A legislative update

It has been a busy summer that came and went on the heels of one of the most challenging years we have ever faced. Now that the weather is starting to cool down and the kids are back in school, I wanted to update you on some of the most impactful projects and initiatives that we have been working on to facilitate and complete, both in the legislature and our district.

Canaan Lake 

After over a decade of hard work and planning, I’m proud to announce that Canaan Lake in North Patchogue has been successfully refilled and is open to the public. The lake, which used to be the site of family vacations and picnics, had turned into a marshy swamp due to an invasive species that grew in the mud at the lake’s bottom.

Using innovative methods and technologies, we successfully removed the invasive species, allowed the lake to return to its former glory, and enabled countless Patchogue families a place to rest and relax. Additionally, it will improve water quality as part of a more extensive river system that drains into the Great South Bay. 

Funding the arts and other essential entities 

The COVID-19 pandemic made it difficult for many arts and cultural centers to keep their doors open. This year, the Suffolk County Legislature awarded $205,541 to cultural arts institutions through the Cultural Competitive Fund. Many agencies benefited from this funding stream. From the Patchogue Theatre, Chamber, Foundation, Arts Council, and Historical Society to the American Legion, Gordon Heights Youth Program and Civic, and SEPA Mujer, Patchogue-Medford Youth, the American Legion, and many other agencies that provide essential services to our residents.

Fire Island Wastewater Study 

Addressing environmental and water-quality concerns continues to be one of my top priorities and a priority of the legislature. To thoroughly understand what needs to be done to protect our shores, we voted to amend the 2021 operating budget to fund a study to examine potential solutions to the issue of wastewater on Fire Island. Given the complex nature of Fire Island’s governmental jurisdictions and mosaic of land ownership, a comprehensive planning study that includes stakeholder and community input is necessary to advance the goal of optimal wastewater management. This is the first step toward implementing long-lasting solutions to this critical matter. 

Newly constructed bridge on Horseblock Road 

The Horseblock Road bridge that crosses over Long Island Avenue in Medford has finally been completed. The funding came from New York State’s Bridge Initiative, which aims to upgrade roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects statewide. This heavily traveled bridge, which runs over the train tracks near Long Island Avenue, was in desperate need of repair for the residents of the Patchogue, Medford, Bellport, and Yaphank communities. This substantial reconstruction helped to improve traffic flow and overall safety for all who utilize it. 

Opioid settlement

Over the last few months, Suffolk County has settled with a number of opioid manufacturers, distributors, and other parties responsible for creating and perpetuating the opioid epidemic in our communities. Suffolk County was one of the first three counties in the United States to act against opioid manufacturers in 2015, which I spearheaded as a legislator that February. 

I am proud to have sponsored the resolution that started these lawsuits that ultimately served as a model for other counties and states to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. As of today, Suffolk County has been awarded over $150 million in settlement funds. This money will be used to fund addiction and treatment services to prevent future families from having to go through the heartache of losing a loved one to substance use disorder.

COVID-19

When the pandemic hit our district and county, Suffolk County immediately got to work. From tackling food insecurity for those enduring job losses to coordinating the collection and delivery of masks and hand sanitizer, we did all that we could to help our neighbors during this difficult period. Once vaccines became available, we made sure that the most vulnerable among us could secure appointments by facilitating pop-up inoculation sites across the county. While the fallout of the pandemic felt impossible to navigate, we were able to help those who needed it most effectively and compassionately.  

While I led the charge on a number of these initiatives, I could not have done any of this without the support and partnership of my colleagues in the legislature and partners at various levels of government. Together, there is no limit to what we can achieve on behalf of the seventh legislative district and all of Suffolk County.