Curran opens new district offces News brief

Assemblyman Brian Curran is making himself feel at home in his new district office at 74 N. Village Ave. in Rockville Centre. The location, which previously belonged to former state Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, will now serve as the local headquarters for Curran.

“Let me be very honest, I did not have a choice,” Curran said with regard to the new location. “The Assembly has the final say about where your office is located. They are not approving any relocation of any assembly office right now because of redistricting.”

Curran said that if the state were to allow somebody to move their office into another area, there was a strong possibility that due to the redistricting, the offices might have been outside of the new district lines.

“But I have to tell you, I love these offices,” he said. “It’s really convenient for foot traffic. Parking is a little bit tough, but you know, we’ve been working with the village which has been outstanding.”

Curran recently held an open house at his new district offices to welcome constituents and other elected officials from the communities he represents.

Because of the election being so close and the subsequent recount that followed, his camp was not able to get into the office until Jan. 2. In the weeks since taking office, they already have accumulated about 50 constituent files.

“They range from anything from tax rebates to arranging able rides, to problems with food stamps, and a big one is how we are going to go about tackling the airplane noise,” Curran said.

Constituent hours are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with weekend hours available by appointment.

“The most important thing is

Two officers injured on duty

Two police officers with the Rockville Centre Police Department were injured in the line of duty, while responding to a 9-1-1 call regarding a domestic dispute along Old Mill Court on Feb. 1.

According to court documents provided by the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, when officers arrived they found the suspect, Kevin Bell, 38, was intoxicated on PCP.

When approached by the responding officers, Bell refused to obey their demands to drop the pen and glass pipe from his hands.

Police said in their deposition that Bell was holding the instrument in a threatening manner before he began to violently swing his arms and kick his legs, causing himself and the two responding officers to fall to the ground.

Authorities also said that while on the ground, Bell continued to violently kick and swing his arms until he was ultimately apprehended and handcuffed. He was subsequently arrested by RVCPD at the scene and was charged with two felony counts of assault.

the ability to come in here and speak with a person to tell them the problem,” Curran said. “We make phone calls, while that person is sitting right there to try and get it moving right off the bat.” During session, while Curran is up in Albany, his staff will remain on site to help with any constituent issues. Meanwhile his Albany office will remain at work when he is in the district to help with any legislative concerns.

–Daniel Offner

During the struggle, Police Officer Crosby sustained an injury to his right hand, and Police Officer Gonzalez sustained injuries to his right leg, right hand, and to the right side of his face. Both injuries reportedly caused substantial pain, swelling and bruising.

Both officers were taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital in Oceanside and treated for their injuries.

Bell was arraigned before Nassau County Judge Michael Montesano on Feb. 2. He was charged with assault with intent to prevent specified person from performing lawful duty, a violent felony. He is currently out on bail.

He is due back in the courtroom on Feb. 28.

–Daniel Offner