Work Continues in the Massapequa Preserve

As reported in a recent issue of the Massapequan Observer construction work began in the Massapequa Preserve. Upon completion, the drainage ponds will be dredged to clear debris and the water reeds and other marine growth. The water flow in the creek will be increased. In addition, the installation of filtration tanks installed at 15 roadside catch basins where storm water has been funneled to the drainage ponds in the preserve will now be collected. Debris and toxic wastes from the streets and other material harmful to shellfish in the bay as well as fish and waterfowl in the Massapequa Lake and the former Brooklyn Water Works Reservoir at the Brady Park. The filtration tanks have cast iron covers and will be maintained by the Nassau County Highway Department. Underground piping connecting a pumping system from Linden Street south to Merrick Road has been completed and approximately 3,500 feet of the bicycle/hiking path has been repaved. The project is scheduled to be completed by July 2010.

Drug Free Awareness Walk December 5

Residents Take a Stand Against Abuse Problem

With heroin-related arrests in the Massapequa area among the highest in all of Nassau County, local residents are banding together to raise community awareness of the growing problem.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon, there will be a Drug Free Massapequa Awareness Walk at John J. Burns Park.

Latest Happenings at Village Hall

The agendas of the public meetings of the Village of Massapequa Park Board of Trustees remain modest in scope and size. Still, village business goes on.

At the Oct. 26 meeting, the BOT approved the establishment of an Identity Theft Prevention Program for the village.

Conference of Mayors Calls for Amendments

Criticize ‘Devilish Details’ of New Law for Village Dissolution

The sponsors call it, the “Empowerment Act” for short, but local governments are calling it, the “Disenfranchisement Act” because the sweeping legislation passed this June, going into effect in March 2010, requires voters to vote to dissolve or consolidate local government before they know whether such actions would save money or not.

No Village Funds for Shuttle Bus

Since April of this year, the Mobilized Interfaith Coalition Against Hunger (MICAH) has lobbied the Village of Massapequa Park for a shuttle bus to connect residents to the Long Island Rail Road and mass transit buses.

However, due to the current economic climate, Mayor James Altadonna claims that the village cannot fund such a project.

Nassau Republicans Sweep Back Into Power

County Legislature Changes Hands; Schmitt Set for Leadership Post

The anti-incumbent mood reached Nassau County last Tuesday night as the Republican Party, after a decade-long hiatus from power, won back the Nassau County legislature. The implications for the Massapequa area could be profound.

In the seventh legislative district, Republican challenger Howard Kopel upended Democratic incumbent Jeffrey Toback to give the GOP their legislative edge. According to unofficial results, Kopel won his seat by a solid 6,654 to 5,544 margin.

Crime Spree Hits Massapequa

Robberies, Burglary, Graffiti Incidents Plague the Area

The Seventh Squad reports the details of a robbery that occurred in Massapequa on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 8:30 p.m.

According to detectives, two male victims, ages 20 and 22, were walking through the parking lot at 850 Sunrise Highway, when they were approached by three suspects who demanded their cell phones. Both victims, detectives added, were threatened and punched. The suspects took the victims’ cell phones and fled the scene on BMX bicycles eastbound on Sunrise Highway.

Meet the Candidates for Nassau County Executive

In the race for Nassau County Executive, Democrat Tom Suozzi of Glen Cove will attempt to retain the post he has held since 2002. He is running against longtime Republican Legislator Ed Mangano of Bethpage.

TOB Supervisor Race: John Venditto Vs. Keith Scalia

Candidates for the office of Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor were asked for their comments on councilmatic districts versus at-large representation; the new law for the dissolution of villages and special districts; the use of TOB SEA Fund Bond money; the most important function of the supervisor; and their accomplishments.

Meet the Candidates for the 12th Legislative District

On Nov. 3, voters in the 12th district will select their representative to the Nassau County Legislature. John Rennhack will challenge incumbent Peter J. Schmitt. The district includes the villages of Massapequa, Massapequa Park, plus portions of Seaford and portions of North Massapequa. The candidate’s profiles are listed below.