$1
Friday, June 1, 2018
Vol. 78, No. 22
Town meeting on Cross Sound tunnel proposal
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino (right) and Town Receiver of Taxes James J. Stefanich (left) kicked off spring with a beautiful day at the Annual Spring Festival, hosted by the Town of Oyster Bay Department of Community & Youth Services at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park. The Festival celebrates the season by offering a large variety of fun activities for children of all ages, including inflatables, pony rides, games, refreshments, and a petting zoo.
Homebuilders group supports tunnel BY GARY SIMEONE
A local business group called the Long Island Builders Institute wants a comprehensive investigation of the benefits of building an underwater tunnel from Long Island to Westchester. The so called ‘tunnel project’ has received support from high ranking politicians, including New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo. “There are many ways this project would benefit Long Island if the State decides to move forward with this” said Mitchell Pally, CEO of LIBI, which represents contractors in the home construction
industry. He listed benefits such as increased employment opportunities on the Island, increased tourism and business opportunities, and an alternative way for Long Islanders to travel without having to go through New York City. “Our organization attended a State DOT (Department of Transportation,) presentation last month on this topic and were very pleased with what was going on. The State DOT is undertaking this study, and to my understanding, it should be completed in a year’s time.” He said that at that juncture,
a decision would most likely be made to move forward with the construction of the tunnel, which would stretch underneath the Long Island Sound from Oyster Bay to Rye in Westchester County. The tunnel project has been an issue of serious debate in many Long Island communities. “Traffic congestion is a significant issue on Long Island, and anyone who uses our roadways knows that Long Island needs more highway options,” said Pally. our Governor strongly supports this study, and many Long Islanders who I have spoken with seek alternative ways of getting off and on Long Island.”
In continuance of their vocal opposition to constructing a tunnel from the northern area in the Town of Oyster Bay to Westchester, Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board join with the Village of Bayville Anti-Tunnel Committee in hosting a community meeting on Monday, June 4th at Jericho High School, from 7 to 10pm. The meeting will include a presentation on the negative impacts such a project would have on communities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay. “A Cross Sound tunnel will have negative impacts on communities from the south shore of our Town to the north shore. From air pollution created by the invasion of diesel trucks to destroying our shoreline and wildlife habitats, and tunneling under thousands of homes to added visitors flooding our beaches, this project will devastate our suburban quality of life. Join us for this special public meeting and lend your support to the opposition,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. Councilwoman Michele Johnson added, “New York State recently funded a feasibility study for a tunnel to be constructed, beginning at the northern end of the Seaford-Oyster Bay in the Syosset and Woodbury communities. This tunnel would place additional burdens on our communities, which are already densely populated and burdened with significant traffic, and ruin our environment and marine life. Members on the Town Board and the Bayville Anti-Tunnel Committee have been working to educate the public and protect our suburban quality of life.” Bayville Deputy Mayor Joe Russo added, “The tunnel’s potential for damage to Long Island’s aquifers, our region’s only source of water, is of grave concern. The Grumman-Navy Plume should have taught us that we need do everything possible to protect our water supply.” The meeting at Jericho High School will include a presentation on the project and educate residents on what they can do to help prevent its construction. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their concerns. For more information, please visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown.com or call (516) 624-6380.
Faith Nursery School spring picnic PAGE 10 Brothers’ music promotes philanthropy
PAGE 2