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Vol. 26 No. 10
Talking diversity and inclusion
Peter King: A return to D.C.
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Page 27 $1.00
MARCH 2 - 8, 2023
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Election Results Michael Giangregorio
69%
Robert Miles
41%
Giangregorio wins special election By MiCHAel MAlAsZCZYK & MoHAMeD FARGHAlY of the Herald
Jordan Vallone/Herald
AN exTeNsiVe sToRM resiliency project was recently completed to prevent Meadowbrook Creek from flooding. The creek — which is one of many tributaries that run north toward Westbury — empties into Merrick Bay, near Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve. Above, a view of the waterway at the preserve’s kayak launch.
Storm resiliency project protects Merrick homes, infrastructure By JoRDAN VAlloNe jvallone@liherald.com
New York state’s Homes and Community Renewal office recently announced the completion of a storm resiliency project in Merrick along Meadowbrook Creek, also known in some areas as East Meadow Brook. The project will mitigate damage caused by flooding and excessive rainfall in future severe storms, in neighborhoods along the westernmost parts of the hamlet. According to the state, Meadowbrook Creek experienced heavy rain, winds and severe flooding during Hurricane Irene in 2011. The following year, Superstorm Sandy caused even more
damage, with a storm surge of over 10 feet at high tide, which inundated waterfront neighborhoods in the area. Dozens of homes along the creek corridor were damaged, and the community also suffered power outages. Roads that served as evacuation routes were blocked by flooding, preventing residents and first responders from getting into or out of the area. The project included several sustainable green infrastructure initiatives to reduce flooding, manage stormwater and minimize damage during future weather events. Permeable pavement and rain gardens were installed along several streets in Merrick, including Webster, Continued on page 4
Michael Giangregorio will succeed Steve Rhoads on the Nassau County legislature, earning 59 percent of the Tuesday’s special election vote. When he takes office after the election is fully certified Giangregorio will allow Republicans to maintain their firm control over the chamber. “I’ve met so many people through campaigning and I look forward to meeting many more of my constituents and representing everyone, and being a voice for those who may not have one in government,” Giangregorio said. Rhoads leaves this seat the way he found it — through a special election. The district it represents spans from a portion of Freeport, starting at Woodcleft Avenue, all the way to Seaford. It includes the southern parts of Wantagh, Seaford, Bellmore and Merrick. Rhoads first won the seat in 2015 when Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat, resigned after being convicted of mail fraud. Rhoads’s exit was much more dignified: he was
elected to the state Senate, defeating incumbent John Brooks in last November’s general election. “I want to cong ratulate Michael on a great race and I wish him luck,” Robert Miles said, conceding the race to Giangregorio. “I want to thank the Democratic Party and all of our volunteers for their work and support. And I will continue to work to bring important reforms to the Nassau County government.” Miles will keep his job as an attorney for the legislature’s Minority Caucus, so he will not be disappearing from county politics. “I am looking forward to hitting the ground running representing the people of my district,” Giangregorio said. “Working with the majority in the legislature to improve the quality of life for those living in Nassau County to keep taxes low, to keep our streets safe. And to keep what I moved to Long Island to find, which was a good suburban life full of community. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is a community. So thank you all from the bottom of my heart for this honor. I promise that I will earn it for everyone in my district.”