SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Enormous Opposition To Trump's Plan For Drilling Off LI

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grosssman

          Opposition to the Trump administration’s plan for oil drilling off Long Island has been enormous—and bipartisan. Whether the strong and broad-based opposition will make a difference and prevent drilling—as a series of moratoria passed by Congress in recent decades blocking Atlantic oil drilling have done—remains to be seen.

The first Long Island public official out with opposition to oil drilling offshore Long island, following the January announcement by U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke of plans for oil drilling in the Atlantic and expanded drilling in the Pacific, the Gulf of Mexico and Arctic Ocean, was Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine.      

Noting that Brookhaven “has the largest coastline of any town on Long Island.” Mr. Romaine, a Republican, wrote Secretary Zinke. “As town supervisor, I do not support drilling in waters off our coastline. Like most Americans, I am concerned about the huge risks offshore drilling carries. A spill anywhere on the Atlantic Coast could decimate large sections of coastline and negatively impact our coastal economy. The Long Island coastline supports nearly 350,000 jobs and generates millions of dollars through tourism, fishing, and other industries.”

         “This proposal,” he went on, “came just as the 9-cent per oil tax to fund emergency cleanup of oil spills expired” and, “in addition, the Trump administration has announced plans to roll back regulatory protections for deep-water drilling. These regulations deal with safety checks and equipment standards on oil.”

There have been a series of public hearings in Suffolk on the Trump administration plan.  

         At a hearing in Smithtown, led by New York State Assemblyman Steve Englebright, a Setauket Democrat and chairman of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, and including many public officials, environmentalists and scientists, Mr. Englebright said: “The Atlantic outer continental shelf is not an appropriate area for offshore drilling. Period. The risks associated with drilling, including oil spills, far out-weigh any potential benefits. Especially since the state is currently working to advance renewable energy projects on our continental shelf area rather than climate change inducing fossil fuel-oriented projects such as the drilling.”

          “Are we willing to industrialize our pristine coastlines?” demanded State Assemblyman Christine Pellegrino, a Democrat from West Islip, at another hearing, at Brookhaven Town Hall. “Long Islanders will not stand idly by as the federal government endangers our coastline.”

At that hearing, organized by U.S. Representative Lee Zeldin of Shirley, a Republican who is close personally and politically to GOPer Trump, Mr. Zeldin declared: “Protecting our environment goes hand in hand with protecting commerce in our region, where so many jobs and small businesses depend on scenic beaches, parks and clean water to attract visitors and economic growth.” 

          State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. of Sag Harbor, Independence Party chair in Southampton Town who also runs on the Democratic ticket, issued a statement declaring: “This leasing program seeks to make a majority of the United States Outer Continental Shelf open to oil and gas exploration and construction representing the first time in decades that many states’ coasts would be exposed to such development and potential harm….It is a reckless proposal that must be rejected out of hand. An oil spill off the coast of Long Island would destroy our economy and our quality of life.”

               Long Island environmental organizations have gotten involved. The Long Island chapter of the Sierra Club has stated that the “risks of offshore drilling to our marine habitat and coastline are far greater than any short-term profit that may be gained. New York is a coastal state and Long Island, especially, depends on tourism, fishing. And other commercial activities that involve the our use of the ocean. Most importantly, enjoying and protecting our waters and the life within them is part of our culture and the reason many come to live and work here.” It said the “current moratorium” on drilling in the Atlantic “should stay in place” and the “proper use” of federal government “resources is to encourage the development of clean and renewable energy sources, such as offshore wind.”

           New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has called on Mr. Zinke to “exempt” Long Island waters from offshore drilling, Offshore drilling poses an unacceptable threat to New York’s ocean resources, to our economy and to the future of our children.  It introduces the unprecedented risk of extremely hazardous oil spills, contributes to the acceleration of climate change, and conflicts with New York’s ambitious agenda to develop offshore wind energy.  With this plan, the federal government is trampling on the interests of New Yorkers and threatening the future wellbeing of our state,” he declared. Top of Form

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, has called on Mr. Zinke to “exempt” Long Island waters. “Offshore drilling poses an unacceptable threat to New York’s ocean resources,” he wrote. “It introduces the unprecedented risk of extremely hazardous oil spills, contribution to the acceleration of climate change, and conflicts with New York’s ambitious agenda to develop offshore wind energy.”

Meanwhile, beyond words, governmental action has begun to thwart the federal plan. In neighboring New Jersey last week, legislation to ban oil drilling in state waters and prohibit construction of infrastructure in them—pipes and so on—to support drilling in federal waters was approved unanimously in the State Senate. “This is a back-door way of blocking the offshore drilling that would be allowed by the federal action,” said co-sponsor Senator Jeff Van Drew, a Cape May Democrat. “We control the first three miles at the state level, so we will use that authority to try to hinder or block drilling along the Jersey coast.”

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. 

Amy's Perspective - Smithtown Residents Have Been Heard

By Amy Fortunato

The good news is that the Smithtown residents have been heard.  It’s a relief to finally hear that our Town Council discussed Smithtown United Civic Association’s appeal for an authentic business analysis of the properties that could be consolidated and turned into Transit Oriented Development near the Smithtown LIRR station.  At the close of the Town Council’s working session on 4/10, the request was mentioned but really only revisited to complete an appraisal of the outlier Town owned buildings to the Town Attorney. This request for appraisals of the 18 outlier buildings that belong to the town has been made before.  Smithtown has 28 various departments and 18 buildings – with lots of walking imposed between the numerous buildings/departments! 

It’s not a new request. The New York Ave. neighbors presented the same request during numerous Town Council meetings more than a year ago when the Town Council was approached to possibly consolidate into the Joseph Barton Administration Building and retain the athletic fields for a town green and recreation near the heart of the downtown business district.  At that point in time, the appraisals were predicated on the current zoning and not the potentially changed zoning for that property.    There’s no way to address a possible consolidation without all the appraisal figures – although the Smithtown taxpaying residents asked for these appraisal results last year.  Clearly, the citizens were patient but ignored – when they asked for the appraisals of the Town Dept’s buildings.  Transparency was avoided during those Town Council meetings.  

During the last Smithtown School Board regular meeting held on 4/10, our Superintendent, Dr. James Grossane and School Board President, Mr. Jeremy Thode assured those in attendance that the NY Ave. properties are NOT for sale and that the Town has NOT been in contact with the School Board.   Both Dr. Grossane and Mr. Thode publicly described their intentions to engage with the local community in the future regarding any possible sale or development BEFORE any real estate issues are presented.  In another recent meeting 4/6 with the School Board Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Andrew Tobin – the same assurance of commitment to our community and transparency was emphasized by the School Administration on behalf of the School Board. The rumors were dispelled, participation and engagement with Smithtown’s taxpaying residents was reassured.  

It’s good to know that we’ve been heard.  This level of commitment and communication is honorable, ethical and necessary for Smithtown to prosper – developing for the future while preserving our historic past.   

Amy Fortunato is a Smithtown resident who ran for Town Council on the Democratic line in 2017.     

Theater Review – ’12 Angry Men’

Theater Review – ’12 Angry Men’

Produced by Theatre Three – Port Jefferson

Reviewed by Jeb Ladouceur

Anyone who’s ever participated in, or otherwise observed a murder trial in this country, has undoubtedly realized that the process consists essentially of four key phases. They are: Selection of a Jury (or a judge if it’s a ‘bench trial’) … Presentation of Sworn Evidence by a prosecutor to aid that deliberative body (or arbiter) … Rebuttal by the accused’s defense counsel … and finally, Evaluation of the Evidence by the jury (or judge). The action in the acclaimed Reginald Rose play, ‘12 Angry Men,’ is limited to the final jury discussion procedure.

Because a jury’s verdict in American homicide trials must be unanimous, these cases offer a uniquely compelling opportunity for high drama in the private confines of the Jury Room … especially since the ‘stakes’ are always incredibly high … often resulting in a life sentence for the accused … or worse. That’s the situation which evolves as playwright Rose brings together his ‘12 Angry Men’in a nondescript New York City courthouse in the ‘50’s.

One of the most interesting aspects of this production derives from the fact that it is a courtroom drama wherein the audience never sees the inside of the courtroom itself … all of the action takes place in the deliberation room where only the dozen diverse adjudicators are present. The facts of the case are revealed in the panelists’ clever dialogue and body language, and we soon come to learn that no two people are quite alike when it involves evaluating evidence or meting out justice.

Another fascinating touch which Reginald Rose has brought to this humdinger of a show is the fact that the twelve jurors are never referred to by name; only their numbers … one through twelve … are used to identify them. This has the effect of lending an appropriate anonymity to the ‘12 Angry Men,’ and as we get to know their characters, ‘2’ becomes synonymous with ‘meek’ … ‘3’ proves to be ‘stubborn’ … ‘9’ comes to stand for ‘wise’ … and so forth. Things are all quite beguiling (not to mention stuffy) in that sweltering room where even the air conditioner is broken. But never mind … everything else works just fine under the capable leadership of convincing protagonist, Juror 8, played by Theatre Three veteran, Steve Ayle.

This breathtaking drama got its start as a live teleplay in 1954 (yes, I admit that I recall the debut). The highly acclaimed Henry Fonda film followed three years later, and the play itself finally made it to the legitimate stage when Broadway’s Roundabout Theatre mounted the show at the American Airlines playhouse in 2004. Since then, the iconic psychological drama has introduced aficionados to some of the best dramatic dialogue ever written. It is safe to say that Reginald Rose has proven himself a master of legal intrigue. Acting giants who have starred in Rose’s masterpiece include E.G. Marshall, Franchot Tone, Lee J. Cobb, George C. Scott, Edward Arnold, and Jack Klugman. Similarly, some of Long Island’s finest male actors (Michael Newman, Jack Green, and Steven Uihlein) appear with Ayle in Theatre Three’s current production.

This has got to be among the toughest of plays to direct; it’s no secret that eleven of the twelve jurors are ultimately flipped during the proceedings in that uncomfortable old barn of a room where they haggle, curse, and physically threaten one another. Heavens to Betsy, it’s difficult enough to show one hard-headed adjudicator changing his mind believably under the type of circumstances playwright Rose establishes … but eleven? Our hat is off to director Bradlee E. Bing for managing so effectively to chew the big chunk he’s bitten off.

As always, Randall Parsons’ set is near-perfect, and the costumes and lighting under Teresa Matteson and Robert W. Henderson. Jr. respectively are appropriately unobtrusive. This is a fine, superbly paced show that should not 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 newly completed thriller, THE SOUTHWICK INCIDENT, was introduced at the Smithtown Library in May. The book involves a radicalized Yale student and his CIA pursuers. Mr. Ladouceur’s revealing website is www.JebsBooks.com

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP - Visionary Farm Preservation Program Wins In Court

SUFFOLK CLOSEUP

By Karl Grossman

It’s a triumph for Suffolk County’s visionary Farmland Preservation Program!

The state’s Appellate Division last month rejected by 3-to-1 a ruling by a state Supreme Court justice in 2016 that hamstrung the program. Conceived by County Executive John V. N. Klein, the program, begun in 1974, is based on the brilliant and then novel idea of purchase of development rights. Farmers are paid the difference between the value of their land in agriculture and what they could get for it if they sold it off for development. In return, the land is kept in agriculture in perpetuity. 

The Suffolk program has since been emulated across the nation.

It has been central in keeping Suffolk a top agricultural county in New York State and so much of it green. Not only do the farms of the county, on some of the best soils on the planet, produce food and other agricultural products, but they are integral to the thriving tourism industry in Suffolk.

However, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society brought a misguided lawsuit which claimed that allowing “structures” on preserved farmland, as permitted by amendments to the program approved by the Suffolk Legislature, was not legal. And Justice Thomas Whelan supported the claim. 

Great credit for the successful appeal goes to current Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, the Suffolk Legislature and the County Farmland Committee. Once the lawsuit was brought, the county promptly arranged for the county to retain a law firm that has long fought for the environment, Riverhead-based Twomey, Latham, Shea, Kelley and Quartararo. Handling the appeal was a partner in the firm, Lisa Clare Kombrink, who has a specialty in farmland preservation as former Southampton Town attorney and in other public legal positions. In a statement, Twomey, Latham described the winning appeal as a “victory for Suffolk County agriculture…a big win.” The firm noted how it “fought back the efforts of the Long Island Pine Barrens Society to jeopardize the county program.”

If the ruling were allowed to stand it would “effectively gut the Farmland Preservation Program,” said Mr. Bellone. “If farmers can’t do the things necessary to run a successful operation, we can’t have farming here anymore.”

Legislator Al Krupski of Cutchogue, who is a fourth-generation Suffolk farmer, said: “There is great diversity in agriculture, and not everyone understands what is needed to operate a productive farm or agricultural operation. Agriculture is changing. Different farming techniques, new technology and methods are emerging, along with the opportunities they present. Infrastructure needs may change. We need to adapt to accommodate these changes if we want to preserve agriculture and farming.”

Legislator Bridget Fleming of Noyac said: “Our critically important agricultural industry will only survive if farmers can undertake the basic practices that make a farm work.”

The Appellate Division in its majority decision stated the county’s “special use permits” for accessory structures “all constitute or are sufficiently related to agricultural production.”

Justice Whelan “basically misconstrued what the county’s original intent was—to prevent the development of farmland but still allow typical and acceptable farm practices to be utilized,” explains State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. of Sag Harbor, an attorney. The Farmland Preservation Program “didn’t freeze in a moment of time” structures that could be on a farm. Farmers who have put their land into preservation under the program, said Mr. Thiele, have been
“entitled” to build sheds, barns and other structures “as long as they complied with the definition of agricultural practices. The idea was that farming is dynamic and that there would have to be changes in the future.” 

John v.H.Halsey, president of the Peconic Land Trust, said Suffolk’s “landmark” Farmland Preservation Program “is about assuring the future of farming and agricultural production first and foremost” and, “Agricultural production by definition includes structures like barns, greenhouses and fences.” The program, “the first of its kind in the country, was created to protect not only farmland but farming. Farm operations by definition are the land, the structures, the improvements and the practices necessary to perform agricultural production.”

Rob Carpenter, administrative director of the Long Island Farm Bureau, emphasized that “farmers need to have the ability to change with the times…Farming today is very sophisticated and complicated…No farmer is going to preserve their land if they can’t continue as a farm operation and that means with modern agriculture having the necessary infrastructure in order to farm.”

By bringing its lawsuit, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society broke a long tradition of environmental groups in Suffolk joining in a “big tent” approach, working cooperatively with each other. Whether it had to do with open space, farmland preservation, preserving the pine barrens, clean water, battling nuclear power in Suffolk and challenging offshore oil drilling, they have—until the Pine Barrens Society’s lawsuit—worked in harmony. 

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. 

Smithtown Mourns Lt. Christopher Raguso

Farewell Lt. Christopher Raguso

A Family Man, An American Hero, F.D.N.Y.  

Maureen Rossi 

Lt. Christopher Raguso (Photo Stripes.com)Under the warmth of the mid-day sun, several thousand residents, firefighters from around the country as well as various law enforcement agencies lined the streets of Commack and Kings Park on Saturday March 31^st to honor the extraordinary life of Lt. Christopher Raguso who died in a helicopter crash on March 15 while serving as a member of the NY Air National Guard in Iraq. 

His wife and their two *children were surrounded by family and close friends as they rode in a F.D.N.Y. truck at the beginning of the procession.

Lt. Christopher Raguso was a member of the F.D.N.Y.; Ladder 113, Engine 249 in addition to being a member of the New York Air National Guard.  He was also a volunteer firefighter with the Commack Fire Department.

Known as a guy who gave it all, regardless of what he was doing, Raguso leaves behind scores who loved him and respected him.

Young participant in the Lt. Christopher Raguso processionHis firefighter brethren came out in vast numbers with helicopters flying above the procession catching the enormity of the sea of blue which turned out to be an Ocean for Raguso and his family.   It was the second F.D.N.Y. funeral of the week and some the men of the F.D.N.Y. wore it on their fatigued faces with tears rolling down their faces as Raguso’s coffin went by.         

Commack and Kings Park were adorned in American flags and yellow ribbons for their local hero and in support of his family.  The 11:30 a.m. mass at St. Joseph’s was filled to capacity. Store fronts served as water stations and coffee stations for mourners. Tents were filled with food for the firefighters. Roads were closed.  Only firefighters were permitted on Old Dock Road.  Parking was a challange, many members of the community walked from their homes to pay their respect.

The enormous procession began at the Commack Fire Department when it rolled into Kings Park, there was a terribly sad silence.  Eerie at times, minus the bark of a dog, the sound of a baby crying. The crowd waited and waited to see the motorcade as it slowly rolled through the streets of Kings Park.

Young and old came out – people were on rooftops filming – a news station filmed the entire procession from their copter and donated the video coverage to the F.D.N.Y. where they have a dozen plus videos on YOUTUBE: Search Funeral Raguso, the coverage is extremely well done.

Thirty-nine motorcyles were part of the motorcade representing the F.D.N.Y. riding organizations.  

Store fronts served as water stations and coffee stations for mourners. Tents were filled with food for the firefighters. Road were closed.  Only firefighters were permitted on Old Dock Road.  Parking was a challange many members of the community walked from their homes.

New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio and New York City Fire Chief Daniel Negri attended the funeral services said by Fr. Sean as well as other dignitaries from around the Island. Speakers lined the streets near St. Joseph’s so mourners could hear the mass. 

A town came together and pulled off a huge event that involved local county, state and New York City officials.  Tony Tanzi is President of the Kings Park Chamber.  He said he has never been more proud to be part of this town; he said when one of us is down, we are known for all coming together.  

He wanted to thank everyone for their time, donations and complex coordination efforts: 

• His fellow members of the K.P. Chamber of Commerce, 
• The K.P.F.D., and  
• Local Businesses Big and Small 
• The Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
• The LOAH (Ladies Order of Ancient Hibernians) 
• The Girl Scouts, 
• The Boy Scouts, 
• The Knights of Columbus,  
• Angels Without Faces, 
• Kings Park Youth, 
• VFW – KP Post
• The American Legion
• Abiding Presence Lutheran Church
• The Kings Park Soccer Club and 
• The Suffolk County Police Department 
• The Smithtown Highway Dept and 
• The Smithtown Parks Department, 
• St. Vincent de Paul

“I surely hope I have not failed to mention everyone.  It was an impressive coordination - every day during the planning people just gave their all,” said Tanzi.  

To Help the Raguso family who have two children under the age of 7 please see below message:

According to the FDNY Foundation, “Donations in Lt. Raguso’s honor can be made to the Scholarship Fund to Benefit the Children of FDNY Lieutenant Christopher Raguso by clicking here and selecting the fund in the drop down menu.” LINK:   https://www.fdnyfoundation.org/donate/

* correction - the article originally stated Lt. Raguso and his wife had four children they have two children.