Friday, February 11, 2022
Vol. 82, No. 6
$1
SERVING PLAINVIEW, HICKSVILLE, AND LEVITTOWN
Officials denounce proposed change in zoning laws BY GARY SIMEONE
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino speaks against Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed change to New York’s zoning laws that would mandate localities to permit multi-family dwellings on properties zoned for single families.
It was quite a scene in East Meadow on Thursday, February 3, as dozens of local Nassau County officials gathered to rally against a state rezoning plan. The provision, which is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal, would mandate that localities permit apartment dwellings on property of homes that are currently zoned for single family use. Officials who came to denounce the plan included County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino and Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin. The County officials on hand spoke about the potential negative impacts of the proposed plan, including on the environment, emergency personnel services and local school systems. “We are surprised that New York State leaders, who have communicated a priority of protecting the environ-
ment, would now propose the construction of an overwhelming and dangerous number of accessory apartments while removing local government control,” said Supervisor Saladino. “The very long list of problems that will surely arise as a result of this legislation includes very high density, which we have learned is one of contributing factors of making a pandemic more dangerous and intensive.” Saladino also spoke about the impact of pollution as a result of the project, stating “it will increase parking traffic density, air pollution, water pollution and the overall safety of our residents.” Blakeman, who recently took office as county executive, said the provision would overrule local zoning laws and regulations. “These ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) would have no concern for parking, carbon footprint, water supply or See page 12
Town hosts first ever Lunar New Year celebration
To ring in the Chinese New Year of the Tiger, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand hosted the Town’s first-ever Lunar New Year Celebration at Town Hall. Held in partnership with the South Asian Advisory Board and numerous Chinese-American Community Groups, the event featured traditional Chinese decorations, cuisines, and cultural rituals, in addition to a ceremony honoring leaders of the Chinese-American Community. “It was my honor to bring this amaz-
ing holiday of the Lunar New Year to Town Hall for the first time in our Town’s history. Together, we celebrated the beginning of the Year of the Tiger, which represents individuals who are brave, competitive, unpredictable, and confident,” Supervisor Saladino said. “That’s why we chose to honor many Chinese-American Community Groups at this event, as their efforts to educate our residents about the Chinese culture and share their rich heritage reflect See page 12
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Children from Sitan Tai Chi & Martial Arts in Syosset perform during Chinese New Year celebrations at Town Hall.
Regeneron scholar at Bethpage HS PAGE 10 World Kindness Day in Hicksville PAGE 20