Town of Oyster Bay Creates Department of Economic Development

Bad communication can stone-wall any growth. As a means of opening up the lines of communication between potential developers and the Town of Oyster Bay, the town is creating a new department that would work as a mediator between the parties and assist in having projects approved by the zoning board that are desirable to both sides.
According to TOB supervisor John Venditto, the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) goal is to “be a central depot where developers can go with an idea about a project and talk with people who have an understanding of the personality and needs of the town.” Together with the help of the department, a developer can determine in the early stages if a project is worth pursuing with the zoning board.
Venditto recalls, “seeing too many applications fail for lack of communication. Communication is a funny thing. When communication goes badly a lot of trouble starts. However, when there is good communication it can create more open-mindedness in the people and in the community.”
The department will understand that for a developer “time is money,” Venditto recognizes that, “The more time you spend in the system and try to figure out whether or not you have an acceptable project, the more money you have to invest. Then when someone says ‘no’ you are out a considerable amount of money.” Venditto believes, “we can start the process earlier. Developers will have a place to go where people are speaking with authority and knowledge. We can really streamline the process and get out applications that are good for this town and weed out the ones that are not desirable.”
As a helpful tool for the developer, the DED will be a place to go to get a straight-forward evaluation of their proposals. For TOB and its residents Venditto thinks, “it will be valuable because it will allow us the opportunity to confront the issues of a project. It will also help us to evaluate our needs and have projects evolve that are sensible and are going to add to the quality of life in our town.”
The department, which is hoped to be in operation by April 1st, will consist of a team of 10 to 12 existing town employees who will be reassigned to the department. There will be clerical staff, development experts and a management team. All positions come from within the town so Venditto wants to assure the taxpayers that, “there is no expansion of the budget with additional costs or salaries.”
A developer’s participation with the DED is optional. Developers that chose not to utilize the department’s services will still have the right to file an application with the Board. “Nothing changes in that regard. Nobody loses anything. There are no compulsions,” the supervisor said. Nevertheless, Venditto confided, “I feel that it is important to open the lines of communication between the developer and the Town with a view toward more desirable and needed projects.”
The supervisor acknowledged, “Often a developer goes into a hearing and there is already a predisposition. There just is, whether it is favorable or not. With this process we could have a negotiating process that would take into account the desires of both sides.” For the TOB supervisor, “it seems like a reasonable, sensible and intelligent way to approach so many of the proposals.”
Pertaining to the editorial seen in Newsday on Tuesday, January 15th titled, “Is Oyster Bay Sincere About Development?” Venditto wanted to address the concerns of some who are “worried that this department will be used as more as a shield than a sword.” AS he attests, “They are wrong. If you are a developer this is a good thing. Win, lose or draw, by going through the DED with your application you are going to get more attention and better service. This department will create a better sense of dialogue between perspective developers and the town and its residents. This kind of communication in terms of a desirable or needed project is priceless. Better communication will give rise to better development.”

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 1/18/08 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Wadyal Celebrates 25 Years in Oyster Bay

When Dr. Surinder S. Wadyal, DVM came to the United States in 1973, on a special science visa, he intended on staying for a few years and then returning to his homeland India. However after almost 35 years in the U.S. and 25 years as the owner of Oyster Bay Animal Hospital, located at 64 Pine Hollow Road, Dr. Wadyal has become a pillar in the community and considers the Oyster Bay-East Norwich vicinity his home.
As Dr. Wadyal explained, “I have a lot of opportunities to go back to India. I usually visit there about twice a year to see my friends and family there, but Oyster Bay is my home.”
Although he is an active member of the community who has served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club of Oyster Bay-East Norwich and is a member of the Oyster Bay Rotary Club and the Theodore Roosevelt Association, he purchased the animal hospital not knowing anything about the area. Dr. Wadyal had hit a salary at the practice he was working for in New Hyde Park. His employer and mentor Dr. Anthony Crawford recommended that Dr. Wadyal follow the American Dream and start his own practice. Dr. Donald Beck, who opened the Oyster Bay animal hospital in 1964, had the office for sale. With the help of Dr. Crawford, Dr. Wadyal purchased the animal hospital form Dr. Beck.
A resident of East Norwich for the past 23 years, both his son Raj, 28, and daughter Komal, 23, have been schooled throughout the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District. In the spring Dr. Wadyal and his wife Jatinder, who he credits as being his “rock,” will celebrate the graduations of both of their children. Raj Wadyal will graduate from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in St. Maarten. Komal Wadyal will graduate with her Master’s degree in public health from Drexel University, located in Philadelphia, PA.
In addition to being involved in his community Dr. Wadyal is committed to his profession. He is a member and past president of the Long Island Veterinary Medicine Association (LIVMA) and continuously participates in local as well as national continuing education classes. In 2004, the LIVMA honored Dr. Wadyal with the veterinarian of the Year award.
Besides his medical practice that assists with the tradition cats and dogs as well as a few goats and sheep, Dr. Wadyal has a history of volunteering his skills when the situation arises. He assisted at Ground Zero after the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Caring for the dogs that were of the search and rescue teams as well as the recovery teams, veterinarians from the tri-state area volunteered his skills and worked 12-hour shifts for weeks giving medical treatment to the dogs just as doctors were treating workers.
In addition he also helped with the transported pets form the Hurricane Katrina disaster to the New York area. For his efforts he has been awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Award by the State Senator Carl Marcellino, in 2006 for as Marcellino describes his, “selfless and courageous service to victims of the Hurricane Katrina Disaster.”
Dr. Wadyal considers the animals he treats like his children. As such, he worries about who will take care of them as time goes on. Although he has no plans of going anywhere he is planning for the inevitable future. He is actively looking for a successor who shares his views and his love of veterinary medicine.
Oyster Bay Animal Hospital is a full-service facility that treats, grooms and boards traditional domesticated animals. Lab work and surgery can also be done on premises. The office is open seven days a week. Office hours are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and Friday from 7:30am to 5pm and Sunday from 9am to 5pm. For more information, call (516) 624-Pets (7387).
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted in the 1/04/08 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Watson Retires from CSH Laboratory

After nearly 40 years of service Dr. James D. Watson, 79 retired as chancellor of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL), as well as from the CSHL Board on Thursday, October 25th. This announcement comes the heels of the board’s decision to suspend Dr. Watson as that result some derogatory comments he made that were published in that October 14th issue of the Sunday Times Magazine out of London.
Dr. Watson, who won that Noble Prize, with Francis Crick, in 1962 for the discovery of the DNA structure, Issued a statement that explained ,” Closer now to 80 than 79, the passing on of my remaining vestiges of leadership is more then overdue.” In 1968 he was appointed Director of CSHL then served as its president from 1994 until 2003.
In press statements issued by both Dr. Watson and CSHL it appears that that both parties are working toward highlighting the achievements of Dr. Watson and Cold Spring Harbor Lab while minimizing that attention away from the comments made by Dr. Watson to his former protégée Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe, who authored that article. It was published that Dr. Watson expressed that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “all of our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours- whereas all the testing says not really”.
Neither party mentions the published comments in their statements but Dr. Watson did mention that, “The circumstances in which this transfer is occurring are not those which I could ever have anticipated or desired.” Dr. Watson issues an apology after that media publicized his remarks, but never said he was misquoted. He also mentions that thee past week’s events made him reflect on the moral values of his Scot-Irish heritage that are “guided by a faith in reason: an honest application of its messages; and for social justice, especially the need for those on top to help care for the less fortunate.”
Focusing on the progress that CSHL has made and will continue to make, both parties released statements that were words of honor and hope. Dr. Watson referred to the fact that the “Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is not one of the world’s premier sites for biological research and education.” He also mentioned that because of the laboratory and scientific advancement that answers concerning cancer as well as mental health will soon discover. As he expressed. “Finally victory is within our grasp.”
Nothing that, “Dr. Watson transformed a small facility into one of the world’s great education and research institutions,” the CSHL statement paid homage to achievements of Dr. Watson and the laboratory. His accomplishments include: initiating a program to study the cause of human cancer” and CSHL a broad cancer program, plant biology, neuroscience, and computational biology.” CSHL had also expanded its “science educational programs under Dr. Watson’s direction to include the famed Banbury Center and the DNA Learning Center that teaches middle and High School students and their teachers.”
Eduardo Meastre, Chairman of the Board of CSHL, said, “Dr. Watson had made immeasurable contributions to the Laboratory’s research and educational programs. His legacy as 1962 Nobel Prize laureate for describing the structure of DNA will continue to influence biomedical research for decades to come. The Board respects his decision to retire at this point in his career. We have great confidence in Dr. Bruce Stillman, who since 1994 has served as Director, then president, His leadership of CSHL’s 400 scientists will ensure the best environment for groundbreaking research.”
Dr. Stillman said, “Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory had been at the forefront of the research ever since it’s founding in 1890, but Jim Watson created a research environment that is unparalleled in the world of science. It was that environment that attracted me here 28 years ago. As one of the most highly rated research institutions in the world today, our many award-winning thanks to be extraordinary, young talent works here. We all owe Jim and his wife Liz a great deal of gratitude for devoting much of his professional career and all of their married life to building up Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory into leading research center. Jim’s legacy will not only include CSHL and the double helix, but his pioneering efforts that led to the sequencing of the human genome and his innovations in science writing and education...”
CSHL has served as home to a total of seven Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a private , non- profit research and education institution dedicated to exploring molecular biology and genetics in order to advance the understanding and ability to diagnose and treat cancers, neurological diseases and other causes of human suffering.
Under the terms of his retirement Dr. Watson will be able to retain his home and office, both located on the grounds of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/02/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Gallego and Matthews "Fight For Charity"

Two prominent Oyster Bay figures participated in the 5th annual Long Island’s Fight for Charity boxing event before a sold out crowd at the Hilton in Melville on Monday, November 19th. President of Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce Alex Gallego of East Norwich and noted sports Newsday reporter Wallace Matthews, who lives in Oyster Bay, trained hard and volunteered to be at the Mercy of the ring as a means of raising funds and spreading awareness for local charities and the vital programs and services they provide.
Committing themselves to the arduous training and the $5,000 entry fee, these gentlemen joined 18 other participants in filling the fight card bill. Each of the ten bouts was broken up into 3 2-minute rounds. The fighters were required to work out three days a week with Tony Forntunato of Eye of the Tiger Boxing., who assisted each boxer in gaining the experience, skills and confidence needed to prepare for the main event.
Alex “El Torito” – the Baby Bull” Gallego, who is the first vice president/ branch manager at Stiffel Nicolaus, which is located at 50 Audrey Ave in Oyster Bay, has been active with the Long Island’s Fight for Charity for years, but this year was the first time he stepped into the ring.
With the gusto that he applies to every other aspect of his life Gallego both exceeded the training and the financial target goals. In addition to training at Powerhouse gym in Farmingdale with the other contenders, he utilized the resources in the Oyster Bay as he worked out at both Evolution Fitness and Fitness Together. Then the Baby Bull pulled together enough sponsors to raise almost $8,000 toward the $3,000 more than the requested donation.
L.I.’s Fight for Charity pools together all of the money raised and then distributes a percentage of sum to a charity of the fighters’ choice. Gallego chose to have the proceeds support the Hispanic Cultural Center’s (Centro Cultural Hispano) CARE program, which provides an after-school program to children at James H. Vernon Middle school in East Norwich and Theodore Roosevelt Elementary school in Oyster Bay for children whose parents’ first language is not English. It provides a safe environment for kids to receive help with their homework and language skills away from negative influences outside of the home. Gallego remembers that, “Once I found out my fighting would help CARE, it was an easy decision.”
On the night of their 12th wedding anniversary, Rosemarie Gallego watched from the crowd with their three children, Natalie, A.J. and Anna, in anticipation as her husband went up against Brian “Hyatt Hitman” Kramer in the 6th match of the evening. Kramer is the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Long Island at Wind Watch Golf Club. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as serving on Long Island Hotel and Motel Association’s Golf Committee and is involved in a number of charities including Relay for Life and MS Walks.
“I was so nervous watching him up there,” admitted Mrs. Gallego. She had been supportive of her husband through the entire process, but nothing prepared her for the sight of seeing him the ring.
Despite any anxiety, from the ringing of the bell of the first round until the final moments of the bout, Gallego dominated the match. Kramer spent most of the time blocking and covering, while El Torito chased him around the ring giving him an occasional jab or hook. Although the judges determined that all of the fighters were considered winners, the crowd screamed, “Bull! Bull! Bull!” upon the completion of Gallego’s match, affirming his dominance.
After the match watched by a crowd of about 1,200 people Gallego recalled the experience as “very exciting” but “glad it was over.” He stated that he was, “not really ready to fight in front of all these people.” He was amazed that, “when you are up there it goes by very quick.”
Wallace “The Oyster Bay Bomber” Matthews was sponsored by Newsday for this event. Matthews was one of the more experienced fighters of the evening. Although he had not competed in ten years, he has competed in numerous amateur and white collar boxing tournaments in the past. He even fought in the New York Golden Gloves as a middleweight in 1977. Since there were no fighters in the area who could match his skill, the L.I. Fight for Charity had to import an opponent for Matthews. Frank “Hands Up” Fitts, who resides in Stone Ridge and City Island with his wife and three kids, was willing to take on the challenge.
Matthews who can be seen regularly running throughout the hamlet of Oyster Bay, was full of adrenaline as he hit ring. Fitts appeared more as a stand in than a viable opponent. Matthews’ precision and speed was a reflection of his skill and Fitts was blinded by the Oyster Bay Bomber’s ability. There was no question at the end of the contest that Matthews was the better boxer.

-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/23/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Proposed Sewer Treatment Plant Causes Stir in LV

On Meleny Road, a residential road located in a Locust Valley community known as the Birches, Nassau County in agreement with the Town of Oyster Bay, is working on a plan to build a sewer treatment plant a mere 15 feet away from someone’s house. The sewer treatment plant is considered the solution to the excess effluent discharge that has caused the pollution of the Mill Neck Creek and resulted in the county being fined by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ( NYSDEC).
Some homes within the Birches, particularly those on Allen Drive and Michael F Street, have problems with their cesspools and flooding. Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (18th District) Points out that the problem is so bad that, “ there are people that have not only replaced their cesspools, but have had to ass additional cesspools. One home in particular has four cesspools.” She further explained, “Many homeowners do not use their dishwashers or their washing machines because their cesspool fills up so fast.”
The cost of filling up the cesspools and connecting a house’s pluming to the facility’s pipes will be at the expense of the homeowner, which will on average cost about 12,000. Each homeowner will be required to switch over to the sewer system by a specific deadline or they will be subjected to a fine.
However, not every home has problems with their cesspool. Under the proposed plan, about 60 homes will be obligated to fill up their existing cesspools, at their own expense, and hook up to the sewer system. Those homeowners who are not having problems are outraged. Resident Kathy Carney Protests that, “I have not had any problems with my cesspool and yet I will be forced to pay to have my cesspool filled up and join a system I didn’t need to begin with. That’s not right.” Town Councilwoman Elizabeth Faughnan explained, “Once a sewer district created, it will be mandatory for all of the residents to hook up to it.” However, the town would waive the hook up fees. In addition, Yatauro and the country understands the financial strain that the cost will inflict on the resident, it is a big concerns for us right now.” She said. “The county is looking into what can be doe to defer some of the costs. Since the project will be done under one umbrella, we are looking to see who we can work with to help us defray the expense.”
The $6 million inter-municipal project, which split the cost of the construction of the plant between Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay, Will all include the re-pavement of the roads within the Birches community. The NYDEC has also agreed to contribute a grant of 522,500 towards the proposal.
The plot of land being looked at on Meleny Road already contains underground chlorination tank that was built in 1983. In 1999, the NYSDEC found that the discharge form the disinfectant tank continually exceeded the limitations fort the pollutants that the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permit place on the discharge. The original tank continues to operate and still pours pollutants beyond that of the limitations into the Creek.
Yatauro, who is running for re-election on November 6th, admits there are a few homes that do not have a cesspool problem. She claims that their excess discharge is also running into Mill Neck Creek. “There is a pollution issue and that’s what the NYSDEC is fining the town and the county for. The Village of Bayville does a water test annually because of the growing concern of the pollution problem, so everyone needs to be part of the infiltration system other wise we are not going to change the health of the Creek at all.” Yatauro suggest a different perception.” Os we just forgot about all the constituents needs and look at it form an environmental aspect, in this day and age there should not be the level of coliform and other things that are in the pond,” she said.
As a joint project, Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay introduced the idea of building a membrane bioreactor (MBT) sewage treatment plant to the residence of the Birches at the meeting held on August 27th. At the meeting, it was explained that MBR technology was chosen for its small footprint, its effectiveness at removing pathogens and nitrogen, and the small amount of residual sludge produced. It was also explained to the residents that the site between 22 and 24 Meleny Road was considered the optimal site for the MBR facility because of its proximity to the wetlands, the slope of the land and its existing outfall pipe. Yatauro admits that the Meleny Road plot is that only location that “will work for $6 million without having to escalate further.”
With the notion of the sewer treatment plant being built a few feet away from their homes, the homeowners on Meleny Road were filled with questions and concerns. First was the question of location. The home of Dr. Alan Nelson, who lives at 22 Meleny Road, is just 15 feet away from proposed building. Nick Cavagnaro’s house, 24 Meleny Road, is 22 feet a way from the proposed building they questioned if is was safe to build any type of sewer treatment plan so close to a residential community. To appease the residents the county supplied those interested with a list of MBR facilities and the contact information to arrange site visits. Cavagnaro spoke of how they went to view some of the sites and that none of the locations listed where remotely close to the proximity of houses. In fact, that closest plant was a full commercial size parking lot away from a house for seniors. It did not compare to the 5 yard away from Dr. Nelsons dining room window.
“We want to be sure that the people who are going to live closest to the facility will be comfortable with what is going on. We want them to help us design the building. They can pick whether it is a brick building of a house with shingles. They can tell us what type of trees they want in the lot.” Assured Yatauro.
“The issue is more than esthetic,” expressed Susanne Seperson, who lives across the street from the proposed lot. “It is not about the esthetics. I am sure they will make it look as pleasing as possible. It is really about the health and safety. Would you want your children to play around a sewage plant?” continuing about the health and safety issues she said, “everything I have read says that there is a long-term health risk. You know that if people can blame breast cancer on the quality of water. Nevertheless, there is a correlation. The health concerns are genuine concerns, not fantasy, and nobody wants to address it because it is not immediate.”
In response to the heath and safety concerns, Yatauro said, “This is similar to what a cell tower is. If you believe or you read that there is a health risk associated with cell towers then there is no way that anyone can convince you that there isn’t. We have done our homework and we have identified that there is not a health risk issue for this plant in any way. It is going to smell better there. There will not be waste in the area. It’s going to change their lives considerably”
However when the same concern was shared with faughman, who is running against Yatauro for the seat in the country legislature, she said, “I understand their concern. But federal lay does not allow for local governments to look at health risks so I don’t really know.” Faughnan went on to say,” No matter what, having a treatment plant is much better than the raw sewage that is out in the Creek now.”
Would you want to live next door to a sewer treatment plant? “No, I wouldn’t, “Confined Faughman. The Meleny Road residents suggested other locations for the plant, one on the elbow of Michael F Street, the other on Bayville Road by the Tides Motel. However, they were told that no other location was a feasible option.
The property close to the Tides Motel has already been accepted as State Protected Wetlands. In order to overturn that categorization it would require two consecutive state legislatures to pass a bill that would declassify the land.
As for that land suggested ton Michael F Street that county answered that, “there is no guarantee from that NYSDEC as to whether that County would receive permits to proceed.” Also that, “Our preliminary layouts indicate that the treatment building will be between 30 and 40 feet from adjacent property lines. This clearance assumes that a variance is received from that NYSDEC on the offset from a regulated wetland. If offsets are not approved building on this lot would not be feasible.”
The Meleny Road plot is 15 feet away from a property line, yet the town, the county and the NYDEC seem determined to build the sewer treatment plan there. Town consultants Hal Mayer and John Elswork explained that, “because of the pre-existing chlorination tank, the treatment plant is being looked at as an upgrade process as compared to starting a project from zero.” Many of the regulations and permits can bypassed as a result.
To the residents living on Meleny Road the implementation of the sewer treatment plant seems more like major construction than the mere expansion of the existing chlorination tank. The initial plan for the existing chlorination tank was to handle the excess water of 23 homes. The MBR- facility will take care of the solid waste, effluent discharge and wastewater of up to 60 homes. In addition, the residents will have to deal with a truck interrupting their quiet community once a mother to remove sludge builds up from the plant.
Property value is another major concern for those involved. That homeowners worry that the value of their homes will plummet if a sewer treatment plant is built too close. Yatauro blames those residents that brought the issue of the facility to the media for any recent property value decline. She has spoke with several real estate agents and it is their opinion that, “No one wants to touch those houses. No one wants to have a problem with the septic system. “ Yatauro claims that by “identifying that there is a way for you to live normally it will actually help that property values.” She acknowledges that the five homeowners who adamantly object to the plant would disagree vehemently. “The market is soft, these people have beautiful homes and they will have new roads, they will have the curb cuts the way they want them. I think that living on the water and not having a it smell will be very advantageous to those who live there now.” There is not denial that there is an issue with the pollution of Mill Neck Creek as well as some homes’ cesspool systems. Nevertheless, for the residents of Meleny Road who are subject to living in close proximity to the sewer treatment plant their main concern is that the County and Town of Oyster Bay remember to consider that homeowners’ health and safety first
-Faith RAckoff
reprinted from the 11/2/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Marty's Party Opens Second Store in Bayville

After 21 years in the Oyster Bay-East Norwich area Marty’s Party, a party goods/cards store, has opened its second location in Bayville. The new store, located at 70 Bayville Avenue in Bayville, is next door to the IGA Food Basket in the Northwood Shopping Center. The shop was formerly known as Special Moments.
Delighted to be in Bayville, Marty Green and his wife of 32 years Peggy have partnered up with their son Michael and his fiancée Melinda Rodriguez to open this location. Having considered for many years to expand beyond Oyster Bay, it wasn’t until the opportunity arose that Green knew the time was right. The former owner of Special Moments is a personal friend of Green. His friend said he wanted to get out of the business and he offered Green the opportunity to buy the store. Green recalls that, “Knowing the store, knowing him, and knowing the community it was a no brainer.” He believes that the store will be very successful in Bayville because he said, “We have already been embraced by the community. It was a natural extension to come to Bayville.”
Green attests that the key to success in a small town is personal service. “You can’t go into the mall and develop a relationship. However, you can do it in a small town. People get to like you and you become part of the family.” Green feels it’s important to have a staff that is “friendly, clean-cut and would represent you.” Green added, “We provide customers with the service they will not get in big stores. They do not have the ability to give that kind of attention.” At Marty’s Party he says the difference is, “Whether it is the biggest balloon job you want or the smallest balloon job you can think of, you’ll get the owners doing it.”
Green is proud of what her calls his “product availability,” which goes back to customer service. “If I don’t have something, I’ll get it,” he said. “You can come in with any kind of request on any day except Friday and I can have it for you the next day. And that’s what has made us successful in the Oyster Bay store (265 Pine Hollow road). We have the ability and equipment to handle any size job.” AS an example, Green described the current state if his business in the midst of a worldwide helium shortage. “Right now there is a worldwide helium shortage, it is a very big problem in the industry and we seem to be the only ones around that can get the helium. The reason is that we have made a lot of friends over the past 20 years and we have made connections that allow us to get things that no one else can get, and I’m willing to pay the price. The price right now is very high and has unfortunately increased the price of balloons but its like gasoline with supply and demand. We buy a better grade helium at a very high price. Unfortunately we had to increase the price of balloons by 14% but our customers understand.”
If you are dependable and reliable, which we are, the customer will trust you’, Green confided. “Reputation is something that is very important and we pride ourselves on our reputation.”
For more info, about Marty’s Party in Bayville, call (516) 628-3205.
-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 11/9/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Dr. Watson Suspended from CSH Laboratories

Dr. James D. Watson, the Nobel Laureate, who helped establish Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories as a leading genetic research facility., was suspended from his administrative responsibilities as chancellor of the Watson School of Biological Sciences and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. This suspension ws a direct reaction to racist comments Dr. Watson made which were then published in the October 14th edition of The Sunday Times Magazine out of London.
In an interview with his former Protégée, Charlotte Hunt-Grubbe, to promote his new book Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science, Dr. Watson, 79, expressed that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” because “ all of our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours- whereas all the testing says not really.” He went on to say that while he wished that everyone were equal “people who have to deal with black employees find this not true.”
Dr. Watson , who won the Noble Prize, with Francis Crick, for the discovery of the DNA structure, has a history of making outrageous comments. In 1968, while promoting his book, The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure if DNA, he made a bold statement about the importance of a woman’s looks. Ten years ago, the Sunday Telegraph quoted Dr. Watson in reference to abortion as saying, “if you could find the gene which determines sexuality and a women decides that she doesn’t want a homosexual child , well , let her(abort the fetus).” When speaking before an audience at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2000, he spoke of a link between skin color and sex drive. Despite his continual political incorrectness no action was even taken against Dr. Watson and his legacy. Known for being outspoken, Dr. Watson admits in the October 14th article that , “ If I believe something then I’ll say it. I figure , generally , at least half the time I am reflecting common sense, which is not a lie.” Dr. Watson also claimed, “ The time is surely not far off when academia would have no choice but to hand Political correctness back to the politicians.” For friends that know and have worked with Dr. Watson his remarks were typical. In a follow up article released on October 21st on Times Online Hunt Grubbe states, “ Colleagues expect Watsons conversations to be peppered with ‘ un-PC’ comments. It is part of his character.”
As a result of his latest comments, Cold Spring Laboratory’s Board of Trustees has taken action against Dr. Watson for the first time. In an emergency trustee teleconference the board made a decision to suspend Dr .Watson. in a press release Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory issued the following statement. “ The Comments attributed to Dr. James Watson that first appeared in the October 14,2007 edition of the Sunday Times U.K. are his own personal statements and in no way reflect the mission, goals, or principles of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Board, administration on faculty. Dr. Watson is not the President of Cold Spring Laboratory and was not speaking on behalf of the institution.”
The release also wanted to reassure the public that, “ Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory does not engage in any research that could form the basis of statements attributed to Dr. Watson.”
Dr. Watson Apologizes
However after the negative spin associated with the article, Dr. Watson released a statement to the Associated press that claims “I cannot understand how I could have said what I am quoted as having said.” He went on to clarify that “To all those who have drawn the inference form my words that Africa, as a continent, is somehow genetically inferior, I can only apologize unreservedly. That is not what I meant. More importantly from my point of view there is no scientific basis for such a belief.” The Times Online reported on Friday, October 19th that the Sunday Times Magazine interview was recorded and that the publication stands behind its story.
Hunt- Grubbe released a follow up article on October 21st on Times Online that defended not only her work but also that of Dr. Watson. She wrote , “ I can’t support those few, perhaps unguarded , comments he said to me but I can say that he works tirelessly to encourage scientist from all backgrounds and countries … I am not trying to destroy a brilliant scientist and I am genuinely horrified by the response.” Her intention of the October 14th article was to show the complexity of the scientist. “ I sought a balance, one that reflected his eccentricities but also brought home the magnitude of his contribution to science and continuing devotion to disease research.”
Since the article Dr. Watson’s Britain book tour has been cancelled. Dr. Watson’s publicist Kate Farquhar Thomson states that he left England on Friday, October 19th. “ His decision to leave the country, I believe, was due to things going on at Cold Spring Harbor.”

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 10/26/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

OB Resident Volunteers in Texas to Remember 9/11

While many attended vigils in remembrance to 9/11/2001, some who were directly affected from the devastating event took the time to give back and help those in need. Oyster Bay resident Liz Bice, who is the Director of Family Services for Tuesday’s Children, a 9/11 organization which provides events and programs to support friends and family members of those who died on 9/11, was one of the 35 people from New York who volunteered to travel to Texas to help rebuild a house that was destroyed by a tornado in December 2006.
The trip was a brainstorm of Jeff Parness who is the founder and board member of New York says Thank You Foundation (NYSTYF) is to send volunteers from New York City each year on the 9/11 Anniversary to help rebuild communities around the country affected by disasters. It is their way of commemorating the extraordinary love and generosity extended to New Yorkers by Americans from all across the United States in days, weeks and months following September 11th.
When Bice was asked to start an initiative at Tuesday’s Children called Tuesday’s Champions, which geared toward the support of rescue and recovery workers from Ground Zero, she found out about Jeff Parness and NYSTYF. Tuesday’s Children program Helping Heals that Bice explained, “People feel they heal the best by helping others.” She felt that having the Tuesday organizations participate with NYSTYF would be a great match. As she recalls, “It made perfect sense for TC to join the cause. We brought a few family members from Tuesday’s Children as well as a few rescue and recovery workers from Tuesday’s Champions as a pilot program this year. It was a remarkable transformation for every one of us who attended.”
The group traveled down to Groesback, Texas to help rebuild the home of James and Eva Vincent, which was ruined by a F3 tornado on December 29, 2006.
The Vincent’s are an extraordinary American family. Three generations of the Vincent family have run assisted living centers for disabled veterans out of their homes. They created a unique and loving environment where these men who served our nation could eat at the family’s dining room table, play with the children in the extended Vincent family, and enjoy the 100+ animals in a beautiful country setting. In addition to serving the disabled veterans, the Vincent’s also served their community as they comprise nearly one quarter of the 40 member volunteer fire department of Groesback, a town of just 4,000 people halfway between Dallas and Austin and just east of Waco.
The disaster destroyed one of the veterans’ homes and smashed the home where James and Eva lived with their 14 month son Hunter and 5 of the veterans. With just 30 seconds warning before the tornado struck, Eva woke Hunter from his crib and gathered the 5 veterans in her home and huddled them in a small inner hallway of the house. Sadly one of the men died in the tornado but Eva’s quick actions literally saved the lives of her young son and other men in her care.
As Bice recalled, “the crew arrived at 8am on September 7th to see a huge slab of concrete. We started putting up the frame of the house. Then before I knew it there were so many volunteers from around the county helping.” In addition to New York City firefighters and the volunteers for Tuesday’s Children and Champions, volunteers from around the country including survivors or Hurricane Katrina from Slidell, Louisiana and survivors of the 2003 San Diego wildfires, the 2004 Utica, Illinois and 2005 Evansville, Indiana tornadoes came to help.
The crew was there for four days. Within that Bice was amazed at how quickly the house went up. “We did the framing, then the trusses, and then started on the inside and it was all because of the volunteers. There were workers who were team leaders and the volunteers followed the team leaders,” she said. Habitat for Humanity was there and the inexperienced volunteers found themselves drawn to an organization because they are experienced in helping people who know nothing about construction.
This wasn’t “Extreme Home Makeover” though. Although the team had accomplished a lot in four days the house will not be livable until November. Hundreds of local volunteers from across East Central Texas and from Dallas, Waco and Austin will continue efforts of building the house for the Vincent family.
When building the house was the project at hand, those who participated got a lot more out of the experience. “It was amazing to see construction workers talking with family member, sharing stories that they have from 9/11. It was interesting to see the many points of view.” Bice pointed out, “America was being reintroduced to 9/11 through the voices of 9/11 construction workers and family members. A woman from Indiana who had lost her church was holding on to a woman who lost her husband during 9/11. It was the most heartfelt conversation for me to be privy to.”
The effects of 9/11 were prevalent, but it was not all bad. “The essence of America is generally the same. People are good. Most people want to help. Most of us were really affected by 9/11. It may be geographically different, but in our hearts the same, which was comforting for our family members and construction workers” added Bice.
Bice also stated that every person who represented Tuesday’s Children and Tuesday’s Champions have committed themselves to help again next year. Next year though Bice plans to expand the program out to more people. “We need to be aware that the needs of 9/11 families has not diminished, their needs have evolved. And we need to continue our programs for the families and rescue workers,” said Bice.
For more information, call (516) 562-9000 or visit: www.tuesdayschildren.org.

-Faith Rackoff

reprinted from the 9/28/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Brownfields Hearing held in CSH

Four years after their implementation, the Brownfields Cleanup (BCP) and the Opportunity Area (Boa) Programs are considered disappointments to Long Island communities. State senator Carl L. Marcellino (R- Syosset), Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, held a joint legislative hearing on Monday, August 27th, at the Cold Spring Harbor Library, to review the efficiency of these programs with the State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel (D-Great Neck).
In 2003, New York took an innovative step in incorporating the BCP and BOA programs into the already existing Superfund bill. Yet four years later, while $75 million dollars have been appropriated toward the bill, only $7.6 million has been allocated toward it. Even more discouraging is that Long Island has awarded a mere $623,970 in Brownfield Opportunity Area grants toward the development of 5 areas, including that of Hicksville-Oyster Bay. Worse yet, to date no funds have been released from the state.
Brownfields are blighted areas on our community where redevelopment or reuse is hindered because of real or perceived contamination. There are 6,800 sites considered brownfields on Long Island. The contaminated areas range from abandoned gas stations to old industrial sites. The goal of the Brownfields Cleanup Program is to bring these parcels back to life, improve public health and turn an economic drain into a public gain.
The original intention of the bill was to use generous tax credits as well as the existing infrastructure to entice developers to invest in the redevelopment of brownfields rather than erode the number of greenfields that exist.
“Unfortunately,” admits Marcellino who wrote the bill, “The program has not lived up to my hopes.”
To date no projects have been completed on Long Island. Marcellino blames, “high administrative hurtles in the program” as the problem.
Critics suggest that the cost of the program is not worth the benefits of the program. State Senator contemplates that “The problem with the brownfields program is not that the credits program being too generous; it may just be that the incentives still are not sufficient to overcome all of the hurdles that the brownfields present. There are serious delays and uncertainties in the program, irrational restrictions on eligibility in terms of what constitutes sufficient contamination and limitations on polluters’ ability to enter the Brownfields Cleanup Program.”
It is these hinderances that have forced developers to withdraw from the projects before completion and accumulate massive legal and regulatory costs.
The state senate looks to revamp the bill to make it more efficient.
“By working together in a bipartisan way, we will make sure that we strengthen the law to reverse lost years that have doomed localities to unremediated contamination and the public to exposure to toxic pollutants. It is important that we work that we work to put urban eyesores back on the tax rolls and make them community assets rather than letting them eat away at the heart of our cities, towns and villages”, said Marcellino.
“Passage of the landmark Brownfields Cleanup Program law in 2003 was an important first step toward the elimination of contaminated sites across the state. Now four years later, we must take the time to review the implementation of the programs and the allocation of resources to ensure the smooth and efficient cleanup and reuse of brownfield sites,” said Assemblyman Sweeney, co-chair of the hearing.
Hearings are being held to listen to the recommendations and suggestions of experts in the fields. Specifically at Cold Spring Harbor hearing the tax credit structure and the regulations that are now in place for the program were reviewed.
Testifying at Long Island brownfields hearings were Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Peter Grannis and Director of Environmental Remediation for the New York State Department of Environment Conservation Dale Desnoyers. Others who contributed statements to the hearing included: Ann Marie Jones, Director of Downtown Revitalization from the Town of Babylon; Michael Posillico, President of Posillico Environmental; Sarah Lansdale, Executive Director of Sustainable Long Island; Michael Deering, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the Long Island Association; Marcia Bystryn, Executive Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters and Michael White, Executive Director of the Long Island Regional Planning Board.
A second hearing will be held in Albany on Tuesday, September 25th.

-Faith Rackoff
reprinted from the 9/1/07 issue of the Oyster Bay Guardian

Bayville Woman Charged with Animal Abuse

Kelly Pfeifer of Bayville was charged with the animal cruelty for abusing her two horses in Glen Cove City Court.
Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals worked with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office to compile the necessary information and documentation that was presented to the court at the arraignment were the defendant had to answer for violating New York State Agricultural Market Law 353.
According to Stan Feinman, a volunteer from the Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NCSPCA), “The Nassau County SPCA received complaint that horses were not being treated properly at 93 Crescent Beach Rd in Glen Cove. An investigator found that a horse and pony were being kept in conditions that were unsatisfactory in regards to food, water and housing.” He continued, “A notice to reply was left with the owner. The next day there was a call from the owner stating that the conditions would be corrected immediately.” However when an investigator followed up a few days later and found that the conditions were still unacceptable.
Arrangements were made to have Dr. Pam Corey, an equine veterinarian from Muttontown, accompany NCSPCA officers to the location. Using the Henneke Body Condition Scoring Chart, the vet determined that the pony had a body scale rating of one and a half and the horse rated a body scale of two and a half. The doctor confirmed the condition of the animals, which were then seized immediately.
The Chart rates the horses on a scale of 1 to 9. A score of 1 is considered poor or emaciated with no body fat. A 9 is extremely fat or obese. Horse veterinarians consider a body score of between 4 and 7 as acceptable. A 5 is considered ideal.
Feinman stated, “The pony’s teeth were so bad that it could not eat hay and was very underweight.”
The conditions the horses were being kept in were unacceptable. They were housed in a two-car garage that was converted into a stable.
Feinman went on to explain, “The animals were seized and placed in a stable where they have been receiving medical care. The pony has had to have its teeth worked on and some teeth could not be saved. Since being seized the pony has gained 40 pounds. The animals have been treated for worms, for other conditions as well as given the required vaccinations also being treated for parasites and other problems.”
Further investigation found that the horses were not being fed or given water adequately and receiving the proper maintenance and were not kept in the proper environment for horses.
Pfeifer was released on $5000 bail. Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1000 and/or up to one year in jail.
Since Jan.1 of 2008 the NCSPCA has responded to over 1000 calls regarding animal abuse, neglect and abandonment. Over 350 cases have resulted in investigations some resulting in prosecution. Feinman admitted that the number for incidents have gone up but credits the notion that, “More people are aware of us and are aware that the calls are followed up, investigated and when necessary prosecuted. The public is more aware of animal abuse and are letting us know.”
NCSPCA, which covers the jurisdiction of the entire county of Nassau, is made up of all volunteers and is funded solely by donations.

-Faith Rackoff reprinted from 5/16 issue of Oyster Bay Guardian

Stevenson Academy Closes Its Doors

Eight months after the death of its founder Attila Hejja, the Stevenson Academy of Fine Arts, housed at 20 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay, has closed its doors after being served with eviction papers on Friday, May 9th.
According to Aggie Geoghegan, famed artist Attila Hejja’s sister who had been running the school since her brother passed, “Everything happened rather quickly and all at once.” She compared the situation to the “perfect storm” and noted overhead, competition and decreased enrollment as major factors for the Academy's demise.
The Stevenson Academy opened in 2004 as Hejja’s tribute to his mentor Harold Stevenson.
Geoghegan explained that Hejja, who was an official artist for NASA, was not only the director of the school, he also taught a significant amount of the classes. Geoghegan stated, “When Attila died at the end of August 2007 not only was it a devastating blow to students, teachers and to the school on a personal and professional level but also on a financial level. He taught 45% of the classes in addition to running the school.” Although Hejja did all of that work he did not take a salary, in fact he put the money back into the school.
After Hejja’s untimely death, teachers needed to be hired to cover the course load, which increased the income expenses by 45%. In an attempt to adjust with the expenses Geoghegan said, “We instituted a number of things operationally to help adjust to the financial loss. The rent is the largest single expense we have so we had discussion with a representative of the landlord who is Charles Wang.” The school sought concessions for the short term while it worked to get back on its feet. However she claims, “he was unable to give any significant concessions. They offered a token that would not have helped us at all. That was devastating. Without some concessions, we just could not go on.”
Michael Picker, CEO of Renaissance Property Associates, the managing company that Wang owns to oversee his buildings, did not return our calls for this article.
In addition to the increase in overhead the academy had to operate against a rival art instructing school, Long Island Academy of Fine Arts, which was started by former Stevenson Academy instructors in Riverhead. Recently LIAFA started a satellite location at Planting Fields Arboretum and Geoghegan declared that it, “was not only a direct competitor, but also solicited our students.”
Enrollment was the third issue the school struggled with. Describing the problem Geoghegan described how, “Enrollment had been great up until the spring semester.” She admitted that, “usually we have an influx of enrollment during the third week of classes, this time it didn’t happen.” She believes the economy and the competing art academy had an effect on enrollment.
“All these things happened together at the same time. Any one of these things we could have likely overcome, but not all three together,” Geoghegan confessed. “The school was a great school. We loved being in Oyster Bay. Our students loved it here and I think we brought a significant amount of traffic. It was an art school and a cultural center for the area.” Above all she expressed, “I feel very sorry for the community.”

Stevenson Academy at ALLI

As for as the school on Audrey Avenue, it is no more. However Hejja’s vision will carry on. Geoghegan has worked out an agreement with the Art League of Long Island located in Dix Hills to carry on the Stevenson Academy program within its school.
Geoghegan said, “We were looking for alternatives. Instead of closing the school initially we suspended classes, then we realized we were in an impossible situation. We explored many avenues so we could continue our students, continue the program and continue the school my brother had set up.” Then she contacted ALLI. “We were able to make agreement that our teachers will continue to teach the Stevenson Academy program that Attila set up and we continue it there at the Art League for the rest of the semester so that is an excellent option for our students to finish this semester,” she stated with a sense of relief. Stevenson classes resumed Monday, May 12th at ALLI.
ALLI will continue the program with the Stevenson instructors. They will offer the fundamental programs as well as intermediate and advanced programs drawing and painting. Geoghegan is still exploring options for the pottery and the sculptor classes.
Having the Stevenson Academy act as a school within ALLI, Geoghegan believes “is just a very wonderful and positive marriage for the two institutions.” She went on to explain. “ It gives ALLI the opportunity to offer traditional drawing and painting, which is something over the past 30 years, has fallen to the way-side.”
ALLI is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills. For more information, call (631) 462-5400 or visit www.artleagueli.org

-by Faith Rackoff reprinted from 5/16 issue of Oyster Bay Guardian

Ed Renehan Exposes TRA Secret

Former Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA) Executive Director Ed Renehan, Jr., who is currently charged with three felony counts by Nassau County and still under investigation by federal authorities, revealed information to the public about a past scandal in the TRA that until now was kept secret.
A letter issued by Owen Kelley Publicity Services, a Manhattan based publicity company owned by Renehan and his cousin Owen Kelley, that was emailed to Renehan friends who were aware of the letter investigations, told about an employee’s embezzlement about 15 years ago.
When Bonnie Jean Gable was TRA office manager, during the time that her brother John Gable was the TRA president, she was accused of embezzling more than $100,000 to finance a theater group. Rather than run to the authorities and press charges, the Association decided confront her. Gable admitted the wrong and suggested that the TRA put a lien against trust funds she stood to inherit, since she had no real assets.
Current TRA President Jim Bruns acknowledged the information, “If you were my sister and I was the director of a company and I hired you why would you steal from your own brother? But she did.” However he continued, “Ms. Gable admitted everything, she made no demands on the TRA, and she came up with a credible way of reimbursing the Association for its loss. In doing so, the Association’s leadership at the time believed that she deserved leniency.” He confided that, “They tried to take of it quietly in part for John, but more because it was the right thing to do.”
Before making the Nassau County District Attorney’s office aware of the case surrounding Renehan, the TRA attempted to negotiate a solution with him. According to Bruns, “Mr. Renehan’s recent negotiations with the Association were primarily focused on his attempts to gain the best possible deal for himself, using the historical documents taken from the Association and sold by him to apparently maintain a lifestyle, as well as other Association items still in his possession, as bargaining chips.” Bruns cited, “One particular example of this was Mr. Renehan’s demand that the Association agree to pay for his future legal fees in order to gain his cooperation in recovering or returning what was taken from the Association. This would have caused the Association to be victimized twice. As a result, the Association was forced to pursue another option in addressing such gross misconduct.”
“Deeply Distrubed”
In light of Renehan’s recent disclosure about past TRA business, Bruns released a statement that said, “We are deeply disturbed that Mr. Renehan has misappropriated Theodore Roosevelt Association property and now has inappropriately disclosed confidential information involving a private TRA matter without permission. This was a private information between the Gable family and the Association that he was privy to because of his one-time membership on the Association’s Executive Committee. This is yet another example of his abuse of trust and continuing misconduct. We are deeply troubled by his apparent continuing pattern of misconduct and are exploring further legal options.”
Bruns believes that, “Mr. Renehan and Owen Kelley Publicity Services has grossly distorted the facts to serve Mr. Renehan’s interests.” Owen Kelley Publicity Services was formerly known as Konterra Publicity but had to change its name after Kingdom Goulds of Maryland threatened a lawsuit because they already have a registered trademark on the name.
Both Peter Brill, Renehan’s lawyer and Owen Kelley of Owen Kelley Publicity Services could not be reached for comment.
Renehan was supposed to appear at Nassau County Courthouse on April 21st but his case was adjourned and rescheduled June 13th.

Paterson Turns Down Broadwater

“Broadwater would scar the Long Island Sound,” claimed Governor Paterson as he declared his opposition to the Broadwater Liquefied Natural Gas project proposed for Long Island Sound at a press conference on Thursday, April 10th at Sunken Meadow State Park in Northport.
“One of my goals as Governor is to protect Long Island Sound, by preserving it as a valuable estuary, an economic engine for the region and a key component to making Long Island’s quality of life one o the best in the country,” proclaimed Gov. Paterson. “Broadwater does not pass that test. Shame on us if we can’t develop a responsible energy policy without sacrificing one of our greatest natural and economic resources.”
The Broadwater project would deliver natural gas to fuel electric generating plants and heat homes. The barge would be located in the Long Island Sound, nine miles off the coast of Riverhead, New York and 10.2 miles from the nearest onshore point in Connecticut. The project would include eight Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) storage tanks, a regasification plant and a 21.7-mile long pipeline extending from the LNG terminal to a sub sea interconnection with the Iroquois Gas Transmission System, which will bring the gas onshore.
Governor Paterson’s decision came after the New York State Department of State (NYSDOS) rejected Broadwater’s proposal to construct a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) for imported LNG, in Long Island Sound. The NYSDOS determined that the proposal is not consistent with six out of thirteen Long Island Sound Coastal Management Program (LISCMP) policies.
During his speech, Gov. Paterson cited several concerns with the proposal. First he mentioned that it would be the first time in the history of Long Island Sound that a section of open water this size was handed over to a private company to the exclusion of the public. He believes that privatizing open water would be fundamentally wrong and serves as a dangerous precedent for industrializing a body of water that people have spent years and millions of dollars trying to clean up.
State Senator Carl L. Marcellino, chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee agreed with Gov. Paterson and commented, “Broadwater will not solve Long Island’s energy needs. In fact, Broadwater is a potential environmental disaster, which could erase all the strides we have made cleaning up the Sound.”
Long Islanders pay the third highest energy costs in the nation and their demand for natural gas is growing faster than anywhere else in New York. Broadwater Energy Vice President John Hritcko believed, “the Broadwater project, as proposed, was the best option for New York State to meet its growing demand for clean, affordable, reliable natural gas – and did so with no near shore or onshore impacts. Further, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have determined that with the mitigation measures proposed by Broadwater and those they have recommended Broadwater can operate safely and securely in Long Island Sound and will have less environmental impacts than any other alternatives.”
Gov. Paterson noted that the project would not guarantee low-cost gas to Long Island, however, it would disrupt commercial and recreational fishing in the Sound, which for many Long Islanders is a way of life and potentially could put families out of business. He also acknowledged that the project does not need to be built in the Sound.
While the NYDOS rejected the proposal to build Broadwater in Long Island Sound, it suggested two alternative sites where Broadwater could construct FSRUs. These FSRUs and their associated facilities, including pipelines, would be consistent with the New York Coastal Management Program. The sites are on the Atlantic Ocean side of Long Island, outside of New York State boundaries. The first site approved by the Department would be south of Long Beach, New York 13 miles offshore in about 80 feet of water, west of Cholera Bank. A submerged offshore pipeline would connect this FSRU to the existing offshore Transco-Long Beach pipeline. The second site would be 22 miles south of Fire Island Inlet in approximately 130 feet of water and would connect that FSRU to the Iroquois Gas Transmission System through offshore and on shore pipelines.
Acknowledging the need for a revised energy policy, Gov. Paterson said, “We must accept the challenge of developing comprehensive alternatives to meet the growing demand for energy on Long Island and throughout the State. One of my other goals as Governor is to address high-energy costs. By both reducing the amount of energy demand, and aggressively pursuing new responsible supply, we can get our State on a path toward lower energy costs, economic revitalization, and a cleaner, healthier environment.”
Robin Kriesberg, executive director of Friends of the Bay, expressed, “We are thrilled with the decision of the State. Their reasons for the decision, that it was the wrong project in the wrong place, as outlined by the department of state really summarized the situation. They rejected it for the right reasons. The NYSDOS took the time to do the analysis and found that this proposal was inconsistent with the state’s LISCMP on six out of the thirteen criteria. We are looking forward to working with Governor Paterson on energy conservation and alternative energy moving forward.”
Broadwater Energy and its supporters were upset by Gov. Paterson’s declaration. “We are disappointed and concerned with the NYSDOS’ decision,” commented Hritcko. “We specifically designed this project to be consistent with the State’s coastal management policies and offered a number of additional commitments that would further enhance the State’s coastal resources.”
Jerry Kremmer, advisory board chairman of the New York Affordable Reliable Energy Alliance was also let down. He uttered, “Governor Paterson’s opposition to the BLNG facility is unfortunate. Ultimately, we hope Broadwater will be approved because this would benefit both businesses and consumers by supplying much needed power to help address the shortages in Long Island and the downstate region.”
Broadwater Energy will review the State’s finding and determine its next move. It has the option to appeal of the decision to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. However, an appeal could also go to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from 4/18/08 Oyster Bay Guardian

George Melillo Honored at NCRC Inaugural Ball

“In life you must realize before it is too late, to give back and enjoy the smiles of those you touched,” are words that the founder of the Melillo Foundation located in Oyster Bay, George Melillo is fond of saying. At the 2008 Nassau County Republican Committee Inaugural Ball, held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on the Friday evening of March 14, Melillo was honored with the Senator Norman J. Levy Humanitarian Award, for his work with the autistic community.
Before a crowd of influential Nassau County republicans, that included: New York State Senate Deputy Majority leader Dean Skelos (Rockville Centre), State Senator Carl Marcellino (Syosset), former US Senator Alfonse D’Amato, and former Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta; the Hon. Joseph N. Mondello, the Chairman of both the New York Republican State Committee and the Nassau County Republican Committee acknowledged that “[Melillo] has devoted his life to helping families and children touched by autism.”
The Melillo Foundation’s mission is to help children with autism, grow to become socially acceptable adults and work and live within their communities and function on a somewhat independent level. Their funding, which is through donations and the money raised through a consignment shop, helps support educational tools to improve the lifestyles and learning abilities for people with autism to live and learn and adapt to social environments and to adapt to some independence.
Mondello introduced Melillo, a Laurel Hollow resident, as “a successful businessman and real estate investor.” He then explained that how Melillo and his wife Rose founded the Melillo Foundation, which is dedicated to helping autistic adults lead fulfilling lives. “George and Rose joined the fight against autism shortly after their twin boys, Nicholas and Joseph were diagnosed as autistic. Knowing first hand the impact that autism has on tens of thousands of families, George and Rose have committed the Melillo Foundation to besides other lofty goals, to providing safe houses for autistic adults once they have reached the age of 21.”
After recalling what Melillo says about giving back, the Nassau County chairman said, “If I close my eyes I can hear the very same words emulating from Senator Norman Levy's mouth, because he lived his entire life enjoying the smiles of those he touched as well.”
Once Melillo approached the podium to accept the award he modestly confessed, “It gives me great honor tonight to receive the Norman Levy Humanitarian Award, as the founder and chairman of the Melillo Foundation. At the Foundation our goal is very easy, to help the autistic children with the direction they are heading and to help those who need it.”
He continued, “Five years ago my wife and I had a dream that today is finally becoming a reality. We asked ourselves what would happen to the children whose parents are not there to take care of them. We decided that it is important that we start a program for guidance, for safe home to help these children when they hit 21. Our dreams are now becoming a reality. A reality that we never thought would get here. Through hard work and good teamwork we are starting to reach our goal.”
In addition to thanking the Mondello and the Nassau County Republican Committee, Melillo thanked the members of the Melillo foundation, his father Carmine, who flew up from Florida to be at the ceremony, and most of all his wife Rose, for her “great support and for taking care of their sons.”
The Norman J. Levy Humanitarian Award was named after the New York State Senator who was committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities and their families.
Also honored that night was the Honorable Joseph G. Cairo, Jr. with the President Ronald Reagan Political Leadership Award, Andrew W. Woodstock was awarded the President Theodore Roosevelt Outstanding Business Leadership and the US Secretary of Labor Peter J. Brennan Award was given to Edward J. Malloy.
The Melillo Foundation consignment shop, located at 15 W. Main Street in Oyster Bay, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. Donations can be made to Melillo Foundation, 15 W. Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York 11771. For more information, call the Melillo Foundation at 516-624-2873 or visit www.melillofoundation.org.
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from 3/21/08 Oyster Bay Guardian

FERC Approves Broadwater

Broadwater Energy is one more hurdle closer to the finish line. On March 20th, Federal Energy Regulation Commission (FERC) approved the Broadwater Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to be built in the Long Island Sound. The terminal is expected to assist in meeting the increasing energy demand in New York and Connecticut.
After reviewing the issue for 38 months and over 25,000 staff hours, FERC approved the project after a thorough environmental, safety and security review and after considering both project and facility alternatives.
The Broadwater project would deliver natural gas to fuel electric generating plants and heat homes. The barge would be located in the Long Island Sound, nine miles off the coast of Riverhead, New York and 10.2 miles from the nearest onshore point in Connecticut. The project would include eight LNG storage tanks, a regasification plant and a 21.7-mile long pipeline extending from the LNG terminal to a sub sea interconnection with the Iroquois Gas Transmission System, which will bring the gas onshore.
“We have reviewed the record in the Broadwater LNG proceeding and have considered carefully the concerns of the many citizens who have commented on the project,” FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher affirmed. “Based on all available scientific facts, we approve the Broadwater project today, subject to rigorous conditions, because it can meet the projected energy needs for New York City, Long Island and Connecticut, and can provide the service safely, securely and with limited adverse impact on the environment.”
However the approval is conditional to mitigation measures. As Kelliher explained, “We have carefully reviewed the information and analysis contained in the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and we agree with the conclusions presented in the final EIS that construction and operation of the Broadwater Project, with the adoption of the proposed mitigation measures, would result in only limited adverse environmental impacts.”
The Commission’s approval of the project is subject to the operator adopting more than 80 mitigation measures to enhance safety and security and to ensure it has limited environmental impacts. Among the measures that were part of the final EIS include requirements that Broadwater submit, at least 60 days before construction, plans detailing how the FERC order will be implemented. The Director of FERC’s Office of Energy Projects will review the implementation plans before construction can commence. Another mitigation condition requires that Broadwater develop an Emergency Response Plan and coordinate procedures with the Coast Guard; state, county, and local emergency planning groups; fire departments; state and local law enforcement; and appropriate federal agencies. In addition, prior to installation activities in Long Island Sound, FERC also will require Broadwater to file the New York State Department of State determination of the project’s consistency with the New York Coastal Management Plan, under the applicable provisions of the Coastal Zone Management Act.
Broadwater LLC, a joint venture between TransCanada and Shell US Gas is pleased with the FERC decision. John Hritcko, senior vice president of Broadwater LLC, stated, “This decision is an important step forward in bringing new clean, reliable, affordable natural gas supply to a region where prices are volatile and climbing. Without new energy supply, energy consumers will continue to face volatile and increasing natural gas prices in New York and Connecticut.”
Robin Kriesberg, executive director of Friends of the Bay took the news in stride. “They generally approve all these proposals so it is not surprising at all,” she shrugged. “It was expected.”
Local Politicians Not Happy

Local politicians seem to up in arms over FERC’s decision. Suffolk County Legislative Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) issued a statement that expressed, "I am deeply disappointed that FERC, which is funded with taxpayer dollars, instead chose to ally itself with the Big Energy conglomerates on this action," said Cooper. "The feds promised this decision would not be made without first getting feedback from the millions of citizens who would have to live up close and personal with the Broadwater barge. But now it seems as if all the hearings and comment periods on Broadwater were nothing more than window dressing on a backroom deal that was decided by lobbyists in Washington from the very beginning."
Agreeing with Cooper, State Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) said, “FERC’s unfortunate approval of Broadwater is ill-conceived and illogical. The fact is Broadwater will not solve Long Island’s energy needs and is a potential environmental hazard, which could erase all the strides we have made cleaning up the Sound. Governor Paterson needs to stand up now and say no to this proposal instead of being silent regarding the folly of Broadwater.”
Kriesberg noted that “part of the Anti-Broadwater Coalition and along with a number of groups from Long Island were going to get in touch with the governor to make sure he understands our position and that he has all the information he needs so he can make the right decision.”
The New York State Department of State can still block the project by refusing to issue an operating permit. And while former Governor Spitzer had set an April 12th deadline for the State's final decision, newly sworn in Governor David Patterson said last week that he might seek a postponement for further study. To that end, Cooper has sent a letter to Patterson commending him for his judicious decision to postpone state action and urging him to direct his State Department to deny application of the permit.
"In courtroom circles, they say it's a good thing for the defense when the jury asks for more time to deliberate," Cooper commented. "I hope that Governor Paterson will use this extra period to decide to defend the millions of people who intimately relate living on the Long Island Sound to being integral to their quality of life."
If the NYSDOS approves the Broadwater permit the next action opponents will consider is a lawsuit.
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from the 3/28/08 Oyster Bay Guardian

Former TRA Executive Under Federal Investigation

The Theodore Roosevelt Association’s former executive director is being federally investigated by the National Park Service in connection to the theft and sale of property owned by the TRA.
The NPS is looking into Edward Renehan, Jr. who served as the executive director of the TRA from 2005-2006, and his involvement in three letters that were stolen from the vault at Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in Manhattan. The three letters in question are one written by Abraham Lincoln to his law partner in 1840 and two by George Washington. The letters were sold through Swann Galleries, a Manhattan auction house.
Renehan has been under investigation by the Nassau County district attorney’s office since last fall for the theft and attempted sale of a 1918 letter written by Roosevelt about his son Quentin in World War I. The National Park Service became involved with the latest investigation because the papers were removed from a national historic site.
The initial investigation started after Swann Galleries received the 1918 Roosevelt letter and questioned its ownership. Once the auction house realized that the document belonged to the TRA it returned the letter and authorities were notified. The auction records have been subpoenaed.
TRA President Jim Bruns could not talk about the investigation but did affirm that the TRA’s main objective “at this point is to recover the stolen property and to get back any additional items [Renehan] has in his possession.” Norman Parsons, immediate past president of the TRA acknowledged that, “We don’t know how many documents are missing. It is still under investigation.”
Bruns also explained, “The theft was internal. In many cases internal theft is hard to safeguard anything-documents, cash. We do have stronger procedures in place now to secure our historic items.”
Renehan, who grew up in Valley Stream but now resides in Wickford, Rhode Island, is the author of The Kennedys at War: 1937-1945, The Lion’s Pride: Theodore Roosevelt & His Family in Peace and War, The Secret Six: The True Tale of the Men Who Conspired with John Brown, John Burroughs: An American Naturalist, Dark Genius of Wall Street: The Misunderstood Life of Jay Gould and Commodore: The Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt.
On his blog, located at renehan.typepad.com, Renehan mentions that he was diagnosed bi-polar/manic depressant during the summer of 2007, but makes no mention of ever having any association with the Theodore Roosevelt Association. Before being appointed as executive director for the TRA, Renehan was a member of it Board of Directors for six years.
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from 3/28/08 Oyster Bay Guardian

What To Do From Here: Community Leaders React to Dan Burden

Stop complaining about the problems and start exploring the solutions. Over 100 people and various local organizations joined together at the meeting held on March 14th and 15th, which was sponsored by Oyster Bay Main Street Association, Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce and Oyster Bay Civic Association, that was facilitated by Dan Burden of Walkable Communities. Concerns pertaining to the Theodore Roosevelt Museum and Research Center brought people in the door. However, Burden was able to help the community identify deep-rooted problems and gave advice on how to move forward.
After pointing out that, “Unfortunately, there’s a lack of vision in Oyster Bay for its future,” Burden helped the crowd get “to the heart of what the key issues are which is critical to move forward.” He had two primary recommendations. First was to call for a steering committee to advise the Theodore Roosevelt Association’s museum proposal. Second, he suggested recruiting a “highly competent architectural team” to listen and respond to community concerns about the site and other critical issues in the community such as traffic, managing parking and accommodating special events.
Burden may have struck the match but it is up to the community leaders to carry the torch. This is what some of the community leaders had to say.

Matt Meng- President, East Norwich Civic Association
Matt Meng, president of East Norwich Civic Association admitted, “There is good synergy between all of the different organizations. We can use this opportunity to get the town to do the right thing when we are all on the same page. We should be embarrassed and we should be mad if we cannot get all the groups on the same page and go to Town
Hall and give deliver a time line for immediate changes.” Meng realizes that the pressure of some of the community problems should not fall on the shoulders of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA). As he explained, “Parking has been an issue for 25 years. Parking is an issue that needs to be resolved before a shovel is broken into the ground to build a museum. Let's not wait and say the museum will solve the parking problem because that's ass backwards!”
Meng has an idea about setting the one of the issues about the museum being built at Firemen’s Field. He said, “We need a visual to understand what the current proposal of 35,000 square feet footprint looks like. All the stakeholder groups come together and agree to put up a fence that frames in 35,000 square feet within Fireman's Field somewhere. Let’s put up a temporary fence, like any one that you see at the any gas station that is closed up so people can see it for the next 6 months.” Meng believes we would be able to “see how it impacts the baseball games at Roosevelt or anything else. What that does, it gives you a real visual. It is not a picture or a conceptual thing that can be bantered back and forth. Why not get a clear and concise understanding”
As far as Meng is concerned, “We have to move things along. We have to have some real hard things that we can see, touch and feel.”

William Von Novak- President, Oyster Bay Civic Association
Oyster Bay Civic Association President William Von Novak was encouraged by the town
meeting. He expressed, “Burden obtained a thorough view of the issues and concerns of the citizens of Oyster Bay. He expanded on these concerns and offered a focus and a strategy on how they might be addressed including the creation of a steering committee.” In addition, be Burden’s insight Von Novak believed, “the reaction of the people who attended the entire program was positive. The potential of a united community working cooperatively to solve problems is a good thing.”
Nevertheless Von Novak is aware that, “We must be sensitive to the issue of time. The first question should be which issues must be successfully addressed by the time the Theodore Roosevelt Association presents a proposal for a museum?”
To sum it all up he noted, “Dan Burden did a wonderful job for our town, we now have to continue the dialogue.”

Alex Gallego- President, Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce
Alex Gallego, president of Oyster Bay Chamber of Commerce shared that he was “grateful to all that attended, I know this effort required considerable time and energy. Our coming together to speak with one another and to develop a common vision will go a long way in shaping our town's future.” It is his hope that, “the idea's we shared will help foster a climate in which retail shops, restaurants, and other businesses can thrive. Let's take on this challenge and continue to build on the positive momentum we created.”
Gallego acknowledged, “All of the issues are important. They are all concerns but we prioritize and look at which are the ones that are most important and achievable. It's ok to have concern about it but if you can't do anything about it then you are spinning your wheels.”
In reference to the meeting and the suggestion of the community forming the steering, Gallego replied, “We all care for one another and we all care about the town what this allowed us to do was have an outside source catalog all the different issues so we can now begin approaching or working to try and solve these things. I think we have a very special opportunity that if we take it and embrace it, we do the right thing it can help or it can be another meeting that goes nowhere.”

Jack Bernstein- Board Member, Oyster Bain Main Street Association
Jack Bernstein, board member of the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, stated, “I don’t think there is any real question as to whether the community wants a Theodore Roosevelt museum. He even believes that “In the hamlet, most people want it Fireman’s field or at least they want something done with Fireman’s field rather than keeping it in its current state. Firemen’s field has to be fixed up one way or another.”
Bernstein noted, that the information from the meeting “gives the TRA something to work with. They know what they have to do, the things they have to satisfy. I think they already knew it but now it is in writing.”
He also pointed out, “Some things that they talked about at the meeting, like fixing up 106, should not be something that makes or breaks a TR Museum. I think 106 is a mess, but that is something the town or state has to do something about.” He also believes “that the periods of peak usage for the museum and for the road are totally different things. However, I think that the museum can open up the traffic and the parking issue and solve many of those things. It will also open up access to the waterfront.”

John Specce- President, Oyster Bay Railroad Museum
President of the Oyster Bay Railroad Museum John Specce thought that the meeting was a great steppingstone. He said, “I think anyone who took the time to come to that meeting obviously has an expressed interest in it. Dan Burden brought people together in a way that they have not been brought together before. As a facilitator, he did his job very well. There is always a benefit to having an outsider looking in acting as a middleman.
Specce put the pressure on the steering committee. “Now it is up to the folks who are going to be on the steering committee to try and come up with some resolution to the issue of the museum at Firemen’s field. I just hope something comes out of it through the steering committee. Hopefully it will be a diverse group that represents various viewpoints and they will be able to come to some sort of consensus as to what the residents of Oyster Bay want at Firemen’s field,” he stated.
Knowing that it will take more effort than just the actions of the meeting, Specce said, “Unless the steering committee can come together and work together as a team nothing will happen.”
Caroline DuBois- Spokesperson, Save Firemen’s Field
Contrary to the popular opinion Caroline DuBois, spokesperson for the organization Save Firemen’s Field was not satisfied with the meeting. She contests that “they did not address some of the most important questions.” DuBois is concerned about “the actual traffic that will come into Oyster Bay during the peak visitation months, which will be summer weekends” as well as “the impact congestion pricing in NYC will have on local train stations.”
DuBois went on to describe the whole process of choosing a committee “bogus.” She explained, “People such as me who have strongly expressed opinions, that are negative about using Firemen’s Field or building the museum are being excluded from the advisory committee. At the same time, people who expressed themselves in favor of the museum being placed at Firemen’s Field are being invited onto the advisory committee. If you are going to have strong opinions on one side, you have to have the strong opinions from the other side. Either that or put the oatmeal mush people who do not know what their opinions are.

Jim Bruns- President, Theodore Roosevelt Association
TRA President Jim Bruns was satisfied with the meeting’s outcome. “I thought it was extremely positive, “ he said. In addition to having a better grasp as to what the community concerns are he believes, “the community has a clearer understanding that we are not trying to cram this down their throats. We are trying to listen to the community, get the community's input and be responsive.”
While members of the community will be participating in the steering committee, according to Bruns, the next step for the TRA is “to continue to move forward on the studies and to begin to look at architectural models.”
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from the Oyster Bay Guardian from 4/11/08

Ex-TRA President Charged With 3 Felonies

Edward Renehan Jr., former executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Association from March 2005 to July 2006, turned himself in Wednesday, March 26th to the Nassau County Courthouse in Garden City after a grand jury indicted him on three felony charges.
The Valley Stream native who now lives in Rhode Island was charged grand larceny and criminal possession of a stolen property in the theft of a letter written by Theodore Roosevelt in 1918 about his son Quentin’s death in World War I, was stolen from the TRA and was sent to an auction house in Manhattan to be sold.
Renehan was also charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree; he is accused of forging a letter purporting to be signed by his predecessor, John A. Gable, giving Renehan ownership of the letter.
The Roosevelt letter was returned to the TRA after the auction house, Swann Galleries, questioned the ownership, prompting the investigations. However, investigators are probing whether any other items were taken.
TRA Immediate Past President Norman Parsons acknowledged, “We don’t know how many items are missing. It is still under investigation.”
Renehan is also under federal investigation by the National Park Service for the theft of three letters: two by Abraham Lincoln and one by George Washington, from the vault of the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in Manhattan.
Nevertheless Renehan’s lawyer Peter Brill was clear to point out that, “They are two separate investigations. One is focusing solely on the so-called Quentin that is the only one that can definitively be proven to have come from the Muttontown office. That is only one that Nassau County has jurisdiction over.”
Brill expects the prosecutors to present "the auction records, which have been subpoenaed, and will indicate that Ed Renehan was the consignor."
However Brill reasoned that his client was diagnosed being bipolar in the summer of 2007. “He hadn’t been diagnosed bipolar until after the fact. When you are bipolar you get these feeling of grandiosity and self-importance. I am sure that he felt that he was not only invincible but that he was doing the right thing in some twisted way, “ Brill said. “Later on, having been medicated and treated, he realized that his actions were not appropriate and that at least some of the self-justification of when that happened had to do with those feelings. He thought he was smarter, better and more intelligent that everybody else.”
Brill does not believe this will go to trial. “It would be our hope that we would not have to litigate,” he stated.
Renehan was released without bail pending an April 21 court date.
-Faith Rackoff reprinted from Oyster Bay Guardian 4/11/08