Friday, April 19, 2019
Vol. 79, No. 16
$1 30 Berry Hill
Road, Syosset
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Legislator plans to clean up neglected Syosset fields
BEACH CLEANUP DAY
BY GARY SIMEONE
Members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary were joined by musician Billy Joel as they participated, along with the Oyster Bay community, in the Beach Clean Up at Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park on Saturday April 13. Above are Past Flotilla Commander Bruce Oxer, current Flotilla Vice Commander John Hubbard, John Guiliano, Flotilla Commander Valerie Elefonte, Billy Joel, James McCabe and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino.
Town to restrict vape sales, lounges
The Town of Oyster Bay has announced plans to place restrictions on the sale of vaping products as well as the location of hookah lounges within the town. The new legislation, for which the Town Board will schedule a hearing this month as it requires an amendment to Town Code, restricts the location of a vape and/or hookah lounge and also places limitations on the sale of vape and hookah products. All locations, including existing establishments, will be required to place signage explaining the
potential dangers of e-cigarette use. The Town Board is expected to vote on the new legislation at a May meeting. “Recent studies have indicated that vaping is on the rise in New York State, with the number of young people smoking e-cigarettes across New York increasing by a staggering 160 percent in the past five years,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated. “Oftentimes, there is a misconception that vaping is less dangerous than traditional cigarette smoking, however e-cigarettes
pose as much risk to young people and its dangers are extensive.” “Any new hookah lounge, vape lounge, smoke shop or vape shop will be restricted from opening 1,000 feet from any residential zone, as well as from any school, library, church or park,” Supervisor Saladino added. Town Councilman Lou Imbroto, who sponsored the new legislation, said, “Many people, particularly teens, don’t understand that vaping and using hookah products can be just as dangerous as smoking traditional cigarettes.”
It wasn’t that long ago that current Nassau County legislator Josh Lafazan was playing various sports with his friends on Stillwell Fields in Syosset. Now the twenty-fiveyear-old, who is the second youngest public servant to be elected in the state, has plans to revitalize the fields, which were a big part of his youth. “This was one of my first priorities when I was first elected to the legislature and I’m excited that it’s coming to fruition,” said Lafazan. “I believe we are well overdue for a state of the art sports complex for Syosset residents.” The legislator said he has secured $3 million in County funding to revitalize and redevelop the fields which are located off of South Woods Road near Syosset High School. “These fields service thousands of kids in Syosset who are involved with the town’s little league, soccer and other sports programs. What we were given has been unsatisfactory with fields that are of un-level terrain, holes and patches in the turf and unmowed grass.” Other issues that stand out include mammoth sized potholes in the main parking lot, major cracks in the sidewalks, open manhole and water metal covers throughout the facility and a lack of bathrooms and concession stands for patrons. “This money will help pay for a new infield turf for the baseball and soccer fields, new storage units and outdoor lighting so games can be held during the nighttime hours,” said Lafazan. “Additionally it will help to repair the parking lot area and add emergency fire lanes which are sorely needed.” Other plans include the installation of a second bathroom near the baseball field area and a concession stand so spectators can purchase food and water on hot days. Lafazan said that he is in the process of putting together a revitalization task force for Stillwell Fields. “I’ve been overwhelmed with the response I’ve gotten on this from residents and community members who are just as fed up with the condition of these fields. I want our parents take pride in our athletic programs and the thousands of kids who utilize these fields.”
“Car Show Long Island” at TOBAY Beach PAGE 5 Students inducted into honor societies PAGE 2