Pages 12 &13
Thursday, October 24, 2024 ~ Volume 136 ~ Issue Number 49 ~ $1.00
Zeldin Holds Rally
Against Proposition One By Matt Meduri In less than two weeks, New Yorkers will decide on two ballot propositions. The first one, colloquially referred to as “Proposition One,” would add antidiscrimination language to the State Constitution. Many Democrats tout it as a need to protect abortion rights in New York, while many Republicans consider it a “Trojan horse.” The text will appear as such on the ballot in front of voters: “Adds antidiscrimination provisions to State Constitution. Covers ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. Also covers reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” A vote in favor of the proposition would add these protections to the State Constitution. A vote against would leave these provisions out. The abstract of the bill, available on the New York State Board of Elections’ website, says that the current protections in the Constitution cover race, color, creed, and religion. The proposal would add “ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” Continued on page 8
Lee Zeldin speaks against Proposition One (Credit - Matt Meduri)
Federal Case in Bull Run Property Dismissed By Matt Meduri
Smithtown Town Hall (Credit - Matt Meduri)
FULL FULL STORIES ON: STORIES ON: Candidate Spotlight: Nick LaLota Page 5
Mike Fitzpatrick vs. Steven Basileo Page 12 & 13
For months, concerned St. James residents have descended upon Town board meeting after board meeting to voice their opposition to a developer’s plan to build an assisted living facility on the historic Bull Run Farm property. The facility was staunchly opposed by residents who believe that the historic property should be preserved, that such a development would be an unsightly addition to the community, and the road density would not be able to handle the traffic and ancillary services associated with assisted living. The lawsuit was brought against the Town by Mills Pond Group, LLC, who sought to challenge Smithtown’s zoning process for the proposed facility. The plaintiffs cited the Fair Housing Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, and the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution, alleging that the Town discriminated against future residents. The suit was brought when the Town updated the Master Plan to remove a special exemption provision for such facilities. The zoning language was updated to specifically include medical and health services, such as assisted living facilities. The plaintiffs alleged that the change, which was pursuant to massive public input, boxed out the developer for that specific project. Continued on page 10 COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
Gyrodyne: Lawsuit Dismissed
OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE EDWARD P. ROMAINE SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
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SARAH LANSDALE COMMISSIONER ELISA PICCA DEPUTY COMMISSIONER