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Friday, June 22, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 25
Town: Testing starts before development
MUSIC AT THE LIBRARY
On Monday, June 4th, the Friends of the Syosset Library enjoyed a performance by the iSchool of Music and Art. See page 4
Rally against Syosset Park June 26th
The voices of Syosset and Woodbury who turned out in droves at the May 1 Town of Oyster Bay public hearing regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the 93-acre Syosset Park proposal at the old Cerro Wire site, 150 Miller Place in Syosset, will have another opportunity to address the Town Board immediately preceding and inside their Tuesday, June 26th meeting. A citizens’ rally is scheduled for 6pm at the gazebo across the Oyster Bay post office, adja-
cent to the TOBAY headquarters at 54 Audrey Avenue, with the Town Board set to meet right after at 7pm. The rally will come a week after the latest reaction and notice from TOBAY officials, who on Monday asserted their agreement for independent testing of the environmental dangers associated with the site, an unregulated dump for all of the mid-20th century and dating back to military activity pre and post-World War II. “Over the past few months, the
Town Board has listened to concerns voiced by the community in regards to proposed development in Syosset and, in particular, environmental concerns regarding the former Syosset Landfill and Cerro Wire sites. The Town of Oyster Bay will settle for nothing less than independent testing that adheres to established quality control standards, and the methodologies and protocols set forth by the EnvironmenSee page 16
With plans for proposed development before the Town of Oyster Bay, the Town Board has announced it plans to move forward with independent environmental and health testing of the former Syosset Landfill site, Department of Public Works site and former site of Cerro Wire Manufacturing in Syosset. The Town will accept the developer’s offer to fund independent testing and analysis. Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “Over the past few months, the Town Board has listened to concerns voiced by the community in regards to proposed development in Syosset and, in particular, environmental concerns regarding the former Syosset Landfill and Cerro Wire sites. The Town of Oyster Bay will settle for nothing less than independent testing that adheres to established quality control standards, and the methodologies and protocols set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Environmental Conservation and both State and County health departments. Residents deserve to be part of the process, receive precise and verifiable test results, and any independent testing performed must also demonstrate strict compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards. Irrespective of the extensive historic testing at these sites, the Town’s unwavering commitment to facilitating additional testing will be completed and done so with unprecedented transparency.” New York State General Municipal Law prevents municipalities from issuing a professional services contract without some level of open, public competition. To ensure independence and operate within the law, the Town of Oyster Bay is seeking agreements with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Department of Health and the Nassau County Department of Health to develop and administer a testing program. Such an See page 16
Robins Lane staff recognition luncheon PAGE 18 Crack down on unlicensed contractors PAGE 14