Eagle Lovers KO Parking Restrictions

Centershore Road in Centerport near the intersection of Mill Dam Road, above, won’t be getting “No Stopping” signs after fans of the Centerport eagles, inset, rallied the town board Tuesday. Inset photo/Rainey Sepulveda

By Connor Beach

cbeach@longislandergroup.com

More than a dozen wildlife enthusiasts and Centerport residents gathered at town hall Tuesday afternoon to weigh in on a proposal to ban cars from stopping along a Centerport road near Mill Pond. The spot offers some of the best views of a pair of nesting bald eagles that live in the area.

The proposal would have barred cars from stopping on Centershore Road between Westfield Drive and Mill Dam Road. It was drafted in response to an email to town officials citing safety concerns caused by birdwatchers parked along the side of Centershore Road.

Several speakers, including both area residents and bald eagle photographers, challenged the concerns.

“I have used this road all my life, and now I use it to observe the beautiful eagles,” said Bruce Adams, a retired Northport Harbormaster. “There are actually, in my opinion, a number of safe parking spots along the east side of Centershore Road.”

“If all the photographers and others who come to the area to see the bald eagles caused any problems with congestion, noise or unsafe conditions, I would be extremely upset,” said Centerport resident Arline Riordan.” But in all honesty I have never experienced any such difficulty and have found them to be a welcome addition to the community.”

Councilman Mark Cuthbertson, also a Centerport resident, said he shared Riordan’s sentiments.

“I think it really functions as it is, and I don’t see the quality of life problems that some have presented,” he said.

The birth earlier this month of two eaglets, the third and fourth chicks to born in the nest, is likely to bring more visitor to the area.

Rob Schwartz, founder of the 20,000 followers strong Bald Eagles of Centerport Facebook Group, also opposed the ban and suggested the town improve parking at town owned land in the area.

After 14 speakers opposed the ban, Supervisor Chad Lupinacci polled the town board. All five members said they did not support enacting the ban.

“We did receive a lot of emails and feedback from people in the community who love the bald eagles, so I think it’s unanimous that we will not be entertaining this restriction any longer,” Lupinacci said.

Spencer Bill Bans Drug Store Cig Sales

Legislator William “Doc” Spencer, at podium, announces the passage of a law banning the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products in pharmacies. Photo/Office of Legislator William Spencer

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

It will soon be a little harder to find a place to buy tobacco in Suffolk County.

The County Legislature voted this week to ban the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies. The legislation bans pharmacies from selling or offering everything from cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco to electronic cigarettes, vaping liquid and rolling papers. The law also applies to any retail establishment containing a pharmacy.

Legislator William “Doc” Spencer (D-Centerport) said he decided to sponsor the legislation because the negative health effects of tobacco products are “inconsistent with the mission of pharmacies.”

“Selling tobacco products- although they are legal - doesn’t make sense for pharmacies,” Spencer said. “They’re the only products that if used as directed will actually kill people.”

Spencer said that, although some might see the new law as government interfering in business, the bill received “significant bipartisan support.” Legislator Rudy Sunderman (R-Mastic) was the bill’s primary co-sponsor.

Sixteen of the 18 county legislators voted in favor of the bill, while only Legislator Steven Flotteron (R-West Islip) opposed the restriction and Legislator Leslie Kennedy (R-Hauppauge) abstained from voting.

Suffolk joins Albany and Rockland counties and the five boroughs, which have adopted similar bans.

At a press conference following Tuesday’s vote, Suffolk County Board of Health member Pat Bishop-Kelly praised the effort to get tobacco out of pharmacies.

“Pharmacies are in the business of helping to make people healthier, not contribute to the causes of diseases that cost the lives of over 28,000 New Yorkers each year,” Bishop-Kelly said.

Spencer said large pharmacy chains like CVS and Wegmans already have a self-imposed ban on tobacco sales, and he didn’t think the tobacco restriction would have a substantial negative economic impact on smaller independent pharmacies.

“The numbers just don’t back that up,” Spencer said. “Most mom and pop pharmacies don’t sell cigarettes… there are very few in the county still selling tobacco.”

Pharmacies could have to clear tobacco products off the shelves as early as November, and would face a fine of up to $2,000 per violation if they don’t.

Pharmacies will be able to continue selling FDA approved nicotine products like skin patches, nicotine gum and lozenges that are designed to help people quit smoking.

Students Don Hard Hats For Habitat

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk executive director and John Glenn alumnus Tracey Edwards joins Glenn students who were helping to raise the walls of a Habitat for Humanity home on March 13. Photo courtesy Habitat for Humanity

By Sophia Ricco
sricco@longislandergroup.com

Students from John Glenn High School were happy to lend a hand to help build the frame for one of Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk’s future homes.

Glenn students have been involved in Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk’s “Student Build” program since 2012. Those who participate in the club raise funds for the organization and volunteer time building. The program also includes the Commack, Half Hollow Hills, Harborfields, Northport and Huntington school districts.

“It means a lot to them, because it allows them to see the fruits of their labor, especially because the family is present,” Habitat’s executive director Tracey Edwards said. “They can understand how their contributions both financially and sweat equity, actually help a family.”

“When I came to the work site and saw that we had John Glenn students helping, it absolutely warmed my heart,” said Edwards, herself a Glenn grad.

The chosen family worked alongside the students to construct their home. They will be able to move in within a year.

Students from Elwood John Glenn High School on the job helping to build a Habitat for Humanity home.

Habitat is expanding the program to include more students. Middle school students will get involved by building playhouses for the new homes. Habitat will also offer financial acumen workshops to students about home ownership.

“We will be partnering with educational and banking institutions, so students learn the cost of owning a home and everything that goes into it,” Edwards said. “Anything that we can do to educate our children on the responsibilities and practical applications of becoming an adult and how hard their families have to work to maintain a roof over their heads is a big benefit.”

Habitat for Humanity of Suffolk also has a Women’s Build and Vet’s Build set up that brings groups together. In her role as executive director, Edwards’ challenge is bringing in volunteers. She plans to do more with school districts and civic groups.

“Affordable housing is critical, especially on Long Island,” Edwards said. “The more people we can get involved is a benefit to not only them, but also for our region… We are trying to open our doors of volunteerism to anybody”

Currently construction is underway on six homes that should be completed by June. The house Glenn students worked on is a “GeoThermal” house that will be heated and cooled by the earth’s underground temperature rather than gas or oil.

“We are building as much of an environmentally friendly and energy efficient home as possible,” Edwards said. “We are putting in new cesspool systems and they are energy efficient, solar where we can, because not only is it good for the environment but it’s a lower cost to maintain for the homeowner.”