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Thursday, January 30, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 9 ~ $1.00 Credit - Matt Meduri
Romaine Taps Kevin Catalina for SCPD Commissioner By Matt Meduri
When County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) (pictured right) was inaugurated last year, he named Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) Chief Robert Waring as acting Police Commissioner. Waring has served in that role since last year, and Executive Romaine has put forth a nominee to serve as commissioner in an official role. Romaine has put forth SCPD Deputy Commissioner Kevin Catalina as his nominee. Continued on page 4
Suffolk County Deputy Commissioner Catalina at the H. Lee Dennison Building on Wednesday afternoon.
Patchogue Hotel Moves to Next Step By Cait Crudden A long-discussed hotel project in Patchogue has moved closer to fruition after the Village Board and trustees unanimously approved a zoning change for the site. The decision paves the way for the construction of a five-story Hilton hotel at the corner of West Avenue and Division Street, replacing the abandoned bowling alley that currently occupies the property. The zoning change reclassifies the site from industrial use to a special category tailored for hotel developments. This marks a significant milestone for the project, which aims to bring Patchogue its first hotel. However, the project still faces additional scrutiny and approval from the Village Planning Board. The proposed hotel would include 96 guest rooms and 13 apartments, offering accommodations for visitors to the area. The location, directly across from the Patchogue train station and near the Fire Island ferry, is seen as a strategic choice to attract tourists seeking easy access to the oceanfront and nearby attractions. Continued on page 10
FULL FULLSTORIES STORIESON: ON:
Street Renamed for ‘Dezy’ DeStefano Page 10
Suffolk Crime Lab to Expand Page 15
Grants Awarded for Tesla Lab Repairs Page 17
(Credit - J2M Architecture)