SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Rising Costs On LI And Population Exodus

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

I was unaware of a problem that is hitting most Suffolk schools hard—a declining number of students—until talking to a former college journalism student of mine, Tim Laube, now an administrator in the Eastport-South Manor Central School District. “The drop in enrollment,” said Mr. Laube, “is directly attributable to affordability—the cost of living on Long Island.” 

The cost of housing is now very high in Suffolk and the rest of Long Island and so many young people are leaving and not having children who would go to school here. “They go off to college and don’t come back,” said Tim. 

Where are they going? Tim spoke of a meeting he attended at which the speaker told of “20 new school buildings a year” being constructed in South Carolina. Meanwhile, in his district, in which he is assistant superintendent for business and operations, there has been a reduction in students since 2010, when the total was 3,888, to “now 3,268. That’s a drop of 16 percent.” As a result, the district has had to reduce staff and hiring. A further decline in students is foreseen.

From Sag Harbor, my school district, I obtained in exploring the issue a detailed “Long Range Planning Study,” a “Demographic and Enrollment Analysis” covering 2018 to 2027. It was done for the district by the Western Suffolk BOCES Office of School Planning and Research. The study says the district “is expected to experience a decline in district K-12 enrollment during the projection period.” Cited are “the challenges young adults face with high rent costs and with saving money for the down payment required to purchase a home.” Also pointed to are “significant student loan debt” and “lower starting salaries.”

My wife and I purchased our first house—a seven-room home in Sayville—for $18,000 in 1964, A comparable house today would cost many, many times that. Newsday reported last year that the median sale price of a house in Suffolk was $380,000, citing data from the Multiple Listing Services of Long Island. The story’s headline: “LI HOME PRICES UP AGAIN,” and the article noted this was “a 7 percent increase from” the year before.  The median sale price in adjacent Nassau, meanwhile, was $525,000.

What would be the payments on a mortgage on a $380,000 house? An online “mortgage calculator” says with 4.5 percent interest, payments on a 30-year mortgage would be $1,925 a month. Then you have to figure on property taxes, 70 percent of which, ironically, goes to schools. With other expenses, if two people are involved, both have to work—and scrape by.

That’s why it’s hello South Carolina, hello upstate New York, etc.

In the Hamptons, the median prices of houses are astronomical. “The median price of homes currently listed in Southampton is $2,100,000,” reported Zillow last year. “The median price of homes currently listed in East Hampton is $1,595,000.” According to the online “mortgage calculator,” at 4.5 percent, payments on a $1 mortgage over 30 years would be $5,066 a month. To make payments of that kind you have to be loaded. 

In Smithtown, the median price of a house is higher than the Suffolk median. “The median price of homes currently listed in 11787 is $587,000 while the median price of homes that sold is $457,600,” said Zillow online last year. 

Now not every school district in Suffolk has declining student enrollment. On stable Shelter Island, enrollment in the pre-K-to-12th grade Shelter Island School has “been steady,” its superintendent Christine A. Finn was saying last week. “We watch enrollment very carefully. It’s 209 this year and was 213 last year.” But “all over Long Island,” said Dr. Finn, who previously was a principal in the Patchogue-Medford School District, “declines in enrollment have been a trend.” A key, she said, is high housing costs. When she graduated from Islip High School in 1980 it was with a class of 400. “Last year the graduating class was 280.”

There is a desperate need on Long Island for affordable housing to deal with declining school populations and other issues. Government on several levels are taking steps to encourage it. 

In the Town of Smithtown is an organization that has been in the fore in advancing affordable housing is the Long Island Housing Partnership. It is located at 180 Oser Avenue in Hauppauge. Its “Mission Statement” declares: “Since its inception in 1988, the mission of the Long Island Housing Partnership has been to provide affordable housing opportunities to those who, through the ordinary, unaided operation of the marketplace, would be unable to secure a decent and safe home or remain in a decent home.”

The phone number for the good people of the Long Island Housing Partnership is 631-435-4710.

There was a headline in the New York Post last month: “The exodus of New York City’s endangered middle class.” The article below it said, “New York City’s shrinking middle class is in full retreat,” and cited were “the city’s high—and rising—housing and other living costs.” We can’t let that happen here, impacting on our communities and decimating the numbers in new generations brought up in Suffolk.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books. 

Theater Review – ‘Art’

Theater Review – ‘Art’ 

Produced by Theatre Three – Port Jefferson

Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

I don’t recall why I missed the Broadway premier of the French comedy ‘Art’ in 1998. It must have been a brutal February weather-wise, because this play, which deals with peoples’ diverse notions of what constitutes fine art …  is (full disclosure) the sort of production I can’t get enough of.

In retrospect, however, maybe it’s better that I missed the Tony-winning show at New York’s Royale playhouse. Because what Theatre Three director Linda May has done with Yasmina Reza’s rib-tickling script is so masterful in conception, it’s doubtful that any previous major domo could have wrung funnier (or more incisive) performances from her talented trio of charges. Once again, Port Jefferson’s Broadway on Main Street has delivered a boffo production!

The story (appropriately set in Paris) tells of three good friends who find their long-standing bonds severely tested when one of them buys a costly modern art painting. Serge, the purchaser, convinced that his pals, Marc and Yvan will share his admiration for the $50,000 masterpiece, gets the surprise of his life to find that one of them is actually repulsed by his acquisition, and the other couldn’t care less.

After all, the big-spending Serge figures, doesn’t everyone see the artistic excellence in a large, all-white, chef-d’oeuvre containing a few barely discernible, meaningless anemic stripes …ugh?

Clearly, the answer is “No.” In fact, the vocabulary-challenged Marc feels compelled at one point to describe his buddy Serge’s acquisition as, “A piece of white …” (uh … excrement). In the original French, Marc’s term of choice was the commonly used pejorative … merde. Or so my Francophile associates assure me. On the Great White Way, where language spills from the mouths of actors as if they were freshman congresswomen, Marc goes right for the jugular and labels Serge’s treasure a four-letter version of manure … and I don’t mean dung. At any rate, suffice it to say that the indelicacy amounts to a cultural declaration of Marc vs. Serge war.

It falls to Yvan, who is facing his own incipient disaster … in this country we call it a wedding … to placate the artistic adversaries. Life could well prove unbearable should he lose the cozy sanctuary that Marc and Serge have provided him for the past 15 years. But what if they both resent Yvan’s failure to side with them as individuals in this runaway flap that’s leading God-knows-where?

You’ll see.

It is at this point that veteran thespian Linda May truly struts her directorial stuff, as she plumbs the depths of playwright Yasmina Reza’s sophisticated gem of a plot, and guides Steve Ayle (Serge), Antoine Jones (Marc) and Matt Senese (Yvan) in their search for the meaning of Art … but more importantly, for the definition of what constitutes Friendship.

‘Art’s’ effective Set, Lighting, Sound and Costumes are everything we’ve come to expect from Theatre Three productions. No surprises there. It must be said, though, that guiding light Linda May brings more to the show’s table than we might have anticipated. Indeed, the bravos that resounded throughout Port Jefferson’s 160-year-old playhouse during yesterday’s curtain calls belong largely, and deservedly, to Ms. May.

One caveat: theater lovers shouldn’t dilly-dally in obtaining tickets. Unless I’m mistaken, the relatively brief run for which this play is scheduled (January 12 – February 2) will prove to be insufficient exposure once word of the show’s excellence gets around Western Suffolk and environs. Believe me, the litany of ‘F’ and ‘S’ bombs notwithstanding, ‘Art’ didn’t snag that ‘Best Play’ Tony in ’98 for nothing. This comedic winner is not to be missed.

Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of a dozen novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. His recent hit, THE GHOSTWRITERS, explores the bizarre relationship between the late Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Ladouceur’s topical thriller, THE SOUTHWICK INCIDENT, was introduced at the Smithtown Library on May 21st. The book involves a radicalized Yale student and his CIA pursuers. Mr. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com 

Commack Students Recognized For Outstanding Volunteer Service

Commack Students Honored for Community Contributions

left to right, standing: Frank Agovino, AP at Commack Middle School; Nicole Kregler, Director of Guidance; Carrie Lipenholtz, AP; Evelyn Cardenas, AP; Christine Nicols, Guidance Counselor, and Michael Larson, Principal. Students seated: Ryan, Jordan, Athena and Jillian. Four Commack Middle School students received Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, to recognize their outstanding volunteer service and dedication based on their academic accomplishments, character traits, volunteer work, and participation in school activitie

Athena Efthymiou and Jillian Cestaro, each consistent high-honor-roll 7th grade students, were chosen to receive Certificates of Achievement for distinguished accomplishment in volunteer service. They are awards finalists, and their applications have been nominated for state recognition. Jordan Hub and Ryan Smith were selected as “Top Volunteers,” and they both received a Certificate of Merit from Commack Middle School. Their work has truly been inspiring to others and has been beneficial to the greater community.  

Awardee information:

Athena Efthymiou is dedicated to fundraising for research in helping to find a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis through the annual “Take Steps Walk.” This determined young lady reaches out to individuals and businesses for assistance in fundraising. Her passion to this mission hits close to home, as Athena was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease when she was three. Athena takes on the role of team leader of “Team Miou,” and her responsibilities in fundraising and organizing have helped to raise over $10,000. On account of her hard work, Athena was nominated to be the spokesperson or “Shining Star” of the 2017 walk. Athena has shared that it feels amazing to be making a difference and to help others who have been going through the same experience.

Jillian Cestaro is a founding member of a family run group called “Kids 4 Causes.” It is a group of five students dedicated to helping others. Jillian was inspired by the classic starfish story, that one person, one step at a time, can make a difference. Her group participates in fundraisers and volunteers their time to support different non-profit organizations. They have helped in various ways, from crafting pillows for patients at Stony Brook Child Life Services to raising funds to pair service dogs with special needs individuals. So far, she and her team have raised $5,000! Jillian is a very well rounded student as she has been involved in school clubs, sports, named Team Spirit Leader and Student Council President.

Jordan Hub, an eighth grade National Junior Honor Society member, got involved in community service for her Bat Mitzvah project and it launched into a dedicated, continuing volunteer effort. Jordan was shocked at the price of sports equipment and wanted to make a difference to others in need. She works with a not for profit organization called “Let’s Play it Forward,” and has collected lightly used and new sports equipment for underprivileged children. She used social media and placed donation boxes in many buildings and businesses throughout the community. She collected over 600 pieces of equipment, including uniforms, balls, sticks, helmets, cleats and sneakers. Jordan feels good that many underprivileged students will get the opportunity to play sports and learn important life skills, like teamwork.

Ryan Smith, an eighth grade student, has the true spirit of community service, and embodies this through his commitment to school activities. He is the president of the Middle School Leader’s Club, an organization dedicated to community service. Ryan is also on the Student Council Executive Board and was newly inducted into the National Junior Honor Society. Ryan dedicates time out of his day, whether it is during lunch or after school; to help organize events and activities, including participating in the Thanksgiving drive, helping in our school’s car wash fundraiser and assisting sixth graders transition smoothly into the middle school.

Athena, Jillian, Jordan and Ryan are just a few of our students dedicated to improving the lives of the people in our community. Special thanks go out to ALL students at the Middle School who selflessly give their time to help others in need. 

Kings Park Business Nouvelle Landscaping Rebrands As It Looks To The Future

Nouvelle Landscaping & Construction, Inc. Rebrands as Nouvelle Group, Inc.

The rebrand reflects the company’s evolution in the construction space and renewed focus on commercial projects across Long Island

Kings Park business ​Nouvelle Landscaping & Construction, Inc. has announced that it has rebranded as Nouvelle Group, Inc. The rebrand reflects the company’s evolution in the construction space and intentions of continuing to scale its portfolio with multi-million dollar commercial projects.

“We’ve reallocated the majority of our resources and manpower to commercial projects to accommodate growing customer demand,” said Michael Geoffrion Jr., co-owner and COO of Nouvelle Group. “While we’re moving in another direction, we’re still taking on residential customers.”

Nouvelle Group is a fully licensed and insured general contracting company specializing in commercial properties throughout Long Island. The company’s services include design-build, renovation, pre-construction, general contracting, construction management and new construction.

The family-owned business, formerly known as Nouvelle Landscaping & Construction, has been servicing residential and commercial customers since 2010. A father-son duo, the company’s owners have nearly 40 years of combined construction experience in the New York metropolitan area.

“This rebrand marks a new beginning for Nouvelle,” said Michael Geoffrion Sr., co-owner and CEO of Nouvelle Group. “We’re expecting to rapidly grow our portfolio in 2019 by continuing to deliver our services with integrity, honesty and accountability.”

About Nouvelle Group, Inc.

Nouvelle Group, Inc. is a fully licensed and insured general contractor specializing in commercial properties throughout New York’s Nassau and Suffolk counties. Headquartered in Kings Park, NY, the family-owned business, formerly known as Nouvelle Landscaping & Construction, Inc., has been serving residential and commercial customers on Long Island since 2010. Nouvelle Group is a member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce.

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Suffolk County's Taking On E-Cigarettes

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

The nicotine cabal is hard at it, what with smoking tobacco having declined, promoting continued nicotine use by pushing electronic cigarettes and what’s called vaping. And Suffolk County, which for years has been a national leader in challenging the use of cigarettes, which had been the main delivery system of nicotine, is taking on “e-cigarettes.”

E-cigarettes have become a new major delivery system for nicotine, with young people particularly targeted, with flavors added—including cherry, chocolate and vanilla.

Among the final pieces of legislation enacted by Suffolk County last year was a law increasing the penalties for retailers that unlawfully sell e-cigarettes to those under 21. Meanwhile, Suffolk County is considering restrictions on flavored e-cigarettes.

The key county legislator behind Suffolk’s efforts is Dr. William Spencer who is a physician specializing in otolaryngology (conditions of the ear, nose and throat).

 “This is a public health emergency,” said Dr. Spencer last month at a hearing on his legislation to restrict flavored e-cigarettes. “We are seeing the astonishing increase in vaping among those aged 12 to 17, and to wait for the FDA or state to take action is not acceptable at the expense of more children becoming addicted.”

Last month, too, another doctor, U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams, called for “aggressive steps” by health professionals and governments on e-cigarettes. In e-cigarettes the nicotine is not in tobacco as it is in regular cigarettes but is included as a liquid. “Nicotine is dangerous and it can have negative health effects,” said the surgeon general. And in e-cigarettes, “it can prime the youth brain for addiction.”

A recent federal report estimates that 3.6 million teens in the U.S.—one out of five high school students—are using e-cigarettes. A survey found twice as many high schoolers using e-cigarettes than the year before.

E-cigarettes and other forms of vaping have become a $6.6 billion business.

Proponents of e-cigarettes pitch that it’s less harmful than cigarettes containing tobacco. However, as earlier county legislation by Dr. Spencer—prohibiting the sale in Suffolk to persons under 21 of e-cigarettes and passed in 2014—noted: “E-cigarettes do contain carcinogens, including nitrosamines” and “toxic chemicals such as diethylene glycol…a common ingredient in antifreeze.” As for e-cigarettes and vaping leading to people quitting smoking tobacco cigarettes, these “smoking cessation assertions made by e-cigarette companies have been disproven in laboratory tests conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.”

Regarding nicotine, it “is a known neurotoxin that is also one of the most highly addictive substances available for public consumption.”

Meanwhile, a marriage of the e-cigarette and tobacco industries is underway. The biggest e-cigarette maker, Juul, was reported last month by The New York Times to be “near to signing a deal to become business partners with Altria, one of the world’s largest tobacco companies.” Said The Times: “The union—which would create an alliance between one of public health’s greatest villains and the start-up that would upend it—entails cigarette giant Altria investing $12.8 billion for a 35 percent stake in Juul.” Altria is the renamed Philip Morris company. The cigarette brands it manufactures include Marlboro, Lark, Virginia Slims and Parliament. 

This partnership could be expected as Juul and lesser e-cigarette companies follow in the tobacco industry’s tradition. The Times noted in its article how “Juul is under intense scrutiny from public health officials and the FDA for an explosion in the number of teenagers vaping with its sleek products following a youth-oriented marketing campaign.”

Suffolk has been in the forefront in the fight against smoking banning it in restaurants and other public places and raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes—and in 2014 e-cigarettes, said to be a first-in-the-nation move. The tobacco industry years ago fought back fiercely. Delegations from the Tobacco Institute, the industry’s PR and lobbying arm, descended on the Suffolk Legislature denying a link between smoking and cancer. But, finally, court cases including those brought by state attorney generals, an anti-smoking stand of an earlier U.S. surgeon general and, at long last, media scrutiny (tobacco industry advertising and hardline PR held back for decades wide media investigation of the dire consequences of smoking) led to the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement of 1998. 

The cigarette companies agreed to, among other things, compensate states for medical costs of those who smoked, finance anti-smoking campaigns and abolish that band of liars-for-hire, The Tobacco Institute. Smoking tobacco cigarettes in the U.S. has been reaching all-time lows, down to 14 percent of adults. But e-cigarettes have come through a back door.

In Suffolk, there has not only been movement by the county on e-cigarettes but the Town of Smithtown has acted, too. Last April, the Town Board voted 5-to-0 to limit “hookah lounges” and stores that sell e-cigarettes from operating within 1,500 feet of parks, playgrounds, schools and religious institutions in Smithtown. 

Smithtown already had a ban on vaping as well as smoking regular cigarettes in parks, beaches, playgrounds and other town facilities or within 50 feet of any Town of Smithtown building.

Karl Grossman is a veteran investigative reporter and columnist, the winner of numerous awards for his work and a member of the L.I. Journalism Hall of Fame. He is a professor of journalism at SUNY/College at Old Westbury and the author of six books.