J.W. Dodd goes
bald
for St. Baldrick’s cancer drive
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The John W. Dodd Middle School held its second annual fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation last week, at which students and staff members volunteered to go bald, or close to it, to raise money for childhood cancer research. As of Monday, the Dodd community had raised $11,300, and will welcome further online donations for the next few weeks on the St. Baldrick’s website. Most of the money was raised last month, in a variety of ways. Students and staff members led coin-collection drives, a thrift
shop, bracelet and bake sales and raffles before and during the haircuts of 21 people on March 26. Of the volunteers, 17 had their heads shaved, including Dodd Principal Christopher Porciello, four teachers, four students and one of those student’s parents. Four had their hair trimmed.
Another fundraising initiative was the duct-taping of Porciello to a school hallway wall. Students purchased pieces of tape to contribute to the effort, which ultimately consumed 20 roles of tape.
Last year the school raised just over $9,000, and Porciello said that this year’s Continued on page 3
County under scrutiny for preserve issues
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Nassau County Parks Department and County Executive Bruce Blakeman have come under intense scrutiny from residents and Democratic legislators, who claimed they have failed to properly maintain the rapidly deteriorating Brookside Preserve, a countyowned nature preserve in Freeport and Baldwin.
Wbeen neglected and mismanaged for years, according to the conservation society.
hile Bruce Blakeman
and the parks
department continue to stall, this place got worse.
Additionally, the county has ignored requests from the South Shore Conservation Society, a Freeport-based nonprofit, which, the group said, has offered to help lead the restoration efforts for free, but still await the go-ahead from Nassau officials.
During a press conference held at the preserve on Monday, Erica DeVargas, the society’s president, spoke highly of the work already done by her organization to try to protect and restore the preserve after the accumulation of litter and infrastructure damage.
DEBRA Mulé
Nassau County Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader
The 21-acre freshwater wetland and woodland nature preserve, like several parks and protected areas across the county, is supposed to be managed and kept up by the parks department, but the area has
The Brookside Preserve was previously managed by the South Shore Audubon Society until the organization folded after 2020 due to declining participation, thus ending the formal partnership between Nassau County and local constituents. The Conservation Society has been active since 2024 and has expressed a fervent desire to protect the preserve.
“We want to help maintain and beautify Brookside Preserve, so that it becomes a safe and inviting environment for
Continued on page 10
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
J.W. dodd principal Christopher porciello took part in the charity shaving for the second straight year.
Freeport bullying rates below NY average
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
In February 2026, New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli stated in a report, that bullying and drug-related incidents are on the rise in schools across the state. However, representatives of Freeport Public Schools maintain that the trend is not indicative of Freeport student behavior, and that district schools have seen low rates of bullying and drug-related incidents in recent years.
FDiNapoli’s report hinged on data collected from the New York State Education Department’s School Safety and Educational Climate report over the past seven years. During that span, while the number of bullying and drug-related incidents increase, violent and disruptive incidents have fortunately remained close to zero.
Ron Edelson, co-president of ZE Creative Communications and an approved spokesperson for Freeport Public Schools, stated that despite statewide trends, Freeport schools have maintained relatively low incident report rates when compared with over 600 other New York school districts.
reeport has one of the lowest numbers across all categories in the state
RoN
EDElSoN Spokesperson, Freeport Public Schools
“Reliable public data about school safety is critical and informs where we need to address problems and identify solutions,” DiNapoli said. “It’s disturbing to see the rise in bullying and drugrelated incidents. We need to do everything we can to make sure students and teachers feel safe.”
“Freeport has one of the lowest numbers across all categories in the state and is considered among those districts that have lower incidence rates of these categories than the state averages,” Edelson told the Herald.
School Safety and Educational Climate data back up this assertion. Data from the 2023-2024 school year, the most recent data that is completed, indicates that Freeport Public Schools have had 17 reported incidents of bullying or cyber bullying, as defined by The Dignity for All Students Act, or simply The Dignity Act, which became New York State law in 2012.
Freeport Public Schools, also known as the Freeport Union Free School District, had over 6,000 students enrolled during this school year, which is nearly three times the average enrollment of all New York school districts in the data set. The Roosevelt Union Free School
District had over 3,000 students.
Both Freeport and Roosevelt met the near-zero statewide averages for homicide, sexual assault, bomb threats, alcohol usage and false alarms. Freeport reported two weapons possession incidents, while Roosevelt reported one. Roosevelt also had half as many reported bullying incidents, seven, as Freeport, 14. Freeport had three cyber bullying incidents to Roosevelt’s two.
The most significant difference is in drug usage, possession or sales, which Freeport had ten while Roosevelt reported none.
Again, both districts seem to have below average statewide rates for violent, bullying or drug related behavior, when accounting for the Freeport and Roosevelt school districts having significantly more students than the average New York school district.
Herald file photo
Despite New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli reporting a rise in bullying and drugrelated incidents, Freeport Public Schools continue to have minimal occurrences.
Dodd raises over $11,000 for cancer research
goal was $10,000.
St. Baldrick’s is the largest charitable funder of childhood cancer research grants in the U.S. All the money raised at Dodd will contribute to the hundreds of millions of dollars the nonprofit has given to medical facilities in hospitals around the world since 2005.
Andrew Abberton, a resource room teacher at Dodd who has supported St. Baldrick’s since he attended Molloy University, which he graduated from in 2013, shaved for the 17th time this year and helped organize the event. When Porciello asked him about the possibility of doing a mass haircutting event at Dodd, Abberton said, the community rallied behind the idea.
“I think the event is important because it involves the entire school community,” he said. “It’s an event that can be fun and lighthearted and very positive, and shows students the power of service and working together.”
Bridgette Moran, a permanent substitute teacher at the school, took part in the event for the first time this year’s event — and sacrificed most of her hair.
“I participated in the event in honor of some friends and family members who have or had cancer in their childhood or adulthood,” Moran said. “I always get compliments on how nice and healthy my hair is, so why not give the gift of my hair to a child who can make a beautiful wig out of it?”
Francheska Grullon, a school psychologist who also went bald, described hers and other donations as “a deeply meaningful and beautiful gesture” that helps support children who struggle with any of the various forms of pediatric cancer.
Lina Rivera Santanta, a math and English teacher, credited Abberton as an inspiration for her to participate in this year’s event. Although not bald, she trimmed a significant portion of her long hair.
“I told Andrew that although I was not brave enough to shave my head, I would cut my hair, if that was ever a possibility,” Santana explained. “This year he made that a possibility. It was my honor to be able to honor my commitment and to raise awareness for this cause.”
Dodd school social worker Kenald Bernard, who also joined the ranks of the clean-shaven, praised the foundation and the school’s participation.
“Joining the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a powerful way to make a real difference, support kids fighting cancer, and be part of something bigger than yourself,” Bernard wrote to the Herald.
Abberton extended special thanks to the volunteers from Dodd and members of the Freeport High School Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, who helped run the program. And he thanked Trimz Barber Shop, a Freeport business whose barbers volunteered to cut or shave all the participants.
Photos courtesy Freeport Public Schools
twenty-one dodd community members participated in the second St. Baldrick’s charity event at the school.
Barbers from trimz Barber Shop, a local freeport business, cut all the participants for free.
dodd staff members, a district administrator, students and a parent volunteered to get shaved.
in addition to the haircuts, J.W. dodd students manned small carnival booths and held raffles in the gym to raise more funds.
Seventeen volunteers were clean-shaven, while four opted for the less drastic option of trimming their hair.
The risen Lord renews our path forward easter message
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Happy Easter to you and your families!
This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.
In his Cycle of Catechesis on the Resurrection of Christ, Pope Leo writes: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that one never finishes contemplating and meditating on, and the more one explores it, the more one is filled with wonder, drawn in as if by an overwhelming yet fascinating light. It was an explosion of life and joy that changed the meaning of reality itself, from negative to positive; yet it did not happen in a striking way, much less a violent one, but gently, hidden, one might say humbly.”
The Holy Father then reflects on the despair of the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Their hearts burn and their joy is restored as the Risen Lord explains the Scriptures to them and they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. In this way, the Paschal Mystery gives us hope and strength in every trial and circumstance.
John o. BaRRes
Pope Leo concludes: “May the unexpected joy of the disciples of Emmaus be a gentle reminder to us when the going gets tough. It is the Risen One who radically changes our perspective, instilling the hope that fills the void of sadness. On the paths of the heart, the Risen One walks with us and for us. He bears witness to the defeat of death and affirms the victory of life, despite the darkness of Calvary... He alone makes the impossible possible!”
Pope Leo recognizes that there is much sadness in the world - “a feeling of precariousness, at times profound desperation.” We think especially of the daily crosses and trials of those from war-torn and violence-ridden areas of the world.
May the Light of the Risen Christ illumine with God in Heaven our path to holiness on earth and our path to eternal life and happiness
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Reverend John O. Barres Bishop of Rockville Centre
The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
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Job seekers discuss AI and more at job fair
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Hundreds of job seekers of varying ages, origins and interests attended the Town of Hempstead Job Fair at the Freeport Recreation Center on Thursday, March 26. As the HempsteadWorks Career Center brought dozens of hiring organizations to the event, several participants discussed the difficulties of the current job market and how they plan to gain adequate employment.
Joseph Vasconi, 25, a Merrick resident, came to the job fair interested in graphic design and media advertising, and said that networking as much as possible has helped in his job search so far.
“Talking to people, getting the word out whenever you can, saying, ‘Hey I’m not employed, I’m looking for a job. Do you know anyone?’ cause people are related to people, and they know people in the industry that you’re maybe looking for,” he said.
When asked if the increase usage of artificial intelligence, AI, in visual art is a concern to him, Vasconi expressed that has a moderate outlook.
“It kind of discourages me because they are taking jobs,” Vasconi said. “But some jobs look for someone that knows AI, so maybe it does help in some way.”
People from Hempstead communities and from across Long Island and New York City sought out job opportunities on Thursday, March 26.
Damani Johnson, 23, from Hempstead, shared a similar perspective on AI’s impact on the job market as he searches for jobs in information technology.
“A lot of jobs can be automated, but they still need people to support the AI, because AI gets a lot of things wrong as well,” Johnson said.
Johnson also said that while he appreciated the Hempstead Job Fair, he would like to see such events occur more than once a year.
Franklin Square resident, Monsey Zachariah, 57, also expressed appreciation for the event, stating that he was optimistic about the prospects, although “it is totally dependent on luck.”
Laura Clark, 68, from Franklin Square, spoke highly of the opportunity to network and meet people and companies in and surrounding Hempstead.
“I appreciate the camaraderie and excellent spirt of the people, and reaching out to the public to inform them what job offers there is because we are in dire need of workers in all fields,” she said. Clark added that she would want to see more diverse options in fields in job selections available at future Hempstead Job Fairs.
A recent Hofstra University gradu -
ate, Lindsey Joseph, 21, who lives in Queens, New York, said that she was looking for any job that she could do temporarily before going to law school. She said it was important for her to speak to as many employers as possible and networking when she can. Joseph added that she tries not to let AI’s prevalence discourage her job search, stating, “I’d have to stay encouraged no matter what’s going on. So, AI or not, I need to get a job.”
Andrew Francis/Herald photos Employers and applicants filled the Freeport Recreation Center gymnasium at the Town of Hempstead Job Fair.
Hofstra baseball impacted by weather
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra baseball team is looking to take flight in the heart of spring after it was largely grounded to open the season in the dead of winter.
After opening the 2026 season with a three-game series at then fourth-ranked Mississippi State from Feb. 13-15, the Pride were only able to play three games over the next three weeks as mother nature unleashed historic snow totals across the Long Island region.
“You count on those early games to be able to evaluate the team and see where we’re going into conference play,” said fifth-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto. “It’s tough to replicate that when you’re inside in the gym or in the bubble.”
Playing just six games in the first three weeks of the season didn’t give Hofstra much preparation before starting the critical Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) portion of its schedule on March 6 at College of Charleston. The Pride took one of three games in series at Charleston and Monmouth to open conference play before taking two of three against Northeastern last weekend to move to 4-5 entering April.
Hofstra is looking to reach the sixteam CAA tournament with 21 returners from last year’s disappointing 18-36 team that went 8-19 in the league to miss out on the postseason. The Pride can assure a CAA playoff spot by placing among the top two in the league’s north division featuring Monmouth, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson or by having one of the two highest NCAA RPI ratings at the end of the regular season for the remaining teams.
Leading Hofstra’s charge for some late May baseball is red-shirt senior center fielder Tyler Cox, who hit .276 last season after transferring from West Virginia. The local lefty product from Clarke High School is second on the team in hitting as of March 30 with a .304 average and four home runs.
“He’s probably my best hitter in the
lineup and his approach has gotten better as lately he’s been more aggressive in hitting counts,” said Catalanotto of Cox. “He’s a leader on the team.”
Junior shortstop Michael Brown who leads the Pride in hitting with a .361 average and two home runs. Brown drove in the winning run in Hofstra’s 5-4 11 inning win against Northeastern on March 27.
Sophomore catcher CJ Griggs entered the final week of March hitting .304 and recording the winning RBI in a dramatic 11-10 win against Northeastern Sunday in which the Pride rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth.
JJ DeVito, a graduate student transfer from St. Johns, who was a former standout at Wantagh High School, has added some offensive punch to the lineup with a .268 average including four hits in a 5-4 loss at Charleston on March 8.
The pitching staff got a boost to start the season with the return of 2024 First-
Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez, who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery. Martinez missed some early non-league action as he worked his way back from injury and Catalano is hoping he can peak during the crucial CAA portion of the schedule in April and May.
“He was struggling a little bit early with some pain in his arm, but now he’s feeling close to 100 percent,” said Catalanotto of Matinez.
The starting rotation for weekend CAA games also features sophomore Chris Bedford and senior Sean Hamilton. Key hurlers out of the bullpen include Nick Reese, Deuce Musial, Maddon McArthur, Tanner Sanderoff and Brayden Gregg.
Sophomore Michael Heyman, a Hewlett High School graduate, is another relief pitching option who could be called upon in non-league midweek games this season.
The Pride will look to get the April part of their CAA schedule off on the right foot with a series at Towson this weekend before hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook for three games from April 10-12. Hofstra will host series against Towson from May 1-3 and Monmouth from May 8 -10 before closing the regular season at Stony Brook.
Hofstra dug itself an early hole to gain a playoff spot by dropping four of six CAA games to start the season, but taking two of three from Northeastern gives the Pride a winning foundation to build off with plenty more conference games left to finish strong.
“There are a lot of games left and we’ve got to go take care of business,” said Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player who led Hofstra to a CAA title in his season as head coach in 2022. “We’ve got the talent to do it.”
Carlos Martinez is back on the mound after missing 2025.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Clarke High School product Tyler Cox is a key piece for the Pride in the lineup and center field.
Children go to Neverland in ‘Peter Pan Jr.’
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
On March 27 children a part of the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center acting troupe performed “Peter Pan Jr.” in the organization’s auditorium at 7 p.m.
An ensemble of 15 students signed up to be a part of the cast through the Broadway and You class ran at the Freeport Recreation Center by Sparkle on Stage. The class has been held by Sparkle on Stage and its president, Robyn Workman, for about 20 years.
Workman stated that the students have been practicing and going through the production of the play since October 2025 with rehearsals once a week from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Workman said that the production process was a joy to go through with the level of enthusiasm students had for the Peter Pan story and music.
“The kids love the songs, and it just seemed like something fun to do,” Workman said. “What could be bad about fairies?”
Some of the special moments of the play were several of the songs that the children performed. Workman named renditions of “I Won’t Grow Up,” “I’m Flying” and “I’m Going to Crow” as favorites of hers and the child participants.
“Aside from the fact that when you participate in the arts it helps with your
STEM classes, it also creates teamwork, which a lot of kids who don’t participate in sport activities don’t get,” Workman explained. “They work to respect each other, respect their teachers and directors.”
Workman also added that since the students come from the four different
Freeport elementary schools and outside of Freeport, participating in this play was a great opportunity for the children to make more friends as well.
The next two Sparkle on Stage plays will be a part of Freeport’s celebration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary. One will be an original pro-
Lauren Chin/Herald photos Kathryn Kuehn portrayed the titular character of Peter Pan during Sparkle on Stage’s performance on March 27.
duction of “Almost Hamilton,” which will be a staged children’s production. The other performance is an adult production that will be done with the Freeport Historical Society, called “Crown Versus Colonies.”
For more information on upcoming Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center productions and events, please visit their website, sparkleonstage.org.
An ensemble of young actors assembled by Sparkle on Stage performed a play based on the classic story of Peter Pan.
Water economics: balancing need with cost
The politics of profits, taxes and surcharges have roiled the debate over public and private service
By Allyson Ferr Ari & Chris ColuCCi of the Herald
Fifth installment in a series about water.
Water is a business.
Advocates argue that water is a basic human right. It’s also a product, provided for a cost and purchased by consumers. Whether filling a 40-ounce water bottle, taking a long, relaxing shower or running the tap for two minutes of teeth-brushing, water consumption is an often overlooked part of our everyday lives.
Like other expenses considered essential for life such as food, electricity and a Wi-Fi signal, the water bill is a recurring payment. And just like other utilities, residents sometimes have limited options for their service provider.
Long Island residents are served by either public water districts or private water suppliers and, depending on location, some pay significantly more for the same basic necessity — often with little or no ability to choose their provider. While a majority receive water from public providers, a smaller portion of the population is served by private companies, often at higher cost.
The dollars and cents
When their water bill comes in, many ratepayers feel a sharp pain in the wallet. Costs can fluctuate based not only on how much they use, but what they use it for.
Several water districts estimate that the average use for a family of four is nearly 400 gallons per day. In some cases, especially in private service areas, water bills can range from $500 to $800 per month during peak summer periods, according to longtime advocate Agatha Nadel, a resident of Glen Head.
Pricing differs sharply between public and private water systems. According to Pamela Bellings, a communications specialist at Liberty Water, “Residential water rates are set through a regulatory process overseen by the New York Public Service Commission.”
“Rates are designed to recover the cost of operating, maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure while ensuring service remains safe and reliable,” Bellings said of how Liberty determines its residential rates.
“Rates do not fluctuate month to month, but they may change over time following regulatory review and approval,” she added. These proposed changes require detailed justification and include opportunities for public input before a decision is made, which helps balance customer affordability with the need to maintain and modernize critical water infrastructure, according to Liberty.
Critics argue that despite regulatory oversight, the structure of private water systems can lead to significantly higher costs due to general service charges, meter charges, regulatory charges and other fees.
Public water suppliers typically pro-
vide a standard water usage rate, a conservation rate — a type of sliding scale applying higher fees to higher use, intended to encourage judicious water use — and an irrigation fee for dedicated sprinkler systems, which are presumed to be relatively lower priority than consumption.
“We feel water is a basic need. You need it for drinking, cooking and bathing,” said Robert McEvoy, chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District.
“Once you get past that, whether you’re putting 15,000 gallons on your lawn in the course of a quarter or you’re drinking every last drop, it has to meet the same standards, health-wise. We have to treat all our water the same way.”
“Water districts are determined or created as part of town law,” McEvoy explained. “A lot of the boundaries preexist the Nassau Subdivisions Act and the Nassau County charter — when they were established. Some of them run sort of coterminous with school district lines.”
of about 9.75 percent per project by the New York Public Service Commission, and that can rise to as much as 12 to 15 percent.
While treatment standards remain consistent for public safety, pricing can vary significantly depending on the provider. In some towns, prices may even vary between houses on the same block due to water zoning boundaries or the homeowners’ use of private or public water supplies.
Nadel’s residence, for example, is in the Liberty Water service area, while homes just 100 feet away are served by the public Jericho Water District.
“My neighbor pays a fifth of what I pay in an entire year,” Nadel said. “No taxes, no surcharges, nothing.”
Pricing differences, advocates say, are driven largely by the structure of private systems, which include profit margins and surcharges and have limited access to the government funding that public providers rely on to offset costs.
Residents in a private system can pay three to five times more than those served by public water providers, according to Nadel. Private water companies are guaranteed a baseline profit
According to Nadel, a four-year rate cycle in the mid-2010s brought an increase of about 120 percent, significantly driving up household water costs. A major issue voiced by private water customers is the amount they pay in fees added to their water bills, which typically include base usage rates and additional charges such as taxes and surcharges. In some cases, nearly half of the bill is not for water usage. Surcharges can include the cost of infrastructure projects such as filtration systems, water towers and other capital improvements.
“It’s an absolute sin,” Nadel said of the surcharges. “Forty-one percent of a typical water bill goes to charges and taxes that have nothing to do with the actual water usage. It really is an absolute sin.”
Public vs. private water suppliers
While most Long Island homeowners rely on public water services from their local municipality, private water suppliers may be an option for certain service areas. Liberty Water is one of the area’s
Public, private water rates differ drastically
Continued from PreViouS PAGe
largest private alternatives, currently supplying water to nearly 120,000 Nassau residents, primarily in the Town of Hempstead. A homeowner who wants an alternative to either public or private water suppliers would need to install and maintain a private well, subject to local and state requirements.
“For most customers, remaining connected to a regulated public water system provides reliability, water quality oversight and long-term infrastructure support,” Bellings said.
As a result, most Long Islanders continue to receive water service from the provider assigned to their area, even if they are dissatisfied with it. Because water is tied to geographic districts, homeowners typically cannot choose their provider.
As a matter of public safety, water suppliers — public and private — must adhere to state and federal guidelines to monitor and remove waterborne contaminants. “Private suppliers have the same health department and [Department of Environmental Conservation] requirements — federal, state and local requirements for pure water,” McEvoy said. “They have the same maximum contaminant levels for the same contaminants. Their testing requirements are the same as us, whether it’s a public or a private water supplier.”
McEvoy has decades of experience in the water industry, having previously served as chairman of the Long Island Water Conference and president of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association — both organizations dedicated to ensuring water quality, safety and affordability across the Island.
Nadel explained that the Water Authority of North Shore has two main options to deliver public water: build and operate its own system or contract with an existing public provider. In her own research with North Shore Concerned Citizens, she has concluded that contracting with nearby systems — such as Jericho, Glen Cove, or Roslyn — would be the fastest and most practical approach because those providers already have infrastructure in place.
Long Island’s water systems are interconnected, allowing supplies to be rerouted during emergencies such as contamination events or periods of high demand, demonstrating that a transition from private to public supply may be feasible. Nadel said the shift would not be overly complex, but rather a matter of political will.
Homeowners having scant options is an issue on both shores, but potential alternatives have been considered for several years. The South Nassau Water Authority was created in 2021 to potentially offer Town of Hempstead residents an alternative to Liberty Water. A plan to establish a new water authority and create a sustainable, efficient and effective alternative to Liberty has been in the works for years. Residents and legislators are eager to move forward, but negotiations to transition away from the current water supply are complex and have moved slowly.
“Right now, the options are very limited,” explained Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who represents District 21, which encompasses Baldwin, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Malverne, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead and parts of Freeport and Valley Stream. “Residents that live in the Village of Rockville Centre and the Village of Freeport have municipal water; however, those who live anywhere else in AD-21 are served by Liberty Water with no ability to opt out, unless the municipalization of South Nassau Water Authority becomes a reality. The primary goal being to transition these private customers to public control to lower costs.” Public funding for some, but not for others
“Strong communities start with a strong infrastructure,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a 2024 news release. “Clean water is a basic human right.”
Last month, Hochul announced a plan to direct $28 million in state and federal grants to Long Island to help facilitate water infrastructure upgrades. The
Customers who received water from Liberty utilities opposed a 2023 rate hike that potentially saw bills in nassau County increase by a cumulative 34.2 percent. the increase ultimately went into effect in August 2024.
Drip, drip, drip: Where are your dollars going?
If your water bill seems excessive, there are some relatively simple steps to pare it down.
20-minute shower with standard showerhead
Up to 50 gallons of water
15-minute shower with low-flow showerhead
Up to 30 gallons of water
5 loads of laundry, standard machine
Up to 200 gallons of water per week
4 loads of laundry, Energy Star-certified machine
Up to 115 gallons of water per week
Standard toilet with minor running leak
Up to 1.6 gallons per flush plus up to 180 gallons per week
EPA-verified WaterSense-label toilet
Up to 1.28 gallons per flush
funds are part of a $250 million statewide project to improve water infrastructure.
The plan follows similar financial support in January of this year, when Hochul sent $18 million to Long Island — one part of a $288 million project — with the similar aim of making water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
In a statement supporting the most recent funding, Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. wrote, “We know that access to clean water is not a luxury, but it is a necessity.” Hobbs continued, “Upgrading our aging water system, replacing outdated pipes and improving the overall system is critical to protecting public health.”
The influx of funds can play a significant role in maintaining and upgrading anything from deteriorating equipment at water treatment plants to damaged
underground supply lines. As government agencies, water districts can benefit from funding directly from the state, while private businesses cannot. The trickledown effect, so to speak, of extra governmental funding is that cost savings can be passed to residents. More important, water quality and safety can be more easily maintained. Private suppliers address potential safety issues at their own expense, without state or federal aid.
“Currently they’re not available for private water companies,” McEvoy said. “But the Long Island Water Conference has put it on their agenda to seek legislation that would give them access [to public funds] only for treatment of the contaminants. Not for any other purpose.”
Due to the unequal funding for environmental upgrades, public water providers are in a stronger financial position to improve infrastructure and remove contaminants using state and federal funds, while private systems are excluded from receiving them — meaning costs are passed on to residents.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems — public and private — to publish “community confidence reports,” most commonly in the form of yearly water-quality reports that reveal test results for contaminants, as well as facts and figures detailing overall water consumption.
The Jericho Water District Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024, for example, highlighted nearly 4.9 billion gallons of water provided to 58,000 customers, averaging 13.4 million gallons per day. Jericho Water charges a minimum of $13 per calendar quarter, at a rate of $1.30 per 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. Fees increase on a sliding scale with usage — similar to the conservation rate used in other municipalities — reaching $3.90 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 200,000 gallons per quarter.
According to the 2025 Liberty Annual Water Quality Report for the Sea Cliff Operations District, the average customer used just under 95,800 gallons of water, at a cost of about $1,340, or $3.67 a day. Liberty also revealed that it served roughly 4,388 customers, at a total cost of $5.9 million.
The reports highlight how costs and scale can vary widely between systems, even as both draw from the same regional water supply.
For many residents, the issue is not just how much water they use, but who controls the system that delivers it.
Jordan Vallone/Herald file
Brookside Preserve in need of restoration
our community, a place where families can take a walk, where friends can gather for a picnic, where bird lovers can find peace and where anyone can step away from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with nature,” DeVargas said.
Although the conservation society has led monthly volunteer clean-ups, its efforts are limited by the extent of the damage already done to the preserve — with mostly inaction from Nassau County.
“As we are cleaning up, we as volunteers take extra precaution, because there are needles on the ground, there are sex preservatives laying on the floor,” Jose Cuevas, the society’s vice president, said.
We want to help maintain and beautify Brookside Preserve, so that it becomes a safe and inviting environment for our community.
Erica DeVargas President, South Side Conservation Society
“It is at times disgusting, where we have high school students passing by on their way to get an education. That’s not acceptable.”
The society’s leaders have been seeking the county’s support for nearly three years and offered to continue and expand their restoration efforts, which include cleaning up trash on the ground and in the water and rebuilding the preserve’s walkways. The society would do these tasks through grants, which they estimate to be thousands of dollars, without any cost to the county if a proper partnership with the county is established so they have legal authority to carry out extended efforts.
Cuevas and Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton explained during the press conference that the organization cannot qualify for certain environmental grants that would be critical to its volunteer work without receiving official approval from the county. Fundraising efforts also would be made easier once that partnership is forged, they added.
During the press conference, Debra Mulé, the Nassau County Legislature’s alternate minority leader, affirmed the efforts of the conservation society, which is largely composed of Freeport residents.
“They formed a nonprofit,” Mulé said. “They held meetings, they put together a plan, and they came to the county with a simple offer: ‘Let us take care of it, and we’ll do it for free.’ They followed every step they were asked to take. They submitted proposals, they waited, they followed up and waited and waited.”
Cuevas stated that the parks department and County Executive’s Office largely ignored the conservation group’s offer to help. Cuevas and DeVar-
gas claimed that the only resources the preserve has received were “a trash can and two signs.” In addition to extensive littering, much of the preserve’s pathways have been severely damaged and become dangerous due to a 2025 fire and lackluster upkeep practices.
“While Bruce Blakeman and the parks department continue to stall, this place got worse,” Mulé said.
Blakeman’s office and the parks department did not reply to the Herald’s multiple requests for comment, as of press time.
When asked during the press conference if Blakeman’s failure to adequately respond to the society’s offer was possibly political, since Freeport and Bald -
win are in Democrat-led districts and Blakeman is a Republican, both Mulé and DeRiggi-Whitton said they believed that was the reason.
“What they’re asking for is not unusual,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “If you look at Cedarmere (Preserve), Friends of Sands Point (Preserve), they’ve already established and they’ve done exactly what this group has done … So why are they ignoring these people that are generously offering their assistance? It does make me think that it’s political and that it’s just not on their radar.”
Litter in the waters of the Brookside preserve not only does damage locally, but also eventually runs off into the atlantic ocean, officials said.
In contrast, DeVargas told the Herald that Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and Village Attorney Howard Colton have been very supportive of the conservation society and its volunteer efforts.
As the society still awaits the county’s support, the organization continues to organize cleanups at the preserve, with the next one scheduled for April 25 at 10 a.m., in honor of Earth Day earlier in the week. Mulé and Assemblywoman Judy Griffin are also helping with those organizational efforts.
To learn more about the South Shore Conservation Society and its Brookside Preserve efforts, visit their Facebook page.
nassau County Legislator debra mulé and Jose Cuevas, vice president of the South Shore Conservation Society, stand in front of the now precarious, dangerous and illmaintained pathways and foliage of the Brookside preserve in freeport.
Andrew Francis/Herald photos
Jose Cuevas, South Shore Conservation Society vice president; Legislator debra mulé; erica deVargas, the society’s president; and Legislator delia deriggi-Whitton address nassau County parks department’s failure to address Brookside preserve issues.
Climate activists rally against Hochul plan
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Dozens of advocates and concerned residents gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola last month to protest Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to revise New York state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The CLCPA is an environmental policy that requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be reduced by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 by replacing much of the state’s fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy. Hochul wrote about the policy in an opinion essay published by the Empire Report on March 20, titled “Climate Action and Affordability Must Go HandIn-Hand.”
Following the loss of federal support for solar, wind and other energy initiatives and the rapid increase of oil prices, Hochul suggested that the climate act could lead to severe utility cost increases if it is not revised.
“So much has radically changed since the climate act was enacted, necessitating common-sense adjustments that keep us on our path to a greener future in a way that is affordable for New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote. “We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to
be issued at the end of 2030.”
Eric Weltman, senior organizer of the national nonprofit Food and Water Watch, led a group of protesters urging state legislators to defend the climate law later that day.
“We are here because Governor Hochul, unfortunately, is threatening to weaken New York’s landmark climate law,” Weltman said, “and we’re here to urge our legislators to stand up and
defend and protect the climate law. Hochul is embracing policies that would promote fracking and more costly fossil fuel pipelines and power plants.”
The CLCPA, Weltman said, reduces costs related to fossil fuels, decreases air pollution and supports a shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition,
said the 2019 legislation “fully expressed New York’s willingness to take on climate change and move us toward a just and working-class-centered economy.”
“Governor Hochul, by demanding rollbacks to the CLCPA, you are playing politics with our future,” Sackman added. “It’s time to do what is right. No rollbacks on New York’s climate law.”
T.J. Shivers, representing New York Communities for Change, focused on the climate crisis’s direct effects on Long Islanders’ budgets.
“Energy burdens are crushing families from many low- and moderateincome communities,” Shivers said.
“People are paying 6 to 10 percent or more of their income just on energy bills, far above what is considered affordable … When my bill goes up, it’s not just the number on paper, that’s food off the table.”
A number of community organizations joined the protest and spoke against revisions to the CLCPA, including the New York Public Interest Research Group, Transition Town Port Washington, the South Shore Audubon Society, the Green Party of Nassau County, All Our Energy, Grassroots Environmental Education, Renewable Heat Now and Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Long Island, calling for Nassau County residents to contact their local elected officials to advocate for preserving the climate act.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Eric Weltman, a senior organizer for Food and Water Action, led the crowd in urging legislators to defend the state’s climate law on March 20.
STEPPING OUT
From sketchbooks to the spotlight
Young artists stand out in ‘Long Island’s Best’
By Abbey Salvemini
Fresh talent is in full bloom this spring at Heckscher Museum of Art. For three decades, the Heckscher Museum of Art has served as a prestigious launchpad for the next generation of visual storytellers. “Long Island’s Best” is back, marking its 30th anniversary as it spotlights emerging high school artists throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, now through May 3.
As the only juried exhibition of its kind on Long Island, this program offers high schoolers the rare distinction of seeing their work hanging in a professional museum and memorialized in a full-color commemorative catalog. The selection process is famously rigorous: For the 2026 season, 84 finalists were curated from over 400 submissions representing 63 schools across Nassau and Suffolk. Tasked with this challenge were jurors Meredith Brown, Ph.D., the museum’s consulting curator of contemporary art, and guest juror Aaron Feltman — an accomplished artist and a proud Long Island’s Best alumnus.
“It is never an easy process,” says Brown, who explained that the strongest pieces combine technical skill with originality and meaningful themes.
This year’s exhibition included an unusually high number of sculptures — more than in any previous “Long Island’s Best” exhibitions — that reflect both the students’ ambition and influenced by the recent exhibition “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History.”
“I was surprised by the number of sculptural submissions,” Brown adds. “Sculpture is tricky, and many schools don’t have the resources, but these students took the challenge on and produced really compelling work.”
Among standout pieces is Luminous Harvest, a ceramic sculpture by Lyla Pinto, a senior at Long Beach High School, which earned fourth place and the Stan Brodsky Award. Inspired by painter Darragh Park’s “To Here/From Here,” Pinto created a tree-like form composed of branches holding symbolic fruit and candles.
“I was drawn to Park’s artwork because it seemed alive, as though the forms are changing and expanding rather than remaining still,” she explains. “The handcrafted fruits represent abundance, sustenance and the various attributes each branch offers. I made seven branches because the number seven represents completeness and balance, suggesting a full cycle of growth rather than a single moment. Like Park, I wanted to convey a sense of natural rhythm through organic shapes as demonstrated in the abundance and repetitious organic greenery.”
For Director of Education Joy Weiner — whose program leadership is being honored at a “30th Birthday Bash” on April 18 — the most rewarding aspect of her involvement is observing students experience the thrill of having their work displayed in a museum.
“Just watching their faces as they show their parents how special this opportunity is, that’s one of the happiest memories every year,” she relates.
“Long Island’s Best” has evolved considerably since its early years.
“Years ago, there were landscapes, still lifes and portraits. That was pretty much what you got,” Weiner
Lyla Pinto: Lyla Pinto’s ceramic sculpture “Luminous Harvest, was awarded Fourth Place and honored with the Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award.
• Now through May 3
• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington
• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming
adds. “Over the years, the different kinds of materials became something that students were interested in exploring. And they’re also much more aware of the world around them, tackling social issues, personal experiences and big-picture ideas through their art.”
While the program certainly sharpens their technical craft, its true value lies in instilling the professional rigor required of a working artist. It also underscores the lasting influence of arts education, with many alumni pursuing careers in art, design, filmmaking, and teaching.
“The whole process from beginning to end involves meeting deadlines, working with teachers, creating the work and writing about it,” Weiner says. “That’s very important as they continue in their careers, to not only create a work of art but to be able to speak about it and share it with others.”
Looking ahead, both Brown and Weiner encourage students to embrace the process, even if their work isn’t selected.
“Sharing your work is a powerful experience. It helps students grow as artists and lets others engage with their vision.” Weiner adds.“Even if your piece isn’t chosen, you learn something about yourself and your art. And when people connect with your work, it’s a truly rewarding experience.”
Teachers, Long Island’s Best alumni and the community are all invited to the stylish “Birthday Bash” celebrating this momentous milestone. Alumni and local artists will contribute works for a fundraiser, underscoring the lasting influence of “Long Island’s Best” throughout the region. The gathering includes an opportunity to meet students and hear firsthand how the program shaped their creative journeys.
“I’ve been privileged to watch the growth of Long Island’s Best,” Weiner says. “I have seen elementary school students eventually become LI Best finalists, have watched students’ progress to becoming Long Island Biennial artists as professionals; and have been lucky to work with students who now teach art in our community, inspiring the next generation.”
This milestone exhibit not only celebrates the talent of today’s students but also emphasizes the enduring value of arts education in shaping Long Island’s creative future. It’s an opportunity to explore a wide variety of media and themes while experiencing the fresh perspectives and voices of the next generation of artists, gaining insight into how young people interpret the world around them through art.
Dan Soder
Come chill with stand-up comedian Dan Soder! Get ready for a night of sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy when he takes the stage on The Golden Retriever of Comedy tour. Known for his quick wit and effortlessly relatable storytelling, Soder has built a devoted following. His credits include ”Not Special” on Comedy Central, a standout turn on Netflix’s The Standups” and his acclaimed HBO special “Son of a Gary.”Fans have also embraced his hit YouTube special, “Dan Soder: On The Road,” a laugh-packed set filled with smart, surprising takes on relationships, growing up and everything in between. Offstage, Soder hosts the popular podcast Soder and was a longtime co-host of SiriusXM’s The Bonfire from 2015 to 2023. Many will also recognize him from his role as Dudley “Mafee” on Billions. With his easygoing charm and razor-sharp observations, Soder delivers comedy that feels both down-to-earth and unexpectedly insightful.
Saturday, April 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
‘…how I wish you were here’
Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — all performed without backing or click tracks. The veteran 10-piece musical ensemble features seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail.
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtey Heckscher Museum
Tiffany Yam, of John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, contributed “Encased,” using colored pencil on illustration board.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
APR
Wrestling/Intro To Fitness
Kids in grades 1-6 can learn the basics of wrestling at Freeport Recreation Center, led by experienced Freeport wrestling coaches and alumni. $65 fee for the series of lessons.
• Where: 130 East Merrick Road
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 377-2314
APR
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also April 6-9
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Seasonal Sprouts: Artful Explorers
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens, now open for the 2026 season, to xplore creativity in nature during this one-hour guided program through the gardens and at the barn at Orchard Hill. Children will observe colors, textures, and patterns in the landscape, play artinspired games, and create a simple hands-on art project using natural inspiration. Meet at the Beech Tree. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Mike DelGuidice
Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. His releases include My Street, Miller Place and Mask Production, and his track “Ordinary Guy” was featured as the theme for Kevin Can Wait starring Kevin James. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far beyond the Long Island community.
Great Big Easter Egg Hunt.” Afterward join in an exciting egg hunt in the Cottage Garden! Perfect for children ages 3-6. Up to 12 eggs per child may be redeemed for prizes; eggs are empty. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Art Reception
Artist Olivia Castillo discusses her new exhibit “Venice through the Lens” at Freeport Lilbrary, which showcases photographs from her semester abroad. Her images capture the unique culture, architecture, and beauty of Venice to the library lobby.
• Where: 144 W. Merrick Road
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274
Building Homes for Heroes 5K
Building Homes for Heroes holds its second annual 5K in Eisenhower Park.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, Field 2
• Time: 8 a.m.
• Contact: Register at Events. EliteFeats.com/26honoringheroes
Let it Roll!
APR
7
Students on spring break can participate in Sparkle on Stage’s gaming extravaganza. Bring your favorite board game or play one that is provided. Snacks and juice boxes are provided.
• Where: 195 Woodcleft Ave.
• Time: 1-5 p.m.
• Contact: sparkleonstage.org or (516) 240-1188
APR
8
Light-Art Collaboration
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to illuminate their imagination and inspire creativity In this educator-led, hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to the history and process of lantern making while creating their own unique drawing. In collaboration with LuminoCity, participants’ 2-D artwork will be submitted for a chance to have it brought to life as a 3-D light sculpture featured on display at the 2026 LuminoCity Festival. Free
‘Dog Sees God’ Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance presents Bert V. Royal’s edgy comedy. The unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts comic strip, reimagines its characters as teenagers dealing with various contemporary issues including, identity, substance abuse, and relationships. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.
• Where: Hofstra’s Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater, Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead
• Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; also April 12, 2 p.m.; April 16-April 19
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 8 p.m., also Apr 11
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
limited ticket with museum admission, available at the Box Office on the day of the workshop.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
APR
10
‘An Evening of Magic’ fundraiser
The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer hosts its annual “An Evening of Magic” gala dinner. Awardwinning magician Will Fern brings high-energy entertainment, including strolling magic and mind reading, to benefit children with cancer. The dinner fundraiser takes place in the Philodendrum Room at The Milleridge Inn. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and the show; advance purchase is required. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also be held.
• Where: 585 N. Broadway, Jericho
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: thesarahgracefoundation.org
• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com
APR
11
“A Dream Is A Wish”
The enchanting “A Dream Is A Wish” princess concert returns to the Madison Theatre with new adventures and Disney Classics. Families are invited to sing along to all their favorite Disney songs including “Let It Go,” “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Part of That World,” “ A Whole New World,” and many more. Enjoy a magical journey and maybe even meet your favorite princess! Breakfast and tea ticket options also available.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Varied times, also April 12
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
FREEPORT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Nassau County, N. Y.
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Freeport Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, shall conduct its Annual Budget Vote and Trustees Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The vote will be by voting machines at the designated polling places set forth below, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. (local time).
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a budget hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:30 P.M. in the Caroline G. Atkinson School for the purpose of discussing the expenditures of funds and budgeting thereof. Copies of the budget document will be made available to District residents commencing Thursday, April 29, 2026, upon request between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. at the school district offices and the Freeport Public Library and the school district’s Internet website.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following matters will be submitted to the registered voters of the Freeport School District:
(1) To vote on the annual school budget as set forth in Proposition No. 1 below:
Proposition No. 1 SCHOOL BUDGET
RESOLVED that the Annual School Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the School Year 2026-2027.
(2) To vote on the annual library budget as set forth in Proposition No. 2 below:
Proposition No. 2
FREEPORT MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the Freeport Memorial Library Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District,
Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the Freeport Memorial Library for the year 2026- 2027.
(3) To vote on the expenditure of funds from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2017, as set forth in Proposition No. 3 below:
PROPOSITION #3
Capital Reserve Fund Proposition
SHALL the Board of Education of the Freeport Union Free School District be authorized to expend:
$2,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16th, 2017, for the purpose of performing the following projects:
Classroom Ceiling Tiles, Flooring & Lighting Replacements - Districtwide; Bathroom Renovations - Districtwide. All the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.
(4) Two (2) members of the Board of Education will be elected to fill two three-year (3) terms commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029, and one (1) member of the Board of Education will be elected to fill an unexpired term commencing May 19, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration shall be open, in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, every school day in the Administration Building, 235 North Ocean Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock a.m. and 5:00 o’clock p.m. (local time) until Thursday, May 14, 2026, for the Annual Budget Vote and Election to be held on May 19, 2026. In addition, the Board of Registration will open Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 o’clock p.m. until 8:00 o’clock p.m. for residents to register to vote for the Annual Budget and Trustee election to be held on May 19, 2026.
Any person who is not registered with the School District or who is not registered in the General Election or who has not voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held within the last four calendar years (2022-
2025) must register to vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The Board of Registration will meet during the election held in the District on May 19, 2026, at each of the polling places to prepare a register for meetings and elections held subsequent to this Annual Meeting or Election.
The voting registers will be open for inspection by any qualified voter on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from May 14, 2026, to May 18, 2026, excluding Sunday, May 17, 2026, and between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. noon on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Office of the District Clerk; and at each polling place on election day.
Absentee and early mail ballots will be available for the election of School Board Members and the Budget Vote. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk at the Freeport Public School Administration Building, 235 North Ocean Avenue, in Freeport, NY 11520. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application no later than six (6) days before the vote. Absentee and early mail ballots will be accepted in the Office of the Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the vote; any ballot received after that time will not be counted.
A listing of all people to whom absentee and early mail ballots were issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office during regular office hours until the day before the vote. Candidates for the Office of School Board Trustee must be nominated
by a petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District. The petition shall state name and residence of the candidate and shall state the name and residence of each signer. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different lengths, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve. Petitions shall be filed between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. no later than Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Office of the District Clerk.
A statement of the amount of money which will be required for the School Year 2026-2027 will be available to the taxpayers at any of the School District buildings between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during the fourteen (14) days immediately before the vote, except Saturdays and Sundays or holidays, and at such annual election.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part, and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a proposition in writing by petition of least thirty-nine {39) signatures of qualified voters of the district is required to place a proposition on the ballot. The petition must be filed in the Office of the District Clerk on or before 5:00 P.M. (local time) Monday, April 20, 2026. Petitions for propositions which are required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting must be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M. on or before Friday, March 20, 2026. The Board of Education reserves the right to edit or amend any proposition without changing the intent thereof.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Election of School Board Members adopted by the Board of Education.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING 1. Person shall be a citizen of the United States. 2. Eighteen or more years of age. 3. A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote. 4. Must be registered to vote.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the school election districts within the school district are as follows:
DISTRICT N-1
DISTRICT N-2
The Atkinson School Voting District is in the area, which is west of North Main Street, south of the northerly School District Boundary Line, east of Milburn Creek, and north of the Long Island Railroad.
The Columbus Avenue School Voting District is in the area, which is north of the Long Island Railroad, east of North Main Street, south of the northerly District boundary line, and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway.
DISTRICT S-3
The Bayview Avenue School Voting District is contained in the area which is south of the Long Island Railroad right of way and west of the Eastern boundary line which runs south down South Long Beach Avenue to the southern property lines of the properties on the south side of Smith Street, then west along said property lines to the easterly property lines of the properties fronting on Bayview Avenue, thence proceeding south along said property lines to the easterly property lines on Branch Avenue and then southerly along the eastern boundary lines of said properties fronting on the east side of Branch Avenue to the northern property lines of properties fronting on the north side of Lewis Street, thence easterly along said boundary to Randall Bay. The southern boundary is the Village Line, and the western boundary is the Village Line.
DISTRICT S-4
The Archer Street School Voting District is in the area which begins at the southerly side of the Long Island Railroad right of way where same intersects with the westerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the west side of Long Beach Avenue; thence running easterly along said right of way to the westerly boundary lines or properties fronting on the west side of Henry Street; thence southeasterly along said boundary lines to the intersection with South Main Street; thence southerly along the west side of South Main Street to the intersection with Mill Road; thence easterly along the south side of Mill Road to the intersection of Mill Road and Freeport Creek; thence southerly along Freeport Creek to the northerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the north side of East Bedell Street; thence easterly
along said property lines to the Village Line also known as Freeport Creek; thence southerly along said line to the most southerly Village Line; thence westerly along said Village Line to Hudson Bay; thence north and northwesterly along Woodcleft Basin to Sportsman’s Channel; thence north along said Channel and its extension to the center line of Atlantic Avenue; thence westerly along said center line of Atlantic Avenue to the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Bayview Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the intersection of the southerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the south side of Smith Street; thence easterly along said boundary lines of properties fronting on the west side of Long Beach Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the point or place of beginning.
DISTRICT S-5
The Giblyn School Voting District is contained in the area which begins at a point where the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on Bayview Avenue intersects the center line of Atlantic Avenue running thence easterly along said center line to the western boundary line of properties fronting on the west side of Sportsman’s Avenue; thence southerly along said lines to the Sportsman’s Channel; thence southerly along said Channel to the Woodcleft Basin; thence southeasterly along said basin to easterly boundary of Village Line running along Hudson Bay; thence southerly along said boundary line to the southerly boundary of the Village Line also known as Little Swift Creek; thence westerly along said Village Line to a point where same intersects Randall Bay; thence northerly along said Bay to the intersection of the northerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the north side of Lewis Street; thence westerly along said boundary line to the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Branch Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the intersection of the east boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Bayview Avenue;
thence northerly along said boundary lines to the point or place of beginning.
DISTRICT S6
The Cleveland Avenue School Voting District (now based at the Albany Avenue Field House, 55 Albany Avenue) is contained in the area which is south of the Long Island Railroad right of way, east of the eastern boundary of District 5-4, with the eastern and southern boundary being the village boundaries.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Sunday F. Coward President Sheena Verna-Agard District Clerk 159402
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION ROOSEVELT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT ROOSEVELT, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Roosevelt Union Free School District, Roosevelt, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the Roosevelt High School, 1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt, New York, in said District on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.
1. Presentation of the budget document.
2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on May 19, 2026, as hereinafter set forth.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 a.m. prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below:
District No. 1: Roosevelt High School 1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
District No. 2: Centennial Elementary School
Public Notices
140 West Centennial Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 at which time the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:
1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.
2. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a Capital Reserve Proposition in substantially the following form shall be presented to the qualified voters of the District at such Annual District Meeting and Election and shall appear on the ballots to be used for voting in substantially the following form:
CAPITAL RESERVE PROPOSITION
YES NO
RESOLVED
(a) That the Board of Education of the Roosevelt Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”) is hereby authorized to replace roof top mechanical units, recoat and/or replace roofing and undertake interior reconstruction and/ or renovations (the “Project”); the foregoing to include original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto, an amount not to exceed $2,000,000; and (b) that $2,000,000 of funds on hand and available in the District’s “Building Capital Reserve Fund,” originally established by the voters on May 20, 2008 and re-established by the voters of the District on May 16, 2017, plus any interest earnings thereon, are hereby authorized to be expended to pay the cost of the Project, and such expenditure is hereby approved.
3. To elect members of the Board of Education as follows:
a. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for
a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029 to succeed Belinda Monroe, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.
b. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Emily Moore, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the Roosevelt Union Free School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, New York 11575 not later than April 20, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the 2025 annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition shall be directed to the District Clerk and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election.
All other persons who wish to vote must register. The Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District
pursuant to Education Law §2014 in the school buildings designated for each election district on May 5, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Registers to be used at the aforesaid Budget Vote and Election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Registers, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Budget Vote and Election for which the Register are prepared.
The Registers so prepared pursuant to Education Law §2014 will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, located at 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the Budget Vote and Election, except Sunday or holidays, and on Saturday by prearranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at 516345-7005, and at the polling places on the day of the Budget Vote and Election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, in the school buildings designated for each election district between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Registers of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Registers, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Registers, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which Registers are prepared.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at 516-345-7005 for information about accessibility.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 5, 2026, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, New York, 11575. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website https:// www.rooseveltufsd. org/, at the Roosevelt Public Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 27 West Fulton Avenue, Roosevelt, New York, at the School District Administrative Center, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, New York, 11575, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:
Roosevelt High School
Roosevelt Middle School Centennial Avenue Elementary School Washington Rose Elementary School
Ulysses Byas Elementary School
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed
value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 16, 2026, by advanced appointment by contacting the District Clerk at 516345-7005 and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should
have applied for an early mail ballot nor shall a challenge be made to an early mail ballot on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Roosevelt Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@rufsd.org or fax sent to 516-3457326. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Roosevelt Union Free School District may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@rufsd. org or fax sent to 516345-7326. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575 along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk at 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on April 20, 2026. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at 516-345-7005.
Pamela Pratt
District Clerk of the Board of Education Roosevelt Union Free School District 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575 159205
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN
DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DE ROOSEVELT ROOSEVELT, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Escuela Secundaria Roosevelt (Roosevelt High School), 1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt, Nueva York, en dicho Distrito el martes 5 de mayo de 2026, a las 7:00 p.m. hora prevaleciente, para la transacción de los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluyendo los siguientes puntos:
1. Presentación del documento del presupuesto.
2. Para discutir todos los puntos aquí establecidos, que serán votados por máquina de votación en la elección que se llevará a cabo el 19 de mayo de 2026, según se establece en adelante.
3. Para tramitar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse debidamente ante la reunión.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que dicha votación y elección se llevará a cabo el 19 de mayo de 2026, a las 6:00 a.m. hora prevaleciente, en los edificios escolares ubicados en los distritos que se enumeran a continuación:
Distrito No. 1:
Escuela Secundaria Roosevelt (Roosevelt High School) 1 Wagner Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
Distrito No. 2:
Escuela Primaria Centennial (Centennial Elementary School) 140 West Centennial Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575
momento en el cual las urnas estarán abiertas desde las 6:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m. hora prevaleciente, para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:
1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el
AUDIENCIA VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTO Y ESCOLAR UNIÓN DE CONDADO NUEVA
April 2, 2026 —
PRESENTE SE se llevará audiencia votantes Distrito de la Roosevelt, Condado de York, en Secundaria (Roosevelt Wagner Roosevelt, en dicho martes 5 de las 7:00 prevaleciente, transacción de autorizados Educación Nueva incluyendo los puntos: Presentación documento del discutir puntos aquí que serán máquina de elección a cabo de 2026, establece en
tramitar asunto presentarse ante la
PRESENTE
ADEMÁS votación y llevará a mayo de 6:00 a.m. prevaleciente, en escolares distritos enumeran a
Secundaria (Roosevelt Wagner Roosevelt, NY
Primaria (Centennial School) Centennial Roosevelt, NY
cual las abiertas 6:00 a.m. p.m. hora para votar máquinas sobre los puntos:
Adoptar el anual del para el
Public Notices
año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.
2. SE NOTIFICA
ADEMÁS que se presentará a los votantes calificados del Distrito en dicha Reunión Anual y Elección del Distrito una Proposición de Reserva de Capital sustancialmente en la siguiente forma, y aparecerá en las boletas que se utilizarán para la votación sustancialmente en la siguiente forma:
PROPOSICIÓN DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL SÍ NO RESUELTO
(a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt, en el Condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”) está autorizada por la presente para reemplazar unidades mecánicas de techo, recubrir y/o reemplazar techado y emprender la reconstrucción interior y/o renovaciones (el “Proyecto”); lo anterior incluirá mobiliario original, equipo, maquinaria, aparatos y trabajos de sitio, demolición y otros trabajos auxiliares o relacionados requeridos en conexión con ello; y para gastar para ello, incluyendo costos preliminares y costos incidentales al mismo, una cantidad que no exceda los $2,000,000; y (b) que se autoriza el gasto de $2,000,000 de los fondos disponibles en el “Fondo de Reserva de Capital de Construcción” del Distrito, establecido originalmente por los votantes el 20 de mayo de 2008 y reestablecido por los votantes del Distrito el 16 de mayo de 2017, más cualquier ganancia por intereses sobre los mismos, para pagar el costo del Proyecto, y dicho gasto queda aprobado por la presente.
3. Para elegir a los miembros de la Junta de Educación de la siguiente manera:
a. Para elegir a un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y vence el 30 de junio de 2029 para suceder a Belinda Monroe, cuyo período vence el 30 de junio de
2026.
b. Para elegir a un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y vence el 30 de junio de 2029, para suceder a Emily Moore, cuyo período vence el 30 de junio de 2026.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones que nominen candidatos para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt deberán presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito de dicho Distrito Escolar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, Nueva York 11575, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente. Todas las peticiones de nominación deben estar firmadas por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor entre 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual de 2025); deben indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y deben indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Cada petición se dirigirá al Secretario del Distrito y describirá la vacante específica para la cual se nomina al candidato. Cada vacante en la Junta de Educación que deba cubrirse se considerará una vacante específica por separado.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, ya sea de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley de Elecciones del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York y ha votado en cualquier reunión anual o especial del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, dicho votante es elegible para votar en esta elección; si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley de Elecciones del Estado de Nueva York, dicho votante también es
elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2014 en los edificios escolares designados para cada distrito electoral el 5 de mayo de 2026, entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 1:00 p.m. hora prevaleciente, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional a los Registros que se utilizarán en la citada Votación del Presupuesto y Elección; en ese momento, cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se incluya su nombre en dichos Registros, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se conozca o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene o tendrá derecho a votar en dicha Votación del Presupuesto y Elección para la cual se preparan los Registros. Los Registros así preparados de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2014 se archivarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en el Edificio de Administración, ubicado en 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en días laborables, y cada día previo al día fijado para la Votación del Presupuesto y Elección, excepto domingos o feriados, y el sábado mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al 516-345-7005, y en los lugares de votación el día de la Votación del Presupuesto y Elección.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2014, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el 19 de mayo de 2026, en los edificios escolares designados para cada distrito electoral entre las horas de 6:00 a.m. y 9:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, para preparar los Registros del Distrito Escolar que se utilizarán en la reunión anual y elección que se llevará a cabo en 2027, y cualquier reunión especial que pueda llevarse a cabo después de la preparación de dichos
Registros, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se incluya su nombre en dichos Registros, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se conozca o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que en ese momento o en adelante tiene derecho a votar en la reunión o elección escolar para la cual se preparan los Registros.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes calificados con discapacidades que busquen información sobre el acceso a los lugares de votación pueden, antes del día de la votación, comunicarse con el Secretario del Distrito al 516-345-7005 para obtener información sobre la accesibilidad.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que a partir de los siete (7) días inmediatamente anteriores a la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del 5 de mayo de 2026, cualquier residente del Distrito puede solicitar revisar una copia del presupuesto propuesto presentándose en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, Nueva York, 11575. Además, cualquier residente del Distrito puede obtener una declaración de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección en el sitio web del distrito escolar https://www. rooseveltufsd.org/, en la Biblioteca Pública de Roosevelt durante sus horas normales de operación, ubicada en 27 West Fulton Avenue, Roosevelt, Nueva York, en el Centro Administrativo del Distrito Escolar, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, Nueva York, 11575, y en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares en los que se mantiene la escuela entre las horas de 9 a.m. y 4 p.m., hora prevaleciente, excepto sábados, domingos y feriados:
Roosevelt High School
Roosevelt Middle School
Centennial Avenue
Elementary School
Washington Rose Elementary School
Ulysses Byas Elementary School
Y POR EL PRESENTE
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad
con la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre la Propiedad Real, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cuánto del valor tasado total en la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por la autoridad estatutaria, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado como una cantidad en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor tasado total en la lista; (b) la cantidad acumulada que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo se podrán obtener durante las horas hábiles escolares en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 20 de abril de 2026. De acuerdo con las Secciones 2018-a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes completas de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo no pueden ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la elección, y deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la boleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o al agente nombrado en la solicitud de boleta de voto en ausencia o de voto anticipado por correo. Las boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00
p.m., hora prevaleciente, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026. Una lista de las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia, y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas de votante anticipado por correo, estarán disponibles para inspección por parte de los votantes calificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m. en los días laborables previos al día fijado para la elección anual y el 16 de mayo de 2026, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al 516-345-7005 y el 19 de mayo de 2026, el día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado puede, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las calificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dichas listas, indicando las razones de dicha impugnación. No se podrá impugnar una boleta de voto en ausencia alegando que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto anticipado por correo, ni se impugnará una boleta de voto anticipado por correo alegando que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto en ausencia. Cualquier impugnación por escrito de este tipo será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o un designado de la Junta de Educación a los inspectores de la elección el día de la elección.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt pueden solicitar una solicitud de boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito y devolver dicha solicitud de boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a districtclerk@rufsd. org o por fax enviado al 516-345-7326. Para que a un votante militar se le emita una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de boletas militares recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar bajo la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud de boleta militar original de un votante militar y la boleta militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575 junto con la declaración jurada firmada requerida por el votante.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las boletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 19 de mayo de 2026, mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o si son recibidas a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 19 de mayo de 2026, y están firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha que se verifique que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con una regla adoptada por
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a districtclerk@rufsd. org o por fax enviado al 516-345-7326. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro ya sea por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votante militar deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 23 de abril de 2026.
la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2035, cualquier referéndum o proposición para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se presente para votación en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575, a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el 20 de abril de 2026. Todas estas peticiones deben estar escritas a máquina o impresas en el idioma inglés; deben estar dirigidas al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; deben estar firmadas por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor entre 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y deben indicar de manera legible el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación no considerará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna proposición cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, ni ninguna proposición o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley.
Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que aquellos votantes que busquen información sobre esta Votación del Presupuesto y Elección en español deben comunicarse con la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito al 516-3457005.
Pamela Pratt Secretaria del Distrito de la Junta de Educación Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Roosevelt 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575 159207
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION, BUDGET HEARING AND VOTE OF BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON May 19, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the budget hearing of the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Cafeteria A of
Public Notices
Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York in said School District for the transaction of such business as is authorized by law including the following purposes:
1. Presentation and discussion of the budget for the operation of the district schools for the school year beginning July 1, 2026.
2. Presentation and discussion of the budget for operation of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
3. Transactions of such other business as is authorized by law.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures for the school year 2026-2027, the library appropriation, and on all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education to fill vacancies for Trustees on the Board of Education shall be held in the gymnasium of Baldwin High School
Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, in said School District on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00AM and 9:00PM. There are two board of education offices to be filled at the May 19, 2026, annual budget vote and election. One office is for a full three (3) year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The other office is for the balance of an unexpired term from May 19, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to the longer term. The candidate receiving the second most votes will be elected to the balance of the unexpired term.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following propositions will be presented to the voters at the May 19, 2026, vote:
PROPOSITION NO.
1: SCHOOL DISTRICT
BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the fiscal year 2026-2027 in the amount of $180,001,342 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School
District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.
PROPOSITION NO.
2: PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year 20262027 be adopted, in the amount of $6,489,946 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.
PROPOSITION NO 3: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND KNOWN AS CAPITAL 2023
SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an additional $8,000,000.00 from the Capital Reserve fund known as “Capital-2023”, established on May 16, 2023 for the purpose of performing the following projects:
(a) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Brookside Elementary School; (b) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Lenox Elementary School; (c) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Meadow Elementary School; (d) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Plaza Elementary School; (e) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Steele Elementary School; (f) construction/ renovation of a cafeteria at Brookside Elementary School; and (g) construction/renovation of a cafeteria at Steele Elementary School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.
PROPOSITION NO. 4: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM TECHNOLOGY RESERVE 2022
SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $475,000 from the Technology Reserve fund established on May 17, 2022 for the purpose of performing the following projects:
(a) new Chromebooks for 3rd grade students; (b) new Chromebooks for 8th grade students; (c) Stylus/Meta pens;
(d) cases/covers for Chromebooks, (e) battery bank charging cabinets; and (f) interactive boards, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER
NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines as provided by Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00AM until 9:00PM and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to have the necessary ballot labels printed for said voting machines in the form corresponding as nearly as may be with the requirements of the Education Law. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2026-2027 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any taxpayer in the district at each school building in the district in which school is maintained between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding said election of May 19, 2026, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, and at such annual election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Meetings and Elections adopted by the Board of Education.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and nominations for office of member of the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, filed in the office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of
8:00AM and 4:00PM not later than the 30th day, April 20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his unwillingness to serve.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 52 qualified voters of the District and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM, not later than the 30th day, April 20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting of the District.
Registration shall also be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at Baldwin’s Administration building during the hours of enrollment of children for a school term and also from 8:00AM to 3:00PM on any school day at any of the District schools not later than five days preceding the school meeting and election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the district who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four (4) years (2022-2025) prior to
preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Election of the County of Nassau.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration will further meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Election on May 19, 2026, for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years (2022-2025) prior to the preparation of said register.
The Register shall be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district at the Administration Building, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00AM and 2:00PM on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that application for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the office of the Clerk.
A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District
Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot, to meet at the Baldwin Senior High School for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the
Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.
Dated: March 31, 2026
Baldwin, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK
Saide P. Vidal, District Clerk 159195
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO, AUDIENCIA PRESUPUESTARIA Y VOTACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU ESTADO DE NEW YORK, A CELEBRARSE EL 19 de mayo de 2026
POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia presupuestaria de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, se llevará a cabo el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026, en la cafetería A de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, para la realización de los asuntos que estén autorizados por la ley, incluidos los siguientes fines:
1. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de las escuelas del distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.
2. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.
3. Tratamiento de cualquier otro asunto autorizado por la ley.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del año escolar 20262027, la asignación para la biblioteca, y todas las propuestas
debidamente presentadas ante la Junta de Educación para cubrir vacantes de miembros de la junta en la Junta de Educación, se llevará a cabo en el gimnasio de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. Hay dos cargos en la Junta de Educación que deberán cubrirse en la votación sobre el presupuesto anual y las elecciones del 19 de mayo de 2026. Un cargo es para un período completo de tres (3) años, desde el 1 de julio de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2029. El otro cargo es por el resto de un período no vencido desde el 19 de mayo de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2027. El candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será elegido para el período más largo. El candidato que reciba el segundo mayor número de votos será elegido para el resto del período no vencido.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se presentarán las siguientes propuestas a los votantes en la votación del 19 de mayo de 2026:
PROPUESTA N.º 1: PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de New York, para el año fiscal 20262027 por un monto de $180,001,342, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.
PROPUESTA N.º 2: PRESUPUESTO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal 20262027, por un monto de $6,489,946, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.
— April 2, 2026
Public Notices
PROPUESTA N.º 3:
USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL CONOCIDO COMO CAPITAL 2023
SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto adicional de $8,000,000.00 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital conocido como “Capital-2023”, establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) construcción/ renovación de una cocina en Brookside Elementary School; (b) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Lenox Elementary School; (c) construcción/ renovación de una cocina en Meadow Elementary School; (d) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Plaza Elementary School; (e) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Steele Elementary School; (f) construcción/ renovación de una cafetería en Brookside Elementary School; y (g) construcción/renovación de una cafetería en Steele Elementary School, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.
PROPUESTA N.º 4: USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DE LA RESERVA TECNOLÓGICA DE 2022
SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto que no exceda de $475,000 del Fondo de la Reserva Tecnológica establecido el 17 de mayo de 2022, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 3.º grado; (b) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 8.º grado; (c) lápices Stylus/Meta; (d) fundas/carcasas para Chromebooks; (e) gabinetes de carga para bancos de baterías; y (f) pizarras interactivas, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación se llevará a cabo mediante máquinas de votación, conforme a lo dispuesto por la Ley de Educación, y que los centros de votación permanecerán abiertos desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m., y durante el tiempo adicional que sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos. Por el presente, se autoriza y se instruye a la secretaria del Distrito a que haga imprimir las etiquetas de las boletas necesarias para dichas máquinas de votación en una forma que se ajuste, en la mayor medida posible, a los requisitos de la Ley de Educación. Se preparará la forma resumida de la propuesta sobre el presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en la máquina de votación, así como una declaración detallada por escrito del monto de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2026-2027 para fines escolares, especificando los fines y el monto correspondiente a cada uno, y se pondrán copias a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier contribuyente del distrito en cada edificio escolar del distrito en el que funcione una escuela, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., durante el período de catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección del 19 de mayo de 2026, excepto los sábados, domingos y festivos, y en dicha elección anual.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la elección se celebrará de conformidad con el Reglamento para la celebración de reuniones y elecciones aprobado por la Junta de Educación.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, y que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, que deberá presentarse
en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará a los miembros de la junta. Dicha petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de los candidatos. Los candidatos que reciban el mayor número de votos se considerarán electos para sus respectivos cargos. Cuando los períodos sean de distinta duración, el candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será electo para el período más largo. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una nominación si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de disposición para desempeñarlo.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que cualquier propuesta o cuestión que se deba incluir en las máquinas de votación se presentará por escrito mediante petición suscrita por al menos 52 votantes calificados del Distrito y se presentará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará dicha cuestión o propuesta, excepto que esta disposición no aplicará a aquellas cuestiones o propuestas que deban indicarse en el aviso publicado o fijado de la reunión ni a aquellas propuestas o cuestiones que la Junta de Educación tenga autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria del Distrito.
También se permitirá el registro en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en el edificio administrativo de Baldwin durante el horario de inscripción de niños para un período escolar y también de 8:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. en cualquier día escolar en cualquiera de las escuelas del Distrito, a más tardar cinco días antes de la reunión y elección escolar.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse; y (2) a todos los votantes
previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años (20222025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) a los votantes registrados de forma permanente ante la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.
SE NOTIFICA DEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá además durante el horario de votación en la Elección Anual del Distrito del 19 de mayo de 2026, con el propósito de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se celebren con posterioridad al 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse, y (2) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario (2022-2025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro.
El registro se archivará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito del distrito escolar en el edificio administrativo, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York, donde estará disponible para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 2:00 p. m. durante cada uno de los cinco días previos a la fecha fijada para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita previa.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo para la elección del distrito escolar podrán presentarse en la oficina de la secretaria. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo estará disponible en la oficina de la secretaria durante cada uno de los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita
previa. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Asimismo, la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia o de voto anticipado por correo para envío postal, la secretaria del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no se encuentren actualmente registrados podrán solicitar su registro como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán presentar una solicitud para obtener una boleta militar. Los votantes militares podrán indicar su preferencia de recibir el registro de votante militar, la solicitud de boleta militar o la boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. La oficina de la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir los formularios de registro de votante militar y los formularios de solicitud de boleta militar a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. No se contabilizará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito la reciba antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y muestre un matasellos del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre una constancia fechada de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito la reciba a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que esta Junta convocará a una reunión extraordinaria dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante la secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la votación, para reunirse en Baldwin Senior High School con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes de los resultados de la votación y declarar el resultado de la votación; asimismo, la Junta por la presente se designa a sí misma como funcionarios electorales para emitir y escrutar los votos de conformidad con la Ley de Educación 2019-a, subdivisión 2b, en dicha reunión extraordinaria de la Junta.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el Informe sobre exenciones del impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles, elaborado de conformidad con la sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional o preliminar, así como al presupuesto definitivo aprobado, del que formará parte; y se publicará en los tablones de anuncios del Distrito destinados a los avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.
Fecha: 31 de marzo de 2026 Baldwin, NY POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU NEW YORK
Saide P. Vidal, secretaria del distrito 159197
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff AGAINST LARRY D. GREENE, SHERRY GREENE, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024 and amended August 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County
Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 230 Archer Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 117, Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment $962,283.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004351/2013. Howard Col ton, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-000325 89200 158952
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. MTGLQ INVESTORS, LP Pltf. vs. SHANAI L. JACKSON A/K/A SHANAI JACKSON, et al, Defts. Index #012297/14. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered January 23, 2019, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 150 Pennsylvania Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 a/k/a Section 55, Block 423, Lot 4. Said property beginning at a point on the Easterly side of Pennsylvania Avenue, distant 246.00 ft. Northerly from a point formed by the intersection of the Easterly side of Pennsylvania Avenue and the Northerly side of Debevoise Avenue when measured along the Easterly side of Pennsylvania Avenue, being a plot 44 ft. x 89.56 ft. x 44.04 ft. x 87.78 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $318,860.51 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. MARIA SIDERIS, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Ptlf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl. - Ste. 940-941, New York, NY 10016. File No. 20021-1397 - #102845 159117
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2005, GSAMP TRUST 2005-WMC1, Plaintiff, Against DOMINIC VILLONI, ESQ., AS GUARDIAN AD LITEM AND MILITARY ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN A. FIORITO A/K/A JOHN FIORITO, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/02/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 4/27/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 148 Meister Boulevard, Freeport, New York 11520, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Section 0054 Block 00330-00 Lot 00015 and 00016. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $464,006.92 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 005733/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 3/5/2026 File Number: 560-4138 CA 159136
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.
PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff -against- ALAN RICHARTZ JR A/K/A ALAN RICHARTZ, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 11, 2025 and entered on December 15, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 27, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as and by Lots Numbered 109 and 110 and the westerly 1/2 of lot 108 on a certain map entitled, “Freeport Bay Estates, Section 3, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, N.Y., April 26, 1930, Cyril G. Marshall, Civil Engineer” and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 19th, 1930 as Map No. 1038, Case No. 2859.
Section: 62 Block: 69 Lot: 201
Said premises known as 94E BEDELL ST., FREEPORT, NY 11520
Approximate amount of lien $538,320.81 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 611794/2023.
PAUL L. MELI, ESQ., Referee
David A. Gallo & Associates LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.273
{* FREEPORT LEADER*} 159022
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust as Trustee for PNPMS Trust I, Plaintiff AGAINST Paul O. Lyseight, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale
duly entered on September 19, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 9 Brooks Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 55, BLOCK: 315, LOT: 151. Approximate amount of judgment is $153,248.05 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608839/2021. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule.&nb sp; In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. Brian J. Davis, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-098734-F00 89099 159043
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 25th day of March, 2026, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT SHALL PURCHASE A NEW CHEVY TAHOE DISTRICT VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AT A COST, INCLUDING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH TRANSACTION, NOT TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM COST OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($125,000.00) DOLLARS WITH FUNDS FROM THE FIRE APPARATUS AND
EQUIPMENT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND.
This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, unless in the meanwhile a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held.
Dated: March 25, 2026
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: FRANCES ANDINO
Secretary 159270
LEGAL NOTICE
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING – April 16, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that a Public Hearing with the Zoning Board of Appeals is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Main Conference Room, 46 N. Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York on the appeals and applications of cases as they appear on the calendar; residential applications that do not extend their prior nonconforming status may be called first; public comment invited.
INTERESTED PROPERTY OWNERS and other persons should appear at the above time and place to have questions answered and to voice opinions. All applications are non-conforming with zoning regulations herein specified for the districts in which they are located.
Application #2026-4 –391 N. Main Street, Service Business Section 55/Block 393/Lot 129 –Xiaoquing Zhao Utilize 3,437 SF area for food storage and office Variances: Village Ordinance §210-6A Conformity Required §210-172A(12) Required Parking Spaces BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pamela Walsh Boening, Village Clerk 159404
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the regularly scheduled Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport scheduled for Monday,
April 6, 2026 at 5:00 P.M. has been CANCELED and RESCHEDULED to Monday, April 13, 2026 at 5:00 P.M in the Municipal Building, Main Conference Room, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk DATED: Freeport, New York April 2, 2026 159405
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 14th day of April, 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
BELLMORE
MARTIN AVENUE (TH 61/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Martin Court, east for a distance of 25 feet.
MARTIN AVENUE (TH 61/26) South SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at the point 93 feet east of the east curbline of Martin Court, east for a distance of 37 feet.
MARTIN AVENUE (TH 61/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Oak Court, west for a distance of 57 feet.
ELMONT
CROMER ROAD WEST (TH 57/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from west curbline of Tudor Gate, west for a distance of 90 feet.
CROMER ROAD WEST (TH 57/26) South SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 90 feet west of the west curbline of Tudor Gate, west for a distance of 47 feet.
CROMER ROAD WEST (TH 57/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from west curbline of Tudor Crescent, west for a
distance of 45 feet.
OCEANSIDE
DAVISON AVENUE (TH 622(B)/25) North SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 217 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD
GREENWAY SOUTH (TH 75/26) West SideNO PARKING EXCEPT SUNDAYS - starting at a point 10 feet south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 185 feet.
WOODMERE
IRVING PLACE (TH 50/26) East SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 13 feet north of the north curbline of Cedar Lane, north for a distance of 72 feet.
FRANKLIN PLACE (TH 50/26) West SideNO STOPPING
ANYTIME - starting at a point 26 feet north of the north curbline of Cedar Lane, north for a distance of 90 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:
BELLMORE
MARTIN AVENUE (TH 690/00) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Martin Court, east for a distance of 40 feet.
(Adopted 10/2/01)
MARTIN AVENUE (TH 690/00) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Oak Court, west for a distance of 40 feet.
(Adopted 10/2/01)
OCEANSIDE
DAVISON AVENUE (TH 622/25) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 217 feet.
(Adopted 1/27/26) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159258
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 29-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 24th day of March 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 29-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 29-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159251
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion. Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 14th day of April 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations: ELMONT
LEHRER AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 110 feet north of the north curbline of Sweetman Avenue, north for a distance of 23 feet. (TH-55/26)
UNIONDALE
MACON PLACE - south side, starting at a point 75 feet east of the east curbline of Uniondale
Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-56/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: WEST HEMPSTEAD
OAK STREET - south side, starting at a point 207 feet east of the east curbline of Morton Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-324/24 - 9/17/24)
(TH-54/26)
GREENWAY SOUTHwest side, starting at a point 77 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 18 feet.
(TH-457/15 - 11/24/15)
(TH-75/26) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard in person on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159263
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR MLM 13648 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. PANTHER ENTERPRISES INC., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 305 Roosevelt Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 152 and Lot 5 & 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $859,190.66 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614107/2023.
Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee 516-510-4020
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:234193-1 159313
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstHALEY M. CURRY, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 11, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and HALEY M. CURRY, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 CONLON ROAD, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 55-527-20. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT (UNINCORPORATED) AREA IN THE TOWN HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604167/2021. Matin Emouna, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for
Chamber of Commerce social builds bonds
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Members of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce came together at Jeremy’s Ale House in Freeport on Thursday, March 26 for its Chamber of Commerce Social. The event provided participants with opportunities to network and socialize with fellow business owners in an informal capacity.
At the cost of $30 a person, which covered a food buffet and soda, the Chamber of Commerce, led by its president, Ben Jackson, had an enjoyable and productive evening getting to know their neighbors and community better.
“Our goal is to get new members, but it’s (also) networking within the village,” Jackson said. “Anybody can come out to this. It’s not a formatted meeting of any sort. It’s just people talk, business owners talk.”
The Chamber of Commerce hosts similar events about once a month, Jackson explained. Despite the organization being an entirely volunteer endeavor, Jackson believes that the current positive reception to events like this from current members can translate to garnering further interest from new businesses and existing Freeport businesses that are not already a part of the Chamber of Commerce.
“One of my goals is to kind of join North Freeport with South Freeport,” Jackson stated. “I grew up here my whole life, first in North Freeport, now in South Freeport, and it seems to be a divide, and I want to break that divide.”
Public Notices
Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159295
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NASSAU
BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST
COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS
MANAGEMENT SERIES
I TRUST, -againstFELICIA BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on July 10, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK
MELLON TRUST
COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES
I TRUST is the Plaintiff and FELICIA BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 4, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 189 EVANS AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 55-23-183. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of
filed Judgment Index No.: 617968/2019. Steven Losquadro, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159297
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, vs. LILLIE EDWARDS A/K/A LILLIE R. EDWARDS, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 15, 2015, a Short Form Order Substitute Referee duly entered on June 28, 2023 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly
entered on December 31, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Shonnard Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 223 and Lot 194. Approximate amount of judgment is $474,792.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014486/2012. Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159311
Jackson encourages business owners and other Freeport residents to continue supporting and looking into the local businesses in Freeport to further uplift and propel the village’s local economy and community.
For further information about the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, its events and initiatives, please visit their website, freeportchamberofcommerce. org, or contact them via email at Freeportchamber@gmail.com.
News briefs
66-year-old critically hurt in hit-and-run
The Nassau County Homicide Squad reports that a serious vehicular accident involving a 66-year-old pedestrian occurred on Wednesday, March 25, at 8:10 p.m. in Freeport.
According to Nassau detectives, the male pedestrian was crossing Merrick Road when he was struck by an unknown vehicle traveling eastbound. The victim sustained serious physical injuries and was transported to a local
area hospital where he is still in critical condition.
The identity of the driver or the vehicle involved is currently unknown. Nassau County detectives request that anyone with information regarding the incident contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.
–Andrew Francis
Roosevelt house fire displaces residents
At around 6:33 p.m. on March 19, the Roosevelt Fire Department responded to a two-story home on Pennsylvania Avenue in Roosevelt that had caught on fire. The fire was put out within 30 minutes and no injuries to residents or anyone else were reported.
Approximately 60 firefighters were on the scene, including first responders from the Freeport, Uniondale, Baldwin and North Merrick fire departments in addition to Roosevelt.
The American Red Cross was notified
to assist five adults, one child, two dogs and a cat that were displaced as a result of the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshal and Police Arson/Bomb Squad, according to Bohdan Pilczak, assistant chief fire marshal of Nassau County. The fire has been deemed non-suspicious by local authorities.
–Andrew Francis
Andrew Francis/Herald
The Freeport Chamber of Commerce continues to work towards building connections between Freeport businesses.
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Can we use a local architect for work
on a home in Boston?
Q. We own a home in Boston that needs a lot of work, and were wondering what to do about hiring an architect. We want to hire one who is familiar with the area, the codes and the building department, because we understand they are very strict there. We have a local friend who’s an architect, and he has gotten his “reciprocal” license in Massachusetts. How do you think we should handle this? Should we work with our friend, Zoom with a local architect or have them try to work together?
A. This is not an uncommon problem, but it’s all based on communication, as is most of what we deal with in our daily lives. It’s best to weigh the issues of how the communication will work, including the making of the plans, which are also the basis for your project and the most important communication tool.
Over the years I’ve seen where clients didn’t take the planning process seriously, thinking, and even saying, that they just want to get the permit to start the work. That approach generally leads to failure, with either the owner not getting what they want or causing problems along the way. For example, many people assume that the plans are a suggestion, a kind of open guide to the approximate outcome, and that they will just handle changes for what they really wanted during construction.
One recent client, who didn’t last very long, was in another city and, being in the medical field, said we could do Zoom meetings like they do in tele-health. Conversations fell apart immediately, because the building has major structural deterioration, and on my first walk-through, I had to order column supports to be installed immediately where collapse was imminent. The owner was told this, and that, at the very least, building plans would be absolutely necessary, detailing the exact remedy. But in order to prepare the structural plans, measuring of the building areas contributing loads and further investigation were necessary. The owner got very upset, because his contractor was ready to go and just needed to know what to do.
Having made medical appointments over the years to get one test in a particular hospital, and then shuttling to another site for another test, I realized this client just didn’t get it. His profession required all kinds of very specific testing, and his perception was that mine did not. Buildings are custom. They’re not kits. There are many ways that buildings, even homes, can fail, and we always want to prevent leaking, movement and subsequent damage, in addition to wanting to make the spaces function and be attractive. I would recommend working with your friend, and having him develop an agreement and relationship with the local professional who knows the area best, if possible. Otherwise I would work with the local professional, but arrange for in-person meetings. With issues and questions that happen during construction, you want a good team of people you can trust. Good luck!
Nassau County’s success story continues
With my second term as county executive underway, I’m proud to say that Nassau County’s future is bright. Like my first term, these coming years will be defined by a strong commitment to public safety, excellent economic growth that increases affordability for our residents, and expanded opportunities for business owners that will benefit everyone.
Growing our economy remains a top focus for my administration. After canceling a $150 million tax hike in my first year in office, I have not raised taxes for four consecutive years — a promise that I will keep in this year’s budget. Through smart financial management, we have earned an unprecedented seven bond upgrades and have been cited by Democratic State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as a county with no fiscal stress. Our local businesses are thriving, with minority- and women-owned business certifications increasing by 40 percent last year alone — a number I hope to
Araise even higher in 2026 and beyond.
Positive economic activity lets us invest in initiatives that matter to residents. We’ve restored local historical sites like the Roslyn Grist Mill, invested in cultural centers like the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum, in Hempstead, and upgraded local community hubs like Centennial Park, in Roosevelt. These are testaments to how a well-run government can provide for all of its residents.
since taking office, with more to come. We opened the state-of-the-art Harry Singh Bolla Police Training Village to give all of our officers, new and old, cutting-edge training to ensure that Nassau County remains a leader in public safety.
We’re focused on public safety, economic growth and business opportunities.
I’m proud to report that Nassau County remains the safest county in the United States, a distinction we owe to the courageous men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Corrections Department, the Probation Department, the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office. These dedicated professionals — along with emergency services personnel like our firefighters, EMS workers and fire marshals — work tirelessly for our security, and we cannot thank them enough.
My administration recognizes the importance of investing in public safety efforts. I’ve authorized the hiring of 600 new police and corrections officers
During my time in office, our emergency services staff has also grown, with more than 1,000 residents signing up to become volunteer firefighters. This year’s budget will expand the number of fire marshals and dispatchers, ensuring that we are prepared for anything that comes our way.
The good news is that our initiatives are already paying off. Major crimes have fallen by more than 10 percent in the past year, with huge declines in serious crimes like murder, rape, assault and robbery. In 2025 our police executed the largest drug bust and gang takedown in county history. Major investments in our battle to alleviate the opioid crisis led to a drop of more than 16 percent in overdose deaths last year. These results speak for themselves, and show that our policies are working.
My administration has also taken steps to protect our religious freedoms.
I recently signed a new law that prevents protesters from targeting churches, synagogues and mosques. Nassau County will always stand for the safety and rights of everyone who practices their religion here.
Our stance on immigration enforcement remains firm: Nassau County is not a sanctuary county. Collaborating with our federal partners has helped us remove dangerous and illegal criminals from our streets — many of whom come from known gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. I want to reiterate that all of our enforcement actions are targeted at criminals, not honest and hardworking people who enrich our communities. My administration is continuing to work on a guest-worker program to support law-abiding immigrants, many of whom are pillars of our business community.
Even as we continue to build on our successes, I know that there’s a lot of work ahead to keep us moving in the right direction, but my commitment to making Nassau County the safest, most affordable and healthiest place to live, work and raise a family remains strong. Thank you for helping to make us the best place to live in all of New York.
Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.
The privilege, and responsibility, of a free press
s deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, I am privileged to work alongside a staff of honest and creative reporters and editors who deliver the local news that you’re used to receiving. They embody what it means to be a strong journalist, acting with integrity and passion, which is reflected in every story we write and share with the communities that we love to cover.
The ethos I’m describing embodies the pillars of American journalism — a press that thrives on freedom and a drive to seek the truth and report it.
Many of my former colleagues — my good friends — have moved on from their time with the Herald to apply that passion in other media circuits, delivering more, albeit different, news to readers close to home and nationally, too. In a media climate so polarized, where it may feel difficult to decipher right from wrong and the truth from exaggerations, it’s important to remember that we are privileged to live in a
country where we can ask questions. We can challenge what we’re told. We can yearn for more than what appears in black and white.
A few weeks ago, I attended the 2026
Marie Colvin Distinguished Lecture at Stony Brook University, hosted by the school’s Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. The center was established in memory of Colvin, a fearless war correspondent who was raised on Long Island and died on the front lines of the Syrian civil war in 2012.
T his work matters, and we must never take our freedoms for granted.
The featured speaker was Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian politician and journalist who was arrested in Moscow in 2022 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for “high treason” for opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kara-Murza spent over two years in prison, including 11 months in solitary confinement. His release in 2024 was orchestrated by the Biden administration, and part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War.
For the writing he completed while in prison, Kara-Murza was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
He was the type of speaker who drew you in from the start, painting a bleak
picture of what it’s like to be a journalist in Russia, a place where independent media voices have been not only silenced but directly targeted for telling the truth. He named fellow writers — many of them friends — who were killed by the Russian government. Kara-Murza himself has survived two suspected poisonings in the past decade, marked for his relentless, fearless, truthful reporting. His opening thoughts captivated me. “There’s nothing dictatorships hate more than the truth,” he said, “and the first targets in that quest for absolute power are usually, almost always, independent media voices.”
In Russia, the press is never protected. In the U.S., by contrast, federal courts usually appear committed to upholding the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Just two weeks ago, federal courts ruled that the Pentagon’s newly implemented press policy, which bars news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release, is a violation of the amendment. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman wrote in his ruling that it was “more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspec-
tives about what the government is doing.” That, in essence, makes good journalism possible.
Kara-Murza made it clear that a democracy thrives only when its people put forth the effort to sustain it. He invoked Ben Franklin’s reminder that the United States was founded as “a republic, if you can keep it”— which resonates with renewed urgency.
I became a journalist because I love to write. I’m committed to upholding the values I believe in so strongly. Like my Herald colleagues, I love telling your stories, and I love diving into the important topics I believe you, our readers, deserve to know about.
I can’t say that I’m as courageous as Vladimir Kara-Murza, who embodies everything journalists should hope to be — fearless, principled, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth. But his story reminds me why this work matters, and why we must never take our freedoms for granted. Every day that we can report honestly, ask challenging questions, and share your stories is a privilege — one I never intend to lose sight of.
Jordan Vallone, the deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, is a graduate student in Stony Brook University’s School of Communications and Journalism. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
Incorporating the Freeport Leader in 2013
FrAncis
John LAibAch
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Smart housing reform needs local trust
New York’s housing crisis is undeniable. Rents are high, supply is tight and too many families are struggling to find a place to call home.
In response, Albany is advancing proposals like the REVIVE Act alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Let Them Build agenda — efforts designed to cut red tape and accelerate development.
The goal is right. The challenge is getting the approach right, too. At the heart of the debate is a familiar tension: how to build faster without sacrificing thoughtful planning and public trust.
It’s not just about process; it’s about trust. Residents are more likely to support new housing when they believe their voices are heard. Developers are more likely to invest when rules are consistent. And elected officials are more effective when they can balance urgency with accountability.
Supporters of reform make a compelling case. New York’s development process is notoriously slow and expensive. Reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review Act can stretch timelines by years, even for projects that ultimately pose little or no environmental risk.
According to state data, projects can take up to 56 percent longer to start compared with other states, and cost up to $45,000 per unit on Long Island. Those costs are usually passed on to renters and buyers. In a state where affordability is already a crisis, those inefficiencies matter.
The REVIVE Act seeks to address this by targeting underused commercial properties — shopping centers, office
letters
Keeping things in numerical perspective in the Middle East
To the Editor:
parks and large parking lots — and encouraging their conversion into housing. In concept, this is smart policy. Repurposing dormant or declining properties into vibrant residential communities can ease the housing shortage while revitalizing local economies.
But the concerns raised by local officials and residents are just as valid. Critics argue that the legislation could sideline local zoning authority, limit public hearings and reduce meaningful community input.
The inclusion of a “deemed approved” provision — allowing projects to move forward automatically if municipalities fail to act within an expedited timeline — is a flashpoint.
One side says projects would move forward without public hearings or meaningful community input. That might overstate the case, but it isn’t entirely off base. The proposal appears to compress timelines and shift leverage away from local governments. If those timelines are too tight, or if municipalities lack the resources to review complex proposals quickly, the result could be approvals by default rather than by design.
And what about the timeline itself? That remains a critical detail. Without clear and reasonable deadlines, “expedited” can quickly become “unworkable.” Municipal boards might need additional support to operate on stateimposed clocks. If they are rushed, oversight suffers. If they miss deadlines, community members may feel that decisions are being made for them, not with them.
Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss
With all the rhetoric being bandied about over the war in the Middle East, I would like to add something that rarely seems to enter into the discussion. That is the size of the various sides. My source is the 2025 World Almanac.
Israel has an area of approximately 8,470 square miles, which is about the size of the state of New Jersey. The West Bank and Gaza have a combined area of about 2,402 square miles, which is about the size of the city of Detroit and the state of Delaware.
The area of Israel’s near neighbors — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon — is just over 1.3 million square miles, or about one-third the size of the United States.
The population of Israel is just over 9.4 million. The population of the West Bank and Gaza is just
the need for reform altogether. Doing nothing is not an option. The current system is too slow, too costly and too unpredictable. Developers face uncertainty and communities can miss opportunities.
The answer lies not in choosing sides, but in combining the best ideas from both. New York should streamline environmental review for projects that consistently demonstrate minimal impact, particularly those on previously developed sites. It should set clear, enforceable timelines for decisions.
Those timelines, however, must be realistic, and paired with resources, training and technical assistance for local governments. The state’s proposal to modernize permitting and create a “permitting academy” is a step in the right direction.
At the same time, local decision-making must be preserved. Communities deserve a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to density, infrastructure and quality of life. Public hearings should not be eliminated, but they can be made more efficient and focused.
If “deemed approved” provisions are included, they must come with safeguards: flexibility for municipalities acting in good faith, transparency in the review process and mechanisms to ensure that projects meet clear standards before moving forward.
New York doesn’t need a rushed solution. It needs a smart one. Albany has an opportunity to get this right. By blending efficiency with oversight, and speed with community input, lawmakers can craft a housing policy that works for all.
Why I sued the state over youth mental health
For years, my son cody and I were known in court papers only by our initials. Today I am using my full name — as a Long Island mother, a family peer advocate and one of the formerly anonymous plaintiffs in c.K. v. McDonald. I joined this class action lawsuit to challenge new york state’s widespread failure to provide mental health services to children on Medicaid.
In January, a federal judge approved a settlement, and the state agreed to dramatically improve access to these services. It’s a measure of justice, but it is incomplete without investments in the struggling nonprofit providers who deliver this vital care to kids like cody.
cody needed help almost from the moment he entered this world. I worked as an early childhood educator, and I recognized the signs. By age 3, he was diagnosed with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and severe social anxiety; at 4 he was psychiatrically hospitalized. He struggled to function in school. From ages 10 to 12 he was in a residential treatment center, where he finally
Letters
under 5.4 million. The population of Israel’s near neighbors is 188.2 million. As a reference, the population of the United States is nearly 342 million.
There are rights and wrongs on both sides, but the constant drive to destroy Israel is not the correct solution to these issues.
LAwrence Levy Rockville Centre
Your opinion Matters
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
began to thrive. In 2019 cody was discharged and came home. He was supposed to receive home- and community-based mental health services to give him the tools to re-integrate. He was entitled to at-home therapy to manage his emotions, as well as crisis respite services — an alternative to hospitalization to provide stability during crises.
He received care through Medicaid, its access guaranteed by federal law. But the reality was different: Providers changed constantly, programs had waitlists and services disappeared without explanation.
wcate, I saw the chronic understaffing, the underfunding, and the burnout.
e can’t afford to continue neglecting the services our children need.
without consistent, medically necessary services, cody couldn’t handle the transition to home, and while lingering on waitlists, he had his first suicide attempt.
All the while, I was working inside the system. I took a job with wellLife network, a nonprofit mental health provider, as a supervisor of communitybased services and a family peer advocate. These advocates are an indispensable component of our behavioral health system. we provide care as parents of children with mental health issues. As such, we are trusted messengers when offering services like skill development. But working as an advo-
I knew that the system was failing, even as my family lived it personally. And we aren’t alone. Across the state, three in four Medicaid-eligible children who need outpatient behavioral health services are not receiving them. The disparities are similar on Long Island, and grow worse the closer you look. eighty-five percent of Medicaid-eligible children in our area are not receiving the outpatient clinical services they need, and nearly 500 more practitioners are needed to fill the gap.
without an investment for providers to expand services, children will lose out on programs that stabilize them before a crisis lands them in the hospital, or in handcuffs. we cannot afford to continue neglecting these services. Medicaid reimbursement rates for them have stagnated, even as costs have risen. nonprofit providers can’t pay competitive wages. Staff leave, caseloads grow, and some programs stop offering Medicaid services altogether.
I joined that lawsuit because I was fed up with a broken system. Alongside three other families, we charged that new york was violating Medicaid law by failing to provide required communi-
Framework by Tim Baker
ty-based services. As part of the settlement, new york must review long-inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates to improve services. But the settlement gives the state a yearslong runway, and families can’t wait for reform.
If new york is serious about meeting both its legal and moral responsibilities, lawmakers must act this budget season. Providers across the state are calling for a $200 million investment to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for children’s behavioral health services.
Unfortunately, the governor’s and the State Senate’s proposed budgets do not include new resources. The Assembly did include $20 million to improve reimbursement rates, but that is far short of the support that is needed.
without investment, the promises in the settlement risk becoming hollow. It may be too late to give my son back the years he lost, but it doesn’t have to be too late for others.
every child on Long Island and across the state deserves timely mental health care in their home and community. The settlement made clear that new york falls short. now our lawmakers must make the investment necessary to turn that legal victory into real change for families like mine.
Christina Hauptman is a family peer advocate and a New York state peer specialist on the Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team at Hands Across Long Island.
Cutting loose at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in front of St. Agnes Cathedral — Rockville Centre