Nearby: State Parks to Get Upgrades

State Parks to Get Playground Upgrades

Ten state parks on Long Island are slated to receive playground improvements under a plan announced by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesday. The  improvements will be funded with $1.35 million of Cuomo's "New York Works initiative." State parks scheduled to see the improvements include Bethpage, Brentwood State Park, Belmont Lake State Park, Heckscher State Park, Hempstead Lake State Park, and several on the East End.

Mercy Hospital Seeking Cancer Research Participants

Mercy Medical Center is seeking local residents to participate in an historic study that, according to a release, "has the potential to change the face of cancer for future generations." Men and women between the ages of 30 and 65, who have never been diagnosed with cancer, are needed to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) that will enroll a diverse population of up to a half-million people across the United States and Puerto Rico to help researchers to better understand the lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Northport Joins Opposition to Kings Park Power Plant

The Northport Village Board has joined the opposition to a proposed power plant on 14.4 acres in Kings Park siting environmental and health concerns, as well as the need to make use of existing facilities such as the Northport power plant. Maryland-based Competitive Power Ventures submitted a proposal to the Long Island Power Authority to build a 400 megawatt natural gas-powered power generation facility on Townline Road in Kings Park in the beginning of this year. The proposal is among 28 other on-Island proposals that LIPA is considering. More information is available here.

Westhampton Bakery No Longer Kosher

The Beach Bakery — the only kosher eatery in Westhampton Beach — will no longer be serving kosher goods. The decision comes, said bakery owner Simon Jorna, after a disagreement with the Hampton Synagogue, which Jorna said he had enjoyed a great relationship with for 20 years. The last straw came, after he learned that the synagogue had hired another company for one of their events, paying them more than they paid the Beach Bakery all year, Jorna explained.

Officials Tout Shellfish Farming Leases

Plucking names out of a metal spinner, Town of Islip officials Tuesday took the next step in their mission to revitalize the Great South Bay and pump some much needed money into town coffers. The purpose of Tuesday's event at Islip Beach was to determine a site selection order for 17 potential bay bottom lease holders. Thirteen new sites, ranging in size from 1-5 acres next to Captree Island, are set to be leased out by the Town at a price of $750 an acre a year.