Patch Sits Down With Legislator Judy Jacobs

Judy Jacobs, D-Woodbury, enters her 16th year as the Nassau Legislator for the 16th District, which includes Syosset.

Syosset Patch spoke to Jacobs recently about issues that are on the table for 2011.

Nassau’s Finances

Many of the issues certainly aren’t new. For example, struggles over Nassau County’s financial situation. 

A Jan. 20 deadline passed last week, in which Nassau officials had to provide the Nassau Interim Finance Authority (NIFA) with details on the 2011 county budget. NIFA was created in 2000 and oversees the county’s finances. Current members of NIFA have said they have questions about the spending plan, and they could decide to take control of the county’s finances if there’s a one percent deficit. The county executive has said repeatedly that the budget is balanced.

But the situation is a concern to Jacobs.

“I know NIFA very well, having served as presiding officer [from 2000-2007]…I think the questions come from the fact that NIFA wants black and white figures," Jacobs said. "When you say something’s balanced, that’s concrete revenue coming in. I think the problem with the budget as it stands right now, is, a lot of it is conjecture, a lot of it is wishful thinking…and bonding.”

When NIFA was created, “we were near bankruptcy,” she said, adding that “through those ten years, we received 13 bond upgrades… it would be really sad in my estimation, if after all that work, we end up in a control board status.”

And, she thinks there’s a chance that could happen. Jacobs said if NIFA were to take control, it might not be too different for the general public but she added that for county workers, salaries could be frozen; and there are questions as to whether NIFA could change union contracts. 

She said she hopes it won’t come to that.

Jackson Avenue Update

Another ongoing topic of particular interest to Syosset, is the Jackson Avenue improvement project.

“I’ve worked on this for 10 years,” Jacobs said. “It’s a ‘must’ to get done.”

Jacobs seemed optimistic that action is just down the road. She said the Town of Oyster Bay now owns the road between Jericho Turnpike and the railroad tracks, and the town and the county are each putting in three million dollars for the project. 

Jacobs was reluctant to give a starting date.

“I think people are getting tired of hearing when, because every time we come out with a deadline date, we pass it," Jacobs said. "But…supposedly when the weather breaks in March, the ground will be broken.”

Another thing she mentioned traffic-wise, is that a traffic light is “desperately needed” at the intersection of Cold Spring Road and Syosset-Woodbury Road. 

Cerro Wire Property

“The future use of the Cerro wire property is another major concern,” Jacobs said, noting that the issue just keeps coming back year after year. “I’m a legislator in my 16th year. I think I first met with the owners of that property 19 years ago and there’s still no solution."

“I feel that a mall is not the proper use for the property," Jacobs said. "In my estimation, a mall would detract from the major businesses we have in Plainview and Syosset, which keep these communities alive and vital.”

Jacobs added that she does not think mall opponents are people who are simply against change.

“Honestly, I don’t think anyone is looking at it just for the sake of objecting, everybody is looking at it, as what would be the best use for the future livability of the Syosset community," Jacobs said. 

Other Issues 

Speaking of livability, Jacobs talked about the need for economic growth and affordable housing on Long Island, and mentioned the fact that Syosset has already done some smart growth with the construction of  apartments over stores near the railroad tracks. 

She also praised the Jacobs said it was small when she first became a legislator, and that she helped rejuvenate it. She says the chamber helps the community and has become “one of the most successful chambers in Nassau County.”

Jacobs, a mother and grandmother,  plans to run for re-election this year. She said her favorite part of being a legislator is “being a voice for the people of my district…interacting with people, which I love the most of all, being out in the community and being known as a friend to them, and giving honest answers…"

“Everyone may not always agree with what you say, but they know it comes from your heart,” Jacobs said. “I’m very honored and privileged they’ve allowed me to be their voice.”