Cleaning Up Our Beaches

I co-sponsored legislation establishing a pilot beach cleanup program at three County beaches. Beach clean-up stations donated by RELIC Sustainability will be installed where residents can easily access supplies to assist in removing trash found along our shorelines. (IR 1216-2021)

Investing in Sewer and Wastewater Infrastructure

To address groundwater pollution stemming from antiquated cesspools, Suffolk County established the Septic Improvement Program, a grant assistance program for the installation of enhanced nitrogen removal septic systems referred to as “Innovative and Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems”. I co-sponsored a resolution to appropriate an additional $8,000,000 in funding to expand the program. (IR1444-21)

Huntington Station Sewers

Protecting our surface and groundwater is critical for the environmental and economic future of Suffolk County. I was proud to vote to appropriate funding to be used for the planning and design of sewers along Route 110 in Huntington Station (IR 1282-21)

Kayak and Canoe Storage Racks

I drafted legislation, which was unanimously adopted, to create a pilot project to provide storage racks for kayaks and canoes at six county parks – Blydenburgh County Park in Hauppauge; Southaven County Park in Yaphank; Lake Ronkonkoma County Park in Ronkonkoma; Timber Point Golf Course in Great River; Indian Island County Park in Riverhead; and Smith Point County Park in Mastic. Under this pilot program, residents can purchase a seasonal sticker to place on their kayak or canoe and lock their vessel to the assigned rack for the duration of the season – Memorial Day to Columbus Day. This pilot program was made possible by a public/private partnership with the Suffolk County Alliance of Chambers who donated the materials and Laborers Local 66 who donated the labor to install the racks. (IR1221-21)

Pollinator Task Force

I co-sponsored legislation establishing a task force to create pollinator pathways across roadways and open green spaces in order to maintain a healthy ecosystem in Suffolk County. (IR 1173-21)

Proper Disposal of PPEs

I co-sponsored a resolution adopting a Local Law to prohibit the improper disposal of personal protective equipment in Suffolk County. (IR 1463-20)

Establishing a Coindre Hall Advisory Board. (IR 1056-20)

Curtailing the Use of Single-Use Plastics and Styrofoam

The Legislature voted to curtail the usage of single-use plastics such as straws as well as polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam. Straws and stirrers will still be available by-request-only at sit-down restaurants and will be biodegradable. Suffolk County has long been a leader in environmental protection and I was pleased to support these efforts to mitigate plastic pollution and to protect our landscape, waterways and wildlife as well as the health and safety of Suffolk County residents. We all have the responsibility to be stewards of our environment and to preserve our precious natural resources.
(IR 1112-19, IR 1113-19)

Heartland Denied Sewer Hookup

A resolution was brought before the Public Works, Transportation & Energy Committee to approve a sewer connection from the Heartland Town Square project to the Southwest Sewer District. I opposed this resolution as there were too many variables and too few answers on the impact that this project would have on our aquifer, our environment and our community. (IR 1459-18)

Protecting Our Drinking Water

I voted to reauthorize the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, which was formed on a bi-county basis to address issues relating to our vital aquifer. The Commission advocates a regional approach to groundwater resource management and will continue to convene stakeholders and residents from across Long Island to address the challenges we face in an innovative and collaborative way. (IR 1311-18)

Marine Industry Revitalization

I supported an initiative to create the Marine Industry Revitalization Advisory Council and am proud to be a member of the Council. The marine industry accounts for $1.579 billion in economic activity in Suffolk County and employs over 7,000 Long Islanders. I will continue to work collaboratively with my fellow Council members to bolster marine workforce development, attract more water-centric tourists to the region and welcome good paying jobs to Suffolk County. (IR 1337-18)

Rails to Trails

A long-sought-after 10 mile long pedestrian and bike trail from Port Jefferson to Wading River will become a reality after my colleagues and I voted to provide the funding necessary to complete the project. The trail, which will receive 94% of its funding from the federal government, will provide a safe place for those looking to exercise and bike in the county. (IR 1439-18)