Town Announces Special Saturday Recycling Collection, Regular Garbage Collection to Resume on Thursday
Jan 28, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
The Town of Brookhaven has added a special recycling collection on Saturday, January 31. The regular Wednesday collection was suspended so Town snow removal crews would not be impeded in the aftermath of the snow storm. The Division of Waste Management asks that residents do not place recycling cans on the street until Friday night because they could interfere with our continuing snow removal efforts.
The Town will also resume regular garbage collection on Thursday, January 29.
The Town will also resume regular garbage collection on Thursday, January 29.
Town Announces Pre-Season Resident Parking Sticker Sale
Jan 28, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements
The Town of Brookhaven Department of Parks, Recreation and Sport, and Cultural Resources announces the pre-season sale of the 2015 Seasonal Resident Parking Sticker at selected locations throughout the town. This year resident seasonal stickers bought prior to Friday, May 22nd will be discounted.
The price of the 2015 Seasonal Parking Sticker is $15.00 and is good for the entire 2015 season. If purchased before Friday, May 22nd the sticker cost will be $10.00. Resident Senior Citizen, Handicapped and Veteran's seasonal stickers will be $5.00 throughout the season.
Stickers are available at the Town of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Office in Centereach, the Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center in Blue Point, the Port Jefferson Marina Annex in Port Jefferson, the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizens Center in Mt. Sinai, the Mastic Recreation Center in Mastic and Kaler's Pond Park in Center Moriches. Stickers will be available at the Mt. Sinai Marina in Mt. Sinai and the Holtsville Ecology Site starting March 7th.
Click here for more information, including hours and directions:
http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=8241&PortalId=0&TabId=134
The price of the 2015 Seasonal Parking Sticker is $15.00 and is good for the entire 2015 season. If purchased before Friday, May 22nd the sticker cost will be $10.00. Resident Senior Citizen, Handicapped and Veteran's seasonal stickers will be $5.00 throughout the season.
Stickers are available at the Town of Brookhaven Parks and Recreation Office in Centereach, the Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center in Blue Point, the Port Jefferson Marina Annex in Port Jefferson, the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizens Center in Mt. Sinai, the Mastic Recreation Center in Mastic and Kaler's Pond Park in Center Moriches. Stickers will be available at the Mt. Sinai Marina in Mt. Sinai and the Holtsville Ecology Site starting March 7th.
Click here for more information, including hours and directions:
http://www.brookhaven.org/DesktopModules/Bring2mind/DMX/Download.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=8241&PortalId=0&TabId=134
Rail Yard Info Center Opens at Ronkonkoma Station
Jan 28, 2015 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
LIRR customers and local residents are invited to visit the Mid-Suffolk Train Yard Information Center at Ronkonkoma Station on January 29 and 30. The Mid-Suffolk Yard project, which involves expanding the existing Ronkonkoma Train Yard, is a critical element in the MTA's efforts to improve the Main Line commute. Additional yard capacity is needed to support direct service to Grand Central Terminal when East Side Access is up and running. The yard expansion plan calls for the use of undeveloped property already owned by the LIRR on the south side of Ronkonkoma Yard. The Info Center, located opposite the Ronkonkoma Station ticket office, will be staffed by LIRR personnel ready to discuss the project in detail. The hours of operation are:
Click here for a recent Newsday article regarding this project:
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/lirr-doubling-size-of-ronkonkoma-rail-yard-ahead-of-east-side-access-project-1.9835288
- Thursday, January 29 from 1 PM to 9 PM
- Friday, January 30 from 6 AM to Noon
Click here for a recent Newsday article regarding this project:
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/lirr-doubling-size-of-ronkonkoma-rail-yard-ahead-of-east-side-access-project-1.9835288
Brookhaven Exceeds Tax Cap Despite Voter Referendum
Dec 16, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
We in Brookhaven Town received our property tax bills this weekend. We saw Town General Fund tax rates increase 25.2% and 18.8% for whole town and part town respectively. This occurred in spite of the 2010 referendum where we overwhelmingly passed a 4% tax cap
The Town contends that the intent of the 2010 referendum was to apply the cap to the total tax rate. This contention is refuted in both the Town Finance Director’s power point (see first attachment below), presented to the Board at the June 15, 2010 meeting, as well as the Town Press Release following that meeting (see second attachment below). These documents state quite clearly that the cap applies to the General Fund tax rates. It makes absolutely no mention of the Highway Dept.
This means that the Board did indeed pierce the town’s own tax cap, albeit with the requisite 2/3 majority vote provided for in the Town Code, in spite of the rhetoric from the Town about holding taxes flat.
The tax bills also show a 13.7% increase in the 2004 $100 million bond act tax. The Town included $1 million in new open space funds in this line rather than in the General Fund line. It’s unclear how this is appropriate. The 2004 $100 million bond act was the result of a Town Referendum and can’t be modified without a further referendum. If this $1 million was included in the General Fund line the General Fund rate increase would have been even higher.
There’s also a line on the tax bill entitled Snow Recovery Tax. The prior tax bills included a line entitled Blizzard Note Repayment and applied to the Whole Town. The current tax bill line entitled Snow Recovery Taxes and is a Part Town tax. Our tax bills show that the rate for this recast line item increases 92%. It’s not entirely clear what this tax is for. Did we issue notes? And if so what were the terms and why are they only applicable to Part Town? It’s also curious that the Highway Budget went down significantly in the same year this item appears.
It’s interesting to note that the Town chose to exclude the $7 million Snow Recovery Tax and the $1 million in open space funding from the erroneous ‘total tax cap’ calculation. If the Town included these items, the resulting tax rate increase would still pierce the tax cap.
We need further transparency in the budget and tax process and should let our elected representatives know how strongly we fell about it.
06.15 Local Law Presentation Extract
2010 June Town Press Release
The Town contends that the intent of the 2010 referendum was to apply the cap to the total tax rate. This contention is refuted in both the Town Finance Director’s power point (see first attachment below), presented to the Board at the June 15, 2010 meeting, as well as the Town Press Release following that meeting (see second attachment below). These documents state quite clearly that the cap applies to the General Fund tax rates. It makes absolutely no mention of the Highway Dept.
This means that the Board did indeed pierce the town’s own tax cap, albeit with the requisite 2/3 majority vote provided for in the Town Code, in spite of the rhetoric from the Town about holding taxes flat.
The tax bills also show a 13.7% increase in the 2004 $100 million bond act tax. The Town included $1 million in new open space funds in this line rather than in the General Fund line. It’s unclear how this is appropriate. The 2004 $100 million bond act was the result of a Town Referendum and can’t be modified without a further referendum. If this $1 million was included in the General Fund line the General Fund rate increase would have been even higher.
There’s also a line on the tax bill entitled Snow Recovery Tax. The prior tax bills included a line entitled Blizzard Note Repayment and applied to the Whole Town. The current tax bill line entitled Snow Recovery Taxes and is a Part Town tax. Our tax bills show that the rate for this recast line item increases 92%. It’s not entirely clear what this tax is for. Did we issue notes? And if so what were the terms and why are they only applicable to Part Town? It’s also curious that the Highway Budget went down significantly in the same year this item appears.
It’s interesting to note that the Town chose to exclude the $7 million Snow Recovery Tax and the $1 million in open space funding from the erroneous ‘total tax cap’ calculation. If the Town included these items, the resulting tax rate increase would still pierce the tax cap.
We need further transparency in the budget and tax process and should let our elected representatives know how strongly we fell about it.
06.15 Local Law Presentation Extract
2010 June Town Press Release
Follow Up to Civic Presentation by NYS Department of Public Service (DPS)
Dec 04, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization Members:
The Department of Public Service Long Island (DPS) staff would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak at your meeting with your civic group. We hope your members found our presentation helpful and informative.
As promised, I would like to follow up on some questions that were asked during our presentation.
1. Where is the closest Customer Care Center?
The closest customer care center to Lake Ronkonkoma would be the Patchogue Customer Care Center, 460 E. Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772. Another option would be the Brentwood center located at 1650 Islip Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717. For other locations, please follow the link below.
https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Account/Payment/CustomerServiceCenters
2. Regarding the question about the LIPA debt:
The amount of debt utilized for the Shoreham project has been decreasing since 1998 and will be completely eliminated under the current schedule in 2033. Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) financials are a public record and can be found on their website http://www.lipower.org/financials.html
3. What happened to the Superconductor that was installed in Ronkonkoma?
We’re looking into the status of this project and will forward any information we receive.
There was also a question asked by Jeff Kagan regarding research and development. Currently, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers various programs to help the residential and business community across New York State become more energy efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels. As a result of the LIPA Reform Act, NYSERDA efforts have now expanded into Long Island. You can learn more about some of the key program initiatives by clicking on the links below or visiting the NYSERDA website at http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ :
NY Prize: NY Prize is part of New York’s comprehensive effort to build a cleaner, more resilient, and affordable infrastructure.
NY Sun: The NY-Sun Initiative is part of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to protect the environment and lower energy costs for all New Yorkers by improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid. NY-Sun brings together and expands existing programs administered by NYSERDA, LIPA, PSEG Long Island, and the New York Power Authority (NYPA). This coordinated, well-funded effort will further expand the use of solar installations across New York State.
K-Solar: a joint project of NYPA and NYSERDA which will provide NYS school districts, AT NO COST and NO OBLIGATION, with the tools, and expertise to bring solar energy to their facilities and reduce their energy costs.
Other R&D Initiatives in Long Island:
If you need further assistance, you may contact us at 516-490-2318.
Anna Senatore: Anna.Senatore@dps.ny.gov
NYS DPS | Long Island Office| 125 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803
The Department of Public Service Long Island (DPS) staff would like to thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak at your meeting with your civic group. We hope your members found our presentation helpful and informative.
As promised, I would like to follow up on some questions that were asked during our presentation.
1. Where is the closest Customer Care Center?
The closest customer care center to Lake Ronkonkoma would be the Patchogue Customer Care Center, 460 E. Main Street, Patchogue, NY 11772. Another option would be the Brentwood center located at 1650 Islip Avenue, Brentwood, NY 11717. For other locations, please follow the link below.
https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Account/Payment/CustomerServiceCenters
2. Regarding the question about the LIPA debt:
The amount of debt utilized for the Shoreham project has been decreasing since 1998 and will be completely eliminated under the current schedule in 2033. Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) financials are a public record and can be found on their website http://www.lipower.org/financials.html
3. What happened to the Superconductor that was installed in Ronkonkoma?
We’re looking into the status of this project and will forward any information we receive.
There was also a question asked by Jeff Kagan regarding research and development. Currently, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) offers various programs to help the residential and business community across New York State become more energy efficient, and less reliant on fossil fuels. As a result of the LIPA Reform Act, NYSERDA efforts have now expanded into Long Island. You can learn more about some of the key program initiatives by clicking on the links below or visiting the NYSERDA website at http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ :
NY Prize: NY Prize is part of New York’s comprehensive effort to build a cleaner, more resilient, and affordable infrastructure.
NY Sun: The NY-Sun Initiative is part of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to protect the environment and lower energy costs for all New Yorkers by improving the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid. NY-Sun brings together and expands existing programs administered by NYSERDA, LIPA, PSEG Long Island, and the New York Power Authority (NYPA). This coordinated, well-funded effort will further expand the use of solar installations across New York State.
K-Solar: a joint project of NYPA and NYSERDA which will provide NYS school districts, AT NO COST and NO OBLIGATION, with the tools, and expertise to bring solar energy to their facilities and reduce their energy costs.
Other R&D Initiatives in Long Island:
- The Long Island High Technology Incubator (LIHTI)
- StartUp NY
- Here are the links you can share with your members:
- NYS Department of Public Service - www.unwasteny.org / 1-800-342-3377
- PSEG-LI 66 Ways to Save Energy - https://www.psegliny.com/page.cfm/Efficiency/Tips/66Ways 1-800-692-2626
- PSEG-LI General Information - www.psegliny.com / 1-800-490-0025
- For further information about Utility 2.0 and from DPS-LI, please visit the Department's website at www.dps.ny.gov/longisland.
If you need further assistance, you may contact us at 516-490-2318.
Anna Senatore: Anna.Senatore@dps.ny.gov
NYS DPS | Long Island Office| 125 East Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803
Chamber of Commerce Holiday Celebration: Dec. 7th
Dec 04, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
Sachem School District Considers Facilities Options
Nov 30, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
The Sachem School Board is looking at their options in light of declining enrollment. Enrollment at Sachem has dropped from a high of 20,497 in 1979 to 13,787 this year and is expected to drop to 12,771 in 2018. This means district schools are underutilized and may present financial opportunities. The greatest level of underutilization presents itself in the Elementary Schools, followed by the Middle Schools. This logically follows from the root cause of declining enrollment. The Sachem community is aging due to an exodus of young adults with a resulting reduced birth rate. This reduced birth rate continues to impact incoming Kindergarten classes. The current kindergarten class was expected to be about 900 and is only 826. This reduction isn’t represented in the 12,771 projection above.
This declining enrollment occurs during a period of increasing budget stress. The budget for the current school year was favorably impacted by a late infusion of additional State aid. It’s unclear what future levels of State aid will be but the District is still required to maintain property tax rates within the State tax cap. That’s the reason the School Board is reviewing all options. The Facilities discussion is just one of those options.
The Facilities review began when the Board formed a committee of district residents in October 2013. This committee presented its findings at a School Board meeting February 26, 2014. The findings consisted of a wide range of school closing scenarios. The School Board narrowed this down to four scenarios and asked the Superintendent to make presentations on each of the 4 during Board meetings in the fall of 2014. The fourth presentation occurred at the School Board meeting November 19, 2014. All of these presentations are available for public view on the Sachem Web Site: http://www.sachem.edu/board/budget14/School_Closing_Options.htm.
The four scenarios evaluated were:
1. Close two (2) Elementary Schools
2. Close two (2) Middle Schools and move 6th grade classes to the Elementary Schools
3. Close two (2) Elementary Schools and 1 Middle School
4. Close one (1) Middle School
It’s important to note that the savings associated with the school closings in each scenario do not include reduction in teaching staff. Teaching staff will generally follow the students.
It’s also important to note that each of these scenarios will entail redistricting, i.e. changing the mapping of residence addresses to specific school buildings. Moreover the Superintendent has stated that the extreme variances in the number of children in each school currently will require some redistricting whether any schools are closed or not.
Select community groups have attended one or another of the budget presentations as each option was reviewed. It’s clear that no one want’s their school closed. It’s also clear that no one wants redistricting.
The School Board does not seem enamored of any of the specific scenarios and has thus requested the Superintendent identify options to utilize the excess capacity through options other than closing schools.
It’s not clear where this discussion will end up, but with continued decline in enrollment and continued budget pressure it’s likely that something will occur at some time in the next several years. And while it’s not been stated, the expected level of State aid for the upcoming school year may cause greater urgency.
This declining enrollment occurs during a period of increasing budget stress. The budget for the current school year was favorably impacted by a late infusion of additional State aid. It’s unclear what future levels of State aid will be but the District is still required to maintain property tax rates within the State tax cap. That’s the reason the School Board is reviewing all options. The Facilities discussion is just one of those options.
The Facilities review began when the Board formed a committee of district residents in October 2013. This committee presented its findings at a School Board meeting February 26, 2014. The findings consisted of a wide range of school closing scenarios. The School Board narrowed this down to four scenarios and asked the Superintendent to make presentations on each of the 4 during Board meetings in the fall of 2014. The fourth presentation occurred at the School Board meeting November 19, 2014. All of these presentations are available for public view on the Sachem Web Site: http://www.sachem.edu/board/budget14/School_Closing_Options.htm.
The four scenarios evaluated were:
1. Close two (2) Elementary Schools
2. Close two (2) Middle Schools and move 6th grade classes to the Elementary Schools
3. Close two (2) Elementary Schools and 1 Middle School
4. Close one (1) Middle School
It’s important to note that the savings associated with the school closings in each scenario do not include reduction in teaching staff. Teaching staff will generally follow the students.
It’s also important to note that each of these scenarios will entail redistricting, i.e. changing the mapping of residence addresses to specific school buildings. Moreover the Superintendent has stated that the extreme variances in the number of children in each school currently will require some redistricting whether any schools are closed or not.
Select community groups have attended one or another of the budget presentations as each option was reviewed. It’s clear that no one want’s their school closed. It’s also clear that no one wants redistricting.
The School Board does not seem enamored of any of the specific scenarios and has thus requested the Superintendent identify options to utilize the excess capacity through options other than closing schools.
It’s not clear where this discussion will end up, but with continued decline in enrollment and continued budget pressure it’s likely that something will occur at some time in the next several years. And while it’s not been stated, the expected level of State aid for the upcoming school year may cause greater urgency.
Individual and Community Preparedness e-Brief
Nov 24, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Individual and Community Preparedness e-Brief from FEMA and the Suffolk County Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home fires involving cooking equipment. By making safety part of the Thanksgiving dinner menu, you can avoid preventable cooking fires. Here are some steps to follow when preparing your holiday feast:
• Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working;
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove; and
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking.
In recent years, deep-frying turkeys has become a popular cooking method. While fried turkey may be a tasty addition to your meal, cooking with deep-fat turkey fryers can be a recipe for disaster! They have a high risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil - which can lead to fires, burns and other injuries.
For a safer alternative to deep-frying your bird, the National Fire Protection Association encourages the use of an outdoor turkey cooking appliance that does not use oil.
Thanksgiving Safety
http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/ThanksgivingSafety.pdf
Cooking fire safety outreach materials
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html
Turkey Fryers
The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking/safety-with-cooking-equipment/turkey-fryers
Turkey Fryer Safety
http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/TurkeyFryerSafety.pdf
It’s a Clean Sweep
When the temperatures fall, many people use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires in the U.S. Fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners account for 87 percent of these tragedies and are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages these steps and more to keep your home fires burning safely:
• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned yearly by a certified chimney specialist;
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out;
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire; and
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating sources.
Home fires occur more often in the winter months than any other time of the year. Learn how to properly build and maintain a fire to heat your home with this video series hosted by the National Fire Academy Deputy Superintendent.
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/16544-how-to-properly-extinguish-a-fire
According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home fires involving cooking equipment. By making safety part of the Thanksgiving dinner menu, you can avoid preventable cooking fires. Here are some steps to follow when preparing your holiday feast:
• Test your smoke alarms to make sure they are working;
• Keep children at least 3 feet away from the stove; and
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking.
In recent years, deep-frying turkeys has become a popular cooking method. While fried turkey may be a tasty addition to your meal, cooking with deep-fat turkey fryers can be a recipe for disaster! They have a high risk of tipping over, overheating or spilling hot oil - which can lead to fires, burns and other injuries.
For a safer alternative to deep-frying your bird, the National Fire Protection Association encourages the use of an outdoor turkey cooking appliance that does not use oil.
Thanksgiving Safety
http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/ThanksgivingSafety.pdf
Cooking fire safety outreach materials
http://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html
Turkey Fryers
The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil
http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking/safety-with-cooking-equipment/turkey-fryers
Turkey Fryer Safety
http://www.nfpa.org/~/media/Files/Safety%20information/Safety%20tip%20sheets/TurkeyFryerSafety.pdf
It’s a Clean Sweep
When the temperatures fall, many people use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances to heat their homes. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires in the U.S. Fires confined to chimneys, flues or fuel burners account for 87 percent of these tragedies and are often due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. The U.S. Fire Administration encourages these steps and more to keep your home fires burning safely:
• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned yearly by a certified chimney specialist;
• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace opening to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out;
• Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire; and
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating sources.
Home fires occur more often in the winter months than any other time of the year. Learn how to properly build and maintain a fire to heat your home with this video series hosted by the National Fire Academy Deputy Superintendent.
http://www.monkeysee.com/play/16544-how-to-properly-extinguish-a-fire
LIPA 2015 Budget Hearings: 11/20
Nov 18, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) will be holding two public input sessions on its proposed 2015 budget; one in Nassau County and another one in Suffolk County. These sessions are going to be held on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at the following locations:
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Nassau County Legislature
Legislative Chamber
1550 Franklin Avenue, 1st Floor
Mineola, NY 11501
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - H. Lee Dennison Building
Media Room
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
For more details about LIPA’s 2015 Budget Public Input Sessions, please visit their website at http://www.lipower.org/newscenter/events.html and scroll down to the bottom of the page and to download the LIPA 2015 Proposed Budget.
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Nassau County Legislature
Legislative Chamber
1550 Franklin Avenue, 1st Floor
Mineola, NY 11501
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - H. Lee Dennison Building
Media Room
100 Veterans Memorial Highway
Hauppauge, NY 11788
For more details about LIPA’s 2015 Budget Public Input Sessions, please visit their website at http://www.lipower.org/newscenter/events.html and scroll down to the bottom of the page and to download the LIPA 2015 Proposed Budget.
No Civic Meeting in December and January
Nov 18, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
There will be no General Membership Meeting in December and January.
Next meeting: February 12th. Enjoy the holidays!
Brookhaven Town Board Modifies Zoning Variance Notification Requirements
Nov 02, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Planning & Land Use
The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization attended the Brookhaven Town Board Meeting Tuesday Evening October 29, 2014. One notable item on the agenda was a Public Hearing on a proposal to modify the notification requirement for Variances. Variances are building and site plan designs that do not comply with Town requirements. When a property owner requests a Variance the Town schedules a public hearing on the matter. The Town code requires that the property owner requesting a Variance notify all property owners within 500 feet of the Public Hearing by USPS certified mail. The proposed modification would require certified mail for property owners within 200 feet and regular US mail for property owners 201 feet to 500 feet.
The basis for the proposal was twofold.
1. Certain property owners have balked at the cost of certified mail for minor Variances.
2. Certain Board expressed a belief that certified mail is actual less effective than regular mail getting people’s attention. The belief is that folks put off going to the post office to pick up certified mail on the assumption that only bad news comes through that vehicle. Furthermore they stated that Town records show that a significant portion of such mailings are never delivered.
There was an active dialogue amongst the Board members and with speakers from the community about the importance of transparency. Some strongly stated that any move to reduce transparency was a move in the wrong direction. Others spoke passionately about the ineffectiveness of certified mail.
The Board made it clear that this proposal did not apply to requests for change in Zone but only to Variances. Changes in Zone would still require certified mail for all properties within 500 feet.
The conclusion was that the Board voted to adopt the new approach.
The basis for the proposal was twofold.
1. Certain property owners have balked at the cost of certified mail for minor Variances.
2. Certain Board expressed a belief that certified mail is actual less effective than regular mail getting people’s attention. The belief is that folks put off going to the post office to pick up certified mail on the assumption that only bad news comes through that vehicle. Furthermore they stated that Town records show that a significant portion of such mailings are never delivered.
There was an active dialogue amongst the Board members and with speakers from the community about the importance of transparency. Some strongly stated that any move to reduce transparency was a move in the wrong direction. Others spoke passionately about the ineffectiveness of certified mail.
The Board made it clear that this proposal did not apply to requests for change in Zone but only to Variances. Changes in Zone would still require certified mail for all properties within 500 feet.
The conclusion was that the Board voted to adopt the new approach.
Heritage Association to Place Two More Historic Markers
Oct 23, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
On Saturday, November 1, starting at 9:00 AM, the Lake Ronkonkoma Heritage Association will be placing historic markers in front of two structures in Lake Ronkonkoma: the Lake Ronkonkoma Fire District Building (formerly the National Bank of Lake Ronkonkoma) and Agnew & Taylor Hardware Store.
There will proclamations at each location, followed by light refreshments.
For more information visit: http://www.thelakeheritage.org/
The Agnew & Taylor Hardware Store, along with Newton’s Garage, were designated as Brookhaven Town Landmarks in July 2006 through the combined efforts of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization and the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society. You can read about it here.
There will proclamations at each location, followed by light refreshments.
For more information visit: http://www.thelakeheritage.org/
The Agnew & Taylor Hardware Store, along with Newton’s Garage, were designated as Brookhaven Town Landmarks in July 2006 through the combined efforts of the Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization and the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society. You can read about it here.
LRCO: Working for our Community
Oct 23, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Civic Accomplishments
Portion Road Light Posts Report: Councilman LaValle Supports Portion Road Safety
The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization met with Brookhaven 5th District Councilman Kevin LaValle earlier this year to discuss various opportunities within our community. One of the items which we discussed was the state of the decorative light posts on Portion Road. These light posts were installed as part of the Portion Road redesign to provide lighting for pedestrians and support the community atmosphere we sponsor. Unfortunately over time a number of these light posts had been damaged.
Councilman LaValle recently reported that most of the missing and broken light posts have been fixed or replaced. We thank the Councilman for his efforts on our behalf and look forward to working with him closely in the future on this and other community matters.
The Lake Ronkonkoma Civic Organization met with Brookhaven 5th District Councilman Kevin LaValle earlier this year to discuss various opportunities within our community. One of the items which we discussed was the state of the decorative light posts on Portion Road. These light posts were installed as part of the Portion Road redesign to provide lighting for pedestrians and support the community atmosphere we sponsor. Unfortunately over time a number of these light posts had been damaged.
Councilman LaValle recently reported that most of the missing and broken light posts have been fixed or replaced. We thank the Councilman for his efforts on our behalf and look forward to working with him closely in the future on this and other community matters.
Brookhaven Animal Shelter Howl-O-Ween Adoption Event
Oct 23, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements | Events
Saturday, October 25 from 10am to 4pm
300 Horseblock Road in Brookhaven
FREE ADOPTIONS!
Food, music, games, arts and crafts, face painting,
balloon animals and costume party
Click here for more information
Presented by the Town of Brookhaven
Patchogue-Holbrook Road & LIE Bridge Closing for Construction
Oct 07, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
FYI...
You have likely seen the signs announcing that the Patchogue-Holbrook Road (CR 19) bridge over the Long Island Expressway will be closed for construction. The bridge is long overdue for repairs and we are glad that the work will finally be done.
Below is the procedure to get the details from the NYS Department of Transportation's website. We have reached out to our NYS Assemblyman for more detailed information and will forward any updates we receive.
1. Go to the NYS DOT's website: https://www.dot.ny.gov/index
2. Click on "Projects"
3. In the box next to "Project Identification Number" type in 022934
4. Click on "Search Projects"
5. Scroll down and you will see the Search Results,
6. Click on the PIN 022934 for details on the project.
You have likely seen the signs announcing that the Patchogue-Holbrook Road (CR 19) bridge over the Long Island Expressway will be closed for construction. The bridge is long overdue for repairs and we are glad that the work will finally be done.
Below is the procedure to get the details from the NYS Department of Transportation's website. We have reached out to our NYS Assemblyman for more detailed information and will forward any updates we receive.
1. Go to the NYS DOT's website: https://www.dot.ny.gov/index
2. Click on "Projects"
3. In the box next to "Project Identification Number" type in 022934
4. Click on "Search Projects"
5. Scroll down and you will see the Search Results,
6. Click on the PIN 022934 for details on the project.
Are you ready to prepare, respond and recover from a disaster?
Sep 27, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Brookhaven Town to Host
Citizen Preparedness Training Program
October 1 at Town Hall
Members of the NY National Guard will give a presentation that will help you respond to a natural, manmade or technological disaster and keep yourself, your family and your property safe. A team of experts from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) will answer any questions or concerns from the audience.
Click here for more information and to register.
Don’t Panic - Be Prepared for Hurricanes
Sep 23, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Waiting until the day you may have to evacuate your home, due to a power outage or a natural disaster, is the worst time to discover that you are unprepared. We encourage our members to take an hour one evening to review the list below and plan ahead. It is up to us to be prepared!
Read more...
Read more...
Annual Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead Tour
Sep 19, 2014 Filed in: Events | General Announcements
Saturday, September 27th, 10:00am to 3:00pm
Find out what life was like in Lake Ronkonkoma in 1888!
No electricity! No electric lights! No telephone! No internet!!
The Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society invites you to tour the Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead at 2869 Pond Road. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to tour this1888 home, the summer kitchen, chicken coop, pump house, and grounds. Come and step back in time and see how our ancestors shaped Lake Ronkonkoma.
The Hallock family was instrumental in the history and progress of our area. Come and hear the stories about Lake Ronkonkoma and the pavilions from the members of the Society that grew up during that era.
There will be finger foods and drinks served.
For more information call 631 588-7599
$10 per person donation.
Find out what life was like in Lake Ronkonkoma in 1888!
No electricity! No electric lights! No telephone! No internet!!
The Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society invites you to tour the Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead at 2869 Pond Road. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to tour this1888 home, the summer kitchen, chicken coop, pump house, and grounds. Come and step back in time and see how our ancestors shaped Lake Ronkonkoma.
The Hallock family was instrumental in the history and progress of our area. Come and hear the stories about Lake Ronkonkoma and the pavilions from the members of the Society that grew up during that era.
There will be finger foods and drinks served.
For more information call 631 588-7599
$10 per person donation.
BOO! A "Not So Scary" Haunted House
Sep 19, 2014 Filed in: Events | General Announcements
On Sunday, October 19, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society is hosting a "Not So Scary" Haunted House at the historic Fitz-Greene Hallock Homestead, 2869 Pond Road, just south of the Brookhaven Town Beach. Admission is only $5.00 per person. In addition, there will be crafts games, pumpkins, and mums.
Transit-oriented development is key to Long Island's future
Sep 02, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
By Nancy Rauch Douzinas
One concept that addresses many of Long Island's economic and social needs is transit-oriented development. It should become a prominent focal point in this election season, as Long Islanders discuss our future ambitions.
Transit-oriented development refers to any development — housing, office, retail or any combination of them — located adjacent to transit stations, for us the Long Island Rail Road. What is especially impressive is the number of priority needs it addresses on Long Island.
From an economic standpoint, we need to grow job opportunities, and transit-oriented development provides settings for office and retail jobs, as well as housing. We need to increase our population in order to expand our economy and reduce the individual tax burden, and this development enables higher-density growth without impacting less commercial areas. We need to provide more varieties of housing — smaller units and more rental options that appeal to young people as well as those looking to down-size from larger homes — and transit-oriented development can accommodate those varieties as well.
Read the full article here: http://tinyurl.com/m6ryddo
One concept that addresses many of Long Island's economic and social needs is transit-oriented development. It should become a prominent focal point in this election season, as Long Islanders discuss our future ambitions.
Transit-oriented development refers to any development — housing, office, retail or any combination of them — located adjacent to transit stations, for us the Long Island Rail Road. What is especially impressive is the number of priority needs it addresses on Long Island.
From an economic standpoint, we need to grow job opportunities, and transit-oriented development provides settings for office and retail jobs, as well as housing. We need to increase our population in order to expand our economy and reduce the individual tax burden, and this development enables higher-density growth without impacting less commercial areas. We need to provide more varieties of housing — smaller units and more rental options that appeal to young people as well as those looking to down-size from larger homes — and transit-oriented development can accommodate those varieties as well.
Read the full article here: http://tinyurl.com/m6ryddo
Veteran's Stand Down: September 24th
Jul 22, 2014 Filed in: Events | General Announcements
Homeless Veterans and Vets at risk of homelessness get assistance with housing, employment, health care and more.
Wednesday, September 24th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Northport VA Medical Center
Gymnasium Building 89
79 Middleville Rd.
Northport, NY 11768-2200
Transportation to Northport VA Medical Center:
• MTA Nassau Bus (516-228-4000) N79 goes to the Walt Whitman Mall. Then take Suffolk County Bus 54 East to the Huntington Square Mall and transfer to the S41 North bus, which will take you to the VA Medical Center.
• Suffolk Bus (631-852-5200) routes 3A, S33 and S41 will take you to Northport VA Medical Center.
• Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network is offering roundtrip pickup:
Suffolk Pick up points:
• 10 a.m. pick up at VA’s Riverhead Clinic (300 Center Drive)
• 11 a.m. pick up at Port Jefferson Railroad Station
• 12 p.m. pick up at the Babylon Vet Center (116 West Main St.)
Nassau Pick up points:
• 9:30 a.m. pick up at VA clinic at East Meadow (Bldg. Q at Nassau University Med. Ctr.)
• 10 a.m. pick up at Hicksville Vet Center (970 South Broadway)
Other transportation questions, call 631-863-4840.
See attachments for more information and how to participate:
Standown Flyer Sept 2014Stand Down Agency Participation Form 9-2014
Wednesday, September 24th, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Northport VA Medical Center
Gymnasium Building 89
79 Middleville Rd.
Northport, NY 11768-2200
Transportation to Northport VA Medical Center:
• MTA Nassau Bus (516-228-4000) N79 goes to the Walt Whitman Mall. Then take Suffolk County Bus 54 East to the Huntington Square Mall and transfer to the S41 North bus, which will take you to the VA Medical Center.
• Suffolk Bus (631-852-5200) routes 3A, S33 and S41 will take you to Northport VA Medical Center.
• Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network is offering roundtrip pickup:
Suffolk Pick up points:
• 10 a.m. pick up at VA’s Riverhead Clinic (300 Center Drive)
• 11 a.m. pick up at Port Jefferson Railroad Station
• 12 p.m. pick up at the Babylon Vet Center (116 West Main St.)
Nassau Pick up points:
• 9:30 a.m. pick up at VA clinic at East Meadow (Bldg. Q at Nassau University Med. Ctr.)
• 10 a.m. pick up at Hicksville Vet Center (970 South Broadway)
Other transportation questions, call 631-863-4840.
See attachments for more information and how to participate:
Standown Flyer Sept 2014Stand Down Agency Participation Form 9-2014
LRCO: Working for our Community
Jun 08, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
A summary of some of the activities that the Civic has been involved with recently:
Maintaining Portion Road
Civic members have noted that some of the trees and decorative light posts along Portion Road have been damaged. In response the Civic Board conducted a detailed survey and identified 35 trees and 6 decorative light posts that need repair or replacement. Jeff Kagan, recently elected LRCO Treasurer, provided the lists to Brookhaven 3rd District Councilman Kevin LaValle on May 5 and had a follow up discussion May 13 in his offices at Town Hall. The Councilman has asked the Highway Department to address the deficiencies and will keep us informed of their progress.
Civic Executive Board
The Civic welcomes Timothy Tucker as our newest member of the Executive Board. He’ll be joining the board as a Director.
Maintaining Portion Road
Civic members have noted that some of the trees and decorative light posts along Portion Road have been damaged. In response the Civic Board conducted a detailed survey and identified 35 trees and 6 decorative light posts that need repair or replacement. Jeff Kagan, recently elected LRCO Treasurer, provided the lists to Brookhaven 3rd District Councilman Kevin LaValle on May 5 and had a follow up discussion May 13 in his offices at Town Hall. The Councilman has asked the Highway Department to address the deficiencies and will keep us informed of their progress.
Civic Executive Board
The Civic welcomes Timothy Tucker as our newest member of the Executive Board. He’ll be joining the board as a Director.
The Design of Portion Road
Recently, Newsday’s “Watchdog” column discussed Portion Road and its design. Specifically, a local resident wrote to Newsday to find out why some parts of Portion Road have two travel lanes in each direction and some parts have one travel lane in each direction. The resident felt that in the sections that transition from two lanes to one lane, that drivers exhibit aggressive behavior to be at the “head of the line”.Read more...
Launches Mobile App and Web Page For Residents to Report Vacant Buildings
Jun 03, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Brookhaven has a new Town web page and mobile app for residents to report vacant homes and commercial properties throughout the town. You can go to http://www.brookhaven.org/vacanthouse and follow the steps to submit a report. The information will be entered into a centralized database which the Law Department will use to investigate.
In December of 2013, the Town enacted a new law that requires the registration of all vacant buildings in order to provide the Town with a local individual or organization responsible for maintaining the property. The failure or refusal for any reason of the property owner to register a vacant building within 30 days after they become due will result in a fine of $1,000 or more. But the newly launched web page and mobile app can be used by any Town resident, not just the property owner, to report a vacant building.
The new legislation is modeled after similar vacant home registries that have been adopted by municipalities across the nation in response to the foreclosure crisis. The cities of Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Jacksonville have adopted similar legislation, as has the Town of Babylon.
To download the free mobile app, you can visit the Town’s website at http://www.brookhaven.org from a mobile device, or for Apple devices, search for “Brookhaven” in the iTunes App Store. Residents can also call 451-TOWN between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:30 pm to report housing violations.
In December of 2013, the Town enacted a new law that requires the registration of all vacant buildings in order to provide the Town with a local individual or organization responsible for maintaining the property. The failure or refusal for any reason of the property owner to register a vacant building within 30 days after they become due will result in a fine of $1,000 or more. But the newly launched web page and mobile app can be used by any Town resident, not just the property owner, to report a vacant building.
The new legislation is modeled after similar vacant home registries that have been adopted by municipalities across the nation in response to the foreclosure crisis. The cities of Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Jacksonville have adopted similar legislation, as has the Town of Babylon.
To download the free mobile app, you can visit the Town’s website at http://www.brookhaven.org from a mobile device, or for Apple devices, search for “Brookhaven” in the iTunes App Store. Residents can also call 451-TOWN between the hours of 9:00 am to 4:30 pm to report housing violations.
Town of Brookhaven – Special Recycling Event
Jun 03, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
On Saturday, June 7, the Town of Brookhaven will hold an e-Waste recycling event from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Sachem Public Library.
This is an opportunity to safely recycle your old electronics such as:
TV’s/VCR’s/DVD Players
Copiers/Printers
PCs/Laptops/Servers
Modems/Hard Drives
Projectors/Camcorders
Calculators
Circuit Boards
Radios/Stereos
Keyboards/Mouses
Electric Typewriters
PDA’s/Pagers
Power Supplies
Cell Phones/Telephones
Monitors/Scanners
Backup batteries
Answering machines
Routers/Hubs
Gameboy/E-Games
For more information, contact the Town’s call center at 451-TOWN.
This is an opportunity to safely recycle your old electronics such as:
TV’s/VCR’s/DVD Players
Copiers/Printers
PCs/Laptops/Servers
Modems/Hard Drives
Projectors/Camcorders
Calculators
Circuit Boards
Radios/Stereos
Keyboards/Mouses
Electric Typewriters
PDA’s/Pagers
Power Supplies
Cell Phones/Telephones
Monitors/Scanners
Backup batteries
Answering machines
Routers/Hubs
Gameboy/E-Games
For more information, contact the Town’s call center at 451-TOWN.
Memorial Service for Pat Duffield
May 02, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
A memorial service for Pat Duffield will be held on June 22, 2014 at the Smithtown, NY Masonic Temple starting at 1pm. The Masonic Temple is at 34 River Road in Smithtown, NY 11787.
Light refreshments will be served after the service. Chris Wright, acting as a representative of her church, will be the leader of the service.
To obtain a good estimate of the number of people attending, we ask that you email an RSVP to Chris Wright at chriswright66@aol.com.
Light refreshments will be served after the service. Chris Wright, acting as a representative of her church, will be the leader of the service.
To obtain a good estimate of the number of people attending, we ask that you email an RSVP to Chris Wright at chriswright66@aol.com.
It's Summer, Time to Visit Your Town Beaches, Parks, and Marinas
Apr 29, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
Parking stickers are required to enter most Town of Brookhaven parks, beaches and other recreational facilities. Resident parking stickers are available for purchase. The price of the sticker is $15, or $10 if before May 24. Senior citizen, handicapped and veterans stickers are $5. Stickers expire Dec. 31.
Stickers can be purchased at:
[Stickers will be available at the last three locations until May 9.]
Brookhaven Town residents must prove their residency by bringing:
Stickers can be purchased at:
- Parks and recreation office, 286 Hawkins Road, Centereach; Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm; Saturday 9 am-noon.
- Holtsville Ecology Center, 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville; Sat, 9 am-3 pm ( booth).
- Port Jefferson Marina, 130 West Broadway, Port Jefferson; Mon-Sun, 9 am-3 pm, (sales at annex building by west exit).
- Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center, 39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point; Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm; Saturday, 9 am-noon.
- Rose Caracappa Senior Citizen Center,739 Route 25A, Mount Sinai; Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm.
- Mastic Recreation Center, 15 Herkimer Street, Mastic; Mon, Wed, Fri, 9 am-noon.
[Stickers will be available at the last three locations until May 9.]
Brookhaven Town residents must prove their residency by bringing:
- A current New York State driver’s license showing Brookhaven address.
- A current New York State motor vehicle registration showing Brookhaven address.
- If registration doesn’t show Brookhaven address, must bring a current tax bill, utility bill or voter registration card, with Brookhaven address.
Civic Board Member, Pat Duffield, Passes Away
Apr 08, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
It is with deep regret that we inform you of Pat Duffield's death. Pat passed away on Sunday, April 6th.
Most of you know that Pat had been an active member of the Lake Ronkonkoma community. She served on the Executive Board of the civic organization since its inception, holding a variety of positions. She also chaired our Fall Festival for many years, organized many of our events and chaired our Scholarship Committee. Pat was also active in the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society and Friends of Sachem Library. Ultimately, she was a cheerleader and supporter for Lake Ronkonkoma. She will be missed greatly and we will always be grateful for her efforts to better our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.
There will be a memorial visiting service on Saturday, April 12th, 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Moloney's Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma. The service will be in the Tribute Center which is located behind the main funeral home.
LRCO: Working for our Community
Mar 09, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
A summary of some of the activities that the Civic has been involved with recently:
Brookhaven Town Board
At the Town Board meeting on February 4th, the Civic spoke in favor of rezoning specific properties in the downtown business area along Hawkins Avenue. The Civic has been working to revise the zoning map to further the goals of the community’s vision by rezoning parcels where the current use of the property matches the use indicated on the land use plan, but does not match the current zoning designation. With proper zoning we can encourage appropriate development along Hawkins Avenue.
The Civic president, George Schramm, spoke at the Town Board meeting on March 4th regarding the proposed rebuilding of the Wendy’s Restaurant at the corner of Portion Road and Ronkonkoma Avenue. Wendy’s is planning to demolish the existing building and construct a new restaurant.
Civic Executive Board
The Civic welcomes Jeff Kagan as our newest member of the Executive Board. Jeff has been a Farmingville resident for 44 years and is a former executive at United Healthcare. He’ll be joining the board as the Recording Secretary.
Brookhaven Town Board
At the Town Board meeting on February 4th, the Civic spoke in favor of rezoning specific properties in the downtown business area along Hawkins Avenue. The Civic has been working to revise the zoning map to further the goals of the community’s vision by rezoning parcels where the current use of the property matches the use indicated on the land use plan, but does not match the current zoning designation. With proper zoning we can encourage appropriate development along Hawkins Avenue.
The Civic president, George Schramm, spoke at the Town Board meeting on March 4th regarding the proposed rebuilding of the Wendy’s Restaurant at the corner of Portion Road and Ronkonkoma Avenue. Wendy’s is planning to demolish the existing building and construct a new restaurant.
Civic Executive Board
The Civic welcomes Jeff Kagan as our newest member of the Executive Board. Jeff has been a Farmingville resident for 44 years and is a former executive at United Healthcare. He’ll be joining the board as the Recording Secretary.
LRCO: Working for our Community
Feb 03, 2014 Filed in: General Announcements
A summary of some of the activities that the Civic has been involved with recently:
Brookhaven Town Board
Civic board members spoke in support of the Ronkonkoma Hub Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Land Use and Implementation Plan at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, January 9th.
Civic Board Meets with Brookhaven’s New Councilman
Civic board members met with the new councilman for Brookhaven’s 3rd council district, Kevin LaValle, to discuss ongoing and future projects in Lake Ronkonkoma. Within Ronkonkoma, Councilman LaValle’s district is the area north of Portion Road.
Brookhaven Planning Board
The Civic president, George Schramm, addressed the Planning Board meeting on January 27th regarding the proposed townhouse development on the former site of the Golden Villa Adult Home on Portion Road. The civic has been working with the applicant to improve the proposed architecture of the buildings.
Brookhaven Town Board
Civic board members spoke in support of the Ronkonkoma Hub Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Land Use and Implementation Plan at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, January 9th.
Civic Board Meets with Brookhaven’s New Councilman
Civic board members met with the new councilman for Brookhaven’s 3rd council district, Kevin LaValle, to discuss ongoing and future projects in Lake Ronkonkoma. Within Ronkonkoma, Councilman LaValle’s district is the area north of Portion Road.
Brookhaven Planning Board
The Civic president, George Schramm, addressed the Planning Board meeting on January 27th regarding the proposed townhouse development on the former site of the Golden Villa Adult Home on Portion Road. The civic has been working with the applicant to improve the proposed architecture of the buildings.