The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced a long-anticipated proposal to rescind federal limits on certain toxic "forever chemicals" in drinking water, established two years ago by the Biden administration, a move New York has sought to neutralize. Tracy Tullis and Laura Figueroa report in NEWSDAY that the Trump administration plans to roll back restrictions on four types of these chemicals, known as PFAS. Another proposed rule would allow water suppliers to request two more years to comply with limits on two other PFAS compounds, PFOS and PFOA. Water suppliers were initially given until 2029 to meet the standards under the Biden-era plan, but they will now be eligible for an extension to 2031.

PFAS — or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — have been used in thousands of industrial and consumer products, from nonstick pans to artificial turf to fast food wrappers. There are tens of thousands of PFAS compounds, very few of which are regulated, and they do not easily break down — thus the term "forever chemicals." They enter groundwater when they are washed down the drains of ordinary households and when they leach from landfills where such products are dumped. High concentrations flow from industrial sites such as airports and firefighter training facilities.

When PFAS leach into soil and water they poison wildlife and farm animals; they also accumulate in the tissues of humans when they ingest them in water or food.

Researchers have found long-term exposure to PFAS, even in tiny amounts, increases the risk of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, developmental problems in infants and children and other health problems.

Many districts across Long Island have been installing filtering systems to remove the chemicals, which are highly effective but costly.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the former congressman from Shirley, Long Island, defended the proposed rules during an event at EPA headquarters in Washington on Monday, where he argued the Biden administration regulations were "rushed out the door." He said water suppliers across the country, particularly in rural areas, were raising concerns about meeting the original compliance deadline.

"The water systems were given deadlines that many of them have communicated to us that they were going to have trouble meeting, and we left the rule open to be struck down in court," Zeldin said at a roundtable on PFAS where he was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The New York State legislature is considering a bill that would codify the regulations that the Trump administration seeks to roll back.

***

Riverhead Town Board members repeatedly defended a proposed eminent domain taking of the former Swezey’s building Wednesday night during a contentious public hearing that exposed sharp divisions over the future of downtown redevelopment, the town square project and the Long Island Science Center’s stalled plans for the property.

Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the nearly three-hour hearing on the proposed condemnation of 111 E. Main Street in Riverhead frequently blurred the line between public testimony and board debate, with board members openly rebutting critics, questioning speakers and arguing the merits of condemnation from the dais.

Riverhead Town officials argued the long-vacant building is a critical piece of the town square project and must be brought under town control to ensure proper flood mitigation and “activation” of the downtown public space. Opponents countered that the town had failed to identify a specific public use for the property and accused officials of using eminent domain powers to advance broader redevelopment interests.

“This is not about the science center,” Council Member Joann Waski said during the hearing. “This is about 111 East Main Street.”

The hearing was held under New York State’s Eminent Domain Procedure Law, which requires municipalities to hold a public hearing before condemning private property. No decision was made Wednesday on whether to proceed with condemnation. The board voted at the end of the hearing to close oral testimony while leaving the record open for written comments for 10 days.

The property was purchased in 2020 by A Place for Learning Inc., a nonprofit corporation that operates as the Long Island Science Center, for a proposed downtown science center and planetarium project. Town officials initially supported the plan enthusiastically as part of the broader downtown revitalization effort.

Under New York State law, the Riverhead Town Board will have up to 90 days after the hearing record closes to decide whether to move forward with condemnation proceedings.

***

Southold Town Historian Amy Folk will discuss “What Happened in Southold During the American Revolution” at a 10 a.m. talk tomorrow morning at the East Marion Community Association’s annual meeting in the East Marion Firehouse.

Amy Folk serves as the official Town of Southold Historian. She oversees the town's historical records, assists with genealogical research, and manages various local archival collections. Her passion for North Fork history has led her to compile rich stories of local participation in the American Revolution. Everyone knows how American patriots fought the British and won during the American Revolution. But do you know what happened in Southold during the war?

Join Amy Folk tomorrow at 10 a.m. in the East Marion Firehouse where she’ll discus “What Happened in Southold During the American Revolution” Admission is free.

***

Sag Harbor will be commemorating the 249th anniversary of the Meigs Raid by American Continental Army forces on the village, which was then occupied by the British, throughout this weekend, with reenactments of the raid by the Third New York Regiment centered on the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum. Tomorrow’s event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum at 200 Main Street.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that the Meigs Raid (also known as the Battle of Sag Harbor) was a military raid by American Continental Army forces, under the command of Connecticut Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs, on a British Loyalist foraging party at Sag Harbor, New York on May 24, 1777, during the American Revolutionary War. Six Loyalists were killed and 90 captured while the Americans suffered no casualties. The raid was made in response to a successful British raid on Danbury, Connecticut in late April that was opposed by American forces in the Battle of Ridgefield.

On Meigs Raid Weekend, The Whaling Museum will be invaded by a host of Revolutionary War reenactors. Members of the Third New York Regiment, Long Island’s premier reenactment group, will be encamped on the museum grounds and conduct demonstrations of drill and musket firing throughout the day. This 18th Century encampment, including canvas dining fly, troop tents and officer’s quarters, Continental Army soldiers, their wives, and other camp followers dressed in period clothing will transport visitors back centuries for an experience not to be missed. The camp is interactive and open to the public from the opening of the Museum to closing.

Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that the Sag Harbor Historical Museum, Preservation Long Island and the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation are also teaming up for a day of fun on Saturday. Their event - “Revolutionary Days” – is at the Custom House, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., right next door to the Whaling Museum in Sag Harbor.

***

Men’s recreational outdoor soccer leagues in Latino communities have flourished on Long Island over the last few decades. But this year a pall is hanging over the fields as the federal government's immigration crackdown has made many players afraid to come out for games, organizers said.

Bart Jones and Gregg Sarra report in NEWSDAY that some teams are folding for lack of numbers, while some leagues have postponed the starts of their seasons. Even fans are staying away.

"They’re scared to come to the soccer fields," said Miguel Flores, who has been running the Brentwood Soccer League since 1990. Other than the COVID-19 pandemic, when they had to shut down entirely, he’s never seen anything like it, he said. "All the leagues are suffering."

In Riverhead, which usually has 14 teams, the league is down to nine, said its president, Paul Villafranco, who called the drop "a big hit."

Some leagues have lost entire teams or delayed the starts of their seasons because of low numbers.

The decline in participation is lamented by organizers who contend the hugely popular soccer leagues provide a healthy outlet for young men, offer a family-oriented weekend activity and even serve as a lynchpin for communities when tragedy hits.

"It's bad, because a lot of young men are staying home instead of being in a park and enjoying soccer," Hempstead Soccer League President Robinson Barralaga told Newsday in Spanish.

While immigration agents have conducted numerous raids and arrests in Brentwood over the past year, according to advocates, they have not raided the soccer fields, Flores said. But many players are still suffering from what he called "the fear factor." Many worry they will get stopped at checkpoints on the way to games. They often travel together in vans or other vehicles, making them feel particularly vulnerable as a target, he said.

***

Shelter Island Friends of Music presents Junction Piano Trio performing music by Dvorak, Zorn, and Beethoven this coming Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church.

Admission Free.

There will be a post-concert reception with the musicians.

Comprised of violinist Stefan Jackiw, cellist Jay Campbell, and pianist Conrad Tao, the Junction Trio is known for its adventurous spirit and electrifying ensemble chemistry. Their performances combine intellectual rigor with expressive warmth, offering audiences programs that range from the classical core to daring new works.

That’s Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church.

For further info visit: sifriendsofmusic.org/

***

Scheduled plans for commemorating Memorial Day this coming Monday have been posted by Beth Young in EAST END BEACON. Here are events scheduled for the north and south forks. All on Memorial Day - Monday, May 25, 2026.

• Orient’s Memorial Day Parade starts at the Orient Firehouse on Route 25 at 7 a.m., and goes down Tabor Road, Orchard Street, Navy Street, Village Lane and then back up to Route 25 and the firehouse for refreshments.
• Greenport Scouts host their Memorial Day Parade starting at 8 a.m. from the Adams Street Parking Lot, down Main and Front streets to the commercial fishing dock on Third Street for a memorial service.
• The Riverhead CVA Memorial Day Parade begins at 9 a.m., traveling from Osborn Avenue and Pulaski Street, to the World War I monument on the corner of Court Street and West Main Streets, then eastward on Main Street to East Avenue, north to St. John’s Cemetery, then to the Civil War monument in Riverhead Cemetery, concluding at the at the World War II Monument at Pulaski Street School.
• Sag Harbor American Legion Chelberg and Battle Post 388 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9082 will observe Memorial Day with their annual parade to honor our Nation’s fallen. The parade, which will step off at 9 AM from the World War I Memorial at Otter Pond at the corner of Main Street and Jermain Avenue, where the poem, In Flanders Fields, will be read among the Memorial Field of Poppies planted by the Auxiliary. The parade will proceed north through the village, stopping at war memorials, the Main Street Firehouse, and the Lance Cpl. Jordan Haerter Veterans’ Memorial Bridge, where wreaths will be placed, before concluding at Marine Park, where wreaths are thrown into the bay for those lost at sea.
• The Sag Harbor Community Band will perform. Veterans, Scouts, the American Legion Auxiliary, and public officials are expected to participate. A reception will follow at the American Legion on Bay Street. All are welcome!
• East Hampton Memorial Day Services & Parade are planned for 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
• For ” Lost at Sea” Ceremony. Participants meet at East Hampton American Legion Post #419 at (0800) before 0900 beach ceremony. Memorial Day Parade IMMEDIATELY following “Lost at Sea” ceremony, all participants flow to parade start point (David’s Lane & Rt 27 by church) for a 10 a.m. step off. Memorial Day Remarks and “Missing Man” Ceremony. at 1100 after parade on Windmill Green Vet’s Memorial. Social activities to follow after ceremonies at American Legion Post 419 in East Hampton Village.
• North Fork Memorial Day Parade in Mattituck starts with a ceremony at the monument at Pike Street and Wickham Avenue at 9:30 a.m., followed by 10 a.m. parade. Starting line up on Pike Street and march west on Pike Street, left onto Pacific Street, left onto Route 25 and left onto Wickham, ending back at the Fire Department.
• Southampton Village Memorial Day Service & Parade begins with a short parade at 10:30 a.m. from the First Presbyterian Church at 2 South Main Street down Jobs Lane, into Agawam Park for an 11 a.m. ceremony. Presented by Village of Southampton Commission on Veterans Patriotic Events.
• And on Monday afternoon the Calverton National Cemetery Memorial Day Service is scheduled for 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

State aid to Long Island schools is expected to total $5.5 billion for the 2026-27 school year, with most districts receiving at least a 2% increase in foundation aid, according to a Newsday analysis of state data.

The majority of school districts in Nassau and Suffolk will get more funding from the state for the next school year, according to aid runs published yesterday, the day after Long Island voters approved 118 local budget proposals. Five failed and one district had not yet released results as of last night.

The districts that are to see the highest jumps in state aid in Suffolk County are Amagansett (35.58%) and Montauk (23.62%). Five Suffolk districts are expected to see a dip in funding: Eastport-South Manor (-2.06%), Rocky Point (-1.71%), and Connetquot (-1.35%).

Dandan Zou and Michael R. Ebert report in NEWSDAY that school officials said the latest aid figures did not come with any big surprises as most districts had anticipated receiving at least a 2% increase. However, they wished the news had arrived sooner.

The NYS budget was due April 1 but lawmakers did not begin voting on budget bills until yesterday. School districts, meanwhile, had to present their budgets to voters on Tuesday, requiring them to guesstimate how much revenue they would get from the state.

“We finally know what our state aid package is the day after our communities voted on our budgets. It's insane,” said Tim Eagen, president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association. “Thankfully it landed where we had anticipated it would.”

Bob Vecchio, executive director of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association, said the 2% increase is better than the 1% jump that Gov. Kathy Hochul had proposed in January but still isn’t enough.

Total school aid for Long Island districts will grow by $230 million, or 4.35%, but Vecchio said that funding increase includes an additional $54 million in universal prekindergarten grants, as well as reimbursements for building projects. Foundation aid, the single largest source of state financial support for public schools, is considered "new money," he said.

Foundation aid will rise to nearly $4 billion — a 3.51%, or $134 million, increase for 2026-27 from the current school year.

In Nassau and Suffolk counties, 80 out of 121 districts would receive the minimum 2% increase in foundation aid. (Sagaponack and Wainscott districts receive funding under a different formula; New Suffolk is non-instructional.)

***

Firefighters from multiple departments were on the scene yesterday to put out a fire at Dockers Waterside Marina and Restaurant on Dune Road in East Quogue.

The East Quogue Fire Department was the first department on the scene at 3:53 p.m. after those at the restaurant, which was closed Wednesday, smelled smoke, according to Dockers owner Larry Hoffman. Members of the Hampton Bays, North Sea, Quogue, Southampton and Westhampton Beach fire departments, as well as the Hampton Bays and Southampton Village ambulance, soon arrived. The fire was deemed under control 30 minutes later.

Dan Stark reports on 27east.com that the fire was contained and a majority of the damage was limited to the interior, with exterior damage occurring on the eastern facing side, according to Southampton Town Chief Fire Marshal John Rankin. A firefighter said that the kitchen and bar areas were heavily damaged. Nobody was injured.

The cause of the fire has not been determined yet and an investigation is underway, according to East Quogue Fire Department Chief Glenn Bullock.

***

Shelter Island Friends of Music presents Junction Piano Trio performing music by Dvorak, Zorn, and Beethoven this coming Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. in the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church.

Admission Free.

There will be a post-concert reception with the musicians.

Comprised of violinist Stefan Jackiw, cellist Jay Campbell, and pianist Conrad Tao, the Junction Trio is known for its adventurous spirit and electrifying ensemble chemistry. Their performances combine intellectual rigor with expressive warmth, offering audiences programs that range from the classical core to daring new works.

That’s this Sunday at 6 p.m. in the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church.

For further info visit sifriendsofmusic.org/

***

Like it or not, the summer season is here — and the new traffic patterns on County Road 39 in Southampton are about to be truly tested.

Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that the Town of Southampton last fall embarked on a still somewhat experimental redesign of the travel lanes along notoriously congested County Road 39, known on maps as the “Southampton Bypass,” in particular between the intersections with North Main Street and Tuckahoe Lane.

The new patterns are meant to mimic — in part — the experiment from the spring of 2025, in which the town turned off some County Road 39 traffic signals which allowed traffic to flow freely. The effort was perceived as successful at moving traffic west much faster than the usual crawl.

But it was far too expensive, costing somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000 a week for the four hours each weekday the lights were turned off and intersections were manned by police and Highway Department staff to ensure safety.

So two of the lights — Magee Street and Tuckahoe Road — have returned to their usual red-yellow-green cycle. But to allow the town to keep the light at the Sandy Hollow Road merge green for both cars coming off Sandy Hollow and the County Road 39 traffic approaching from the east, the town has restriped lanes on both roads to create single lanes of westbound traffic that can come together without having to alternate who proceeds west.

As was done with cones last spring, the town convinced Suffolk County Department of Public Works to restripe County Road 39 west of the North Sea Road intersection, just west of the Burger King, to force traffic to merge from two lanes down to one.

That has caused a new congestion — though whether it is any worse than what was there before is a matter of debate.

The traffic on County Road 39 between North Sea Road and North Main Street has also been restricted to a single lane recently, to reduce the clog of cars rushing into the area ahead of the Burger King merge with each green light cycle.

But that constriction has worsened the back-ups at the eastern end of County Road — the junction of 27 and 27A {“the turn”} where Montauk Highway and Flying Point Road feed onto the bypass — which have extended on some days through the intersection and east on Montauk Highway as far as back as Hank’s Pumpkintown, and sometimes Head of Pond Road in Water Mill.

The effort has trade-offs, Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Charlie McArdle conceded, and he said the town is still making adjustments as they learn what impacts come with which changes and working with the county on ways to make small improvements where they can.

***

More Long Island schools were named to the Advanced Placement honor roll for 2025, and the number of schools that earned the highest ranking rose by one-third, according to the College Board, which administers the tests.

Lorena Mongelli and Michael R. Ebert report in Newsday that across Nassau and Suffolk, 110 schools received either platinum, gold, silver or bronze awards — up from 107 in 2024. Eight earned spots on the honor roll for the first time.

And of the 110 on the list, 23 schools notched platinum awards, compared with 17 the year prior, according to a Newsday analysis.

Some Long Island educators said they have expanded course offerings and sought to make classes more accessible for all students. They argued that the advanced coursework remains relevant, despite a move away from standardized testing — with the state poised to drop its Regents graduation requirement in 2027, and many colleges making SAT and ACT scores optional for admission. AP exams, they said, offer students a less expensive way to potentially earn college credit, while the rigorous coursework prepares them for higher learning.

Studies have found that taking AP coursework helps students excel at four-year colleges.

But some experts say low-income students and students of color are not equally represented in the program.

***

The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum will host a Colonial Village Living History Festival this coming Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate America250 and commemorate the historic Meigs Raid, also known as the Battle of Sag Harbor, when Continental Army forces raided British Loyalists occupying Sag Harbor during the American Revolution. You’re invited to join a free, family-friendly, immersive experience as the 3rd New York Regiment recreates an 18th century Continental Army encampment and conducts military drills throughout the day. Watch and interact with historic tradespeople dressed in period clothing as they demonstrate trades and crafts such as blacksmithing, basket weaving, bread making, cooking, spinning, embroidery, medicine making, children’s games, period music, native regalia and jewelry making, wampum making, and more!

For more info regarding this weekend’s “Revolutionary Days” celebration in Sag Harbor visit Sagharborhistoricalmuseum.org.

***

Suffolk County police are using a new drug-testing kit to determine whether drivers may be impaired by cannabis and other drugs. John Asbury reports in NEWSDAY that police are using three of the saliva-testing kits, known as SoToxa, in a pilot program to test drivers with a swab to determine the recent use of marijuana, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and opiates.

"It's everywhere around the roads ... I think that makes people nervous, and it should, because that means that there are people out there in their cars smoking marijuana, and therefore, very likely impaired," Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said yesterday. "Our ability to determine that is hampered by the fact that there is no legal level of marijuana intoxication or impairment, so until that's established, it's very difficult for police in general to make an arrest in a case like that."

Suffolk County is one of the first downstate departments to use the technology.

The police department has been training its highway officers to use the swab kits, which can give an indication of "recent use" of certain drugs within about 10 minutes. Police can then call a trained drug recognition expert to determine if a driver is impaired in order to make an arrest.

Police said the test is voluntary, and unlike a drunken-driving arrest, rejecting a test without a warrant does not lead to an automatic driver’s license suspension.

Catalina and district attorney officials said the new saliva test would help identify impaired drivers and the department would explore buying more testing kits.

Nassau County police said they were testing the saliva kits, but they were not deployed with officers.

Defense attorneys have argued against the saliva tests, contending the roadside tests are not admissible in court until they are confirmed by a lab or with a blood test.

The Suffolk County district attorney’s office called on state legislators to pass a provision in the NYS budget known as the "Deadly Driving Bill." It would expand the number of drugs that could be prosecuted under impaired driving laws.

At least five Long Island school budget proposals failed to garner enough voter support yesterday while 115 others won approval, according to early returns last night. As reported by NEWSDAY, in Suffolk County, Three Village failed to win a simple majority, meaning more than 50% of voter support Tuesday. The outcome was 2,051-2,340 in Three Village. Results for the remaining four Long Island school districts were still pending by midnight.

Also in Suffolk, Bayport-Blue Point, Islip and South Country failed. The districts were three of seven on Long Island seeking a tax cap override, meaning they needed a 60% supermajority to pass.

Voters greenlit the proposals in Greenport and Shelter Island which had also sought to pierce their tax caps.

With a result of 398-153, Greenport had a 72% passage rate.

Greenport Superintendent Beth Doyle thanked voters in a statement last night: “This budget allows us to continue supporting our students while taking important steps toward long-term fiscal stability.”

Shelter Island’s budget was approved by a vote of 549-256. Voters last year rejected the Shelter Island tax cap override request but approved it this year with a 68% passage rate.

“We deeply appreciate the trust placed in the District as we work to balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining the high-quality educational opportunities our students deserve,” stated Shelter Island Superintendent Brian Doelger.

***

It appears all east end school districts passed their budgets yesterday.

On the south fork, long time local teacher Margaret “Midge” H. Fowler ousted incumbent Germain L. Smith in a 601-342 vote for one seat on the Southampton School Board.

As reported on 27east.com, Southampton School District voters approved, 722 to 211, a $84.5 million budget with a nearly $65.5 million tax levy.

Voters also passed all of the propositions, which will authorize a number of capital projects, including capital repairs and technology upgrades.

The last six propositions will authorize the district to contract with The Water Mill Museum for $125,000, the Parrish Art Museum for $461,700, the Southampton History Museum for $290,000, the Southampton Youth Association for $500,000, the Southampton Arts Center for $175,000 and the Southampton African American Museum for $125,000, and levy taxes for the 2026-27 school year.

In neighboring Tuckahoe, Sam Kelly – a Southampton High School Class of 2000 graduate - beat longtime incumbent Bob Grisnik in the Tuckahoe Common School District Board of Trustees election, 142-58. Grisnik will finish his 40th year as trustee in June.

Voters also approved the Tuckahoe School district’s nearly $26.4 million budget in a 157-54 vote. An additional three propositions also passed, which will authorize a number of capital projects and levy funds for the Southampton Youth Association and the Parrish Art Museum.

***

Tonight - County Road 39 in Southampton will be closed to through traffic between Tuckahoe Lane and Shrubland Road from 8 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. tomorrow for the construction of the pedestrian bridge linking the Stony Brook Southampton college campus and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the U.S. Open next month.

Starting tonight at 8 p.m. westbound traffic will be detoured south on Tuckahoe Lane to Montauk Highway and eastbound traffic will be detoured north onto Shrubland Road and Sebonac Road to get around the closure.

Residents and employees of businesses between the detour points will be allowed to use the closed stretches of roadway but will not be able to pass Tuckahoe Road where the construction is taking place at any point.

***

With the LIRR strike settled on Monday night, South Fork Commuter Connection service was set to resume its normal schedule today. The South Fork Commuter Connection {SFCC} is a coordinated train and bus service offered on weekdays on the Long Island Rail Road’s Montauk Branch where upon exiting at stations between Montauk and Speonk, riders board buses to and from nearby businesses.

Dan Stark reports on 27east.com that many in East Hampton Town government, and in the private sector in town, use the SFCC. In April alone, the service carried over 2,100 passengers over 22 days of service, said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez.

"It just demonstrated how much our community and our town government depend on reliable public transportation, as we had a number of folks battling the traffic and others working remotely from home," Burke-Gonzalez said at a Town Board work session yesterday.

Meanwhile, MTA and union sources told NEWSDAY on Tuesday that the agreement reached between managers and LIRR labor leaders to end the strike represented a middle ground between the sides' long-held negotiating positions. The final deal pays workers 4.5% in raises in the fourth year. It also extends the contract six weeks…so it won’t expire until August 2027…less than a year and a half from now.

The agreement still has to be ratified by union members and the MTA Board.

LIRR President Rob Free during a press conference Tuesday morning said, “Through negotiations we were able to find a common ground to come to an agreement,” Free said. “A contract they feel [union members] can ratify and something we know wouldn’t cause a financial burden to the taxpayers and the riders.” He also said there were “factors within the contract that were worked on to make it more affordable.”

***

At least five Long Island school budget proposals failed to garner enough voter support yesterday while 115 others won approval, according to early returns last night.

Results for the remaining four districts were still pending by midnight.

It appears all east end school districts passed their budgets yesterday.

As reported by NEWSDAY staff, voters on Tuesday also weighed in on about 90 propositions, mostly for capital projects to improve school facilities. A total of 358 candidates were also running to fill 257 school board vacancies. Fewer than half the districts — 51 — had contested races.

This year’s budget season was marked by widespread cuts. A Newsday analysis found a third of the spending proposals called for reductions in staffing or programs. Officials have cited rising costs — in some areas double-digit spikes — among reasons for the cuts. Only a few Long Island school districts said they would add programs or jobs.

***

The New York Blood Center is urgently calling on New Yorkers to donate blood ahead of Memorial Day weekend as the region faces dangerously low blood collections at the start of the summer “trauma season.” Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that there are numerous local blood drives across the East End in the upcoming week, including one today from 1p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hampton Bays Public Library.

Here are the upcoming NYBC blood drives across the East End in the week ahead. To register for these or other blood drives, visit NYBC’s Blood Drive Locator.

Tuesday, May 26

Stony Brook ELIH, 201 Manor Place, Greenport. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27

Hampton Bays High School, 88 East Argonne Road, Hampton Bays. 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Southampton High School, 141 Narrow Lane, Southampton. 7:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Box Pickleball, 605 Old Country Road, Riverhead. Noon to 6 p.m.

Thursday, May 28

Pierson Middle/High School, 200 Jermain Ave., Sag Harbor. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Mattituck Lions Club at the Mattituck Fire Dept., 1000 Pike Street, Mattituck. 1 to 7 p.m.

***

After a messy public fight between New York transit officials and five Long Island Rail Road unions whose three-day strike shut down the nation’s busiest passenger rail service, both sides are claiming victory.

Stefanos Chen and Grace Ashford report in THE NY TIMES that Gov. Kathy Hochul struck a conciliatory note when announcing the deal that ended the strike at a Monday night news conference in front of the Manhattan headquarters of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the railroad.

“I always believed we could reach a good, fair compromise that achieved two principles,” Ms. Hochul said. “Protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters, while giving fair wages to the employees.”

Kevin Sexton, the national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, one of the striking unions, also celebrated the deal on Monday, though he said he wanted to discuss the specifics with his members before sharing more details.

Ms. Hochul said the agreement, which includes a wage increase for the current year and a retroactive raise for the past three years, would not result in higher fares or state taxes — a key consideration for the governor ahead of her November re-election bid.

But the new contract could set a new precedent for the M.T.A.’s dealings with more than 80 unions, with repercussions that could be felt for years to come.

“There are no winners in a strike,” said William Dwyer, an associate professor at Rutgers University and a former labor negotiator for management at the utility company PSE&G in New Jersey.

The acrimonious dispute has eroded trust between the railroad’s workers and leadership, Mr. Dwyer said, noting that the two sides must negotiate their next contract in just a year…Monday’s agreement expires in August 2027.

And it is unclear how much the deal will cost the M.T.A. in the long run, as it prepares to engage with other unions that are likely to now seek higher wage increases than those the agency has budgeted.

Labor historian Josh Freeman called the end result a “strong win” for the workers.

“The governor realized she was in an uncomfortable position when the strike began,” said Freeman, a professor emeritus at the CUNY Graduate Center. “The strike put her in a difficult position.”

Governor Hochul, who is up for re-election in November, had repeatedly said she would not sign off on a deal that raised taxes or fares.

As reported in THE NY POST, riders exiting the train at the Ronkonkoma station last night were hard pressed to believe the governor’s guarantee. “She’s going to say that for the time being, you know, until that changes,” said Gianna G. while Ryan, who did not want to give his last name added, “I don’t know about that. I have to see it to believe it.” Ultimately, riders were glad that the railroad — which carries about 270,000 people a day — was back on track. “Definitely, definitely,” said city government worker and Queens resident Michelle, 55, as she left Penn Station. “The last few days getting into work was a nightmare.”

A deal to end the historic Long Island Rail Road union strike was reached late last night, with riders expected to see a resumption of rail service by noon today, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

As reported by Newsday Staff, the agreement reached shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, provides relief to the tens of thousands of harried and frustrated Long Islanders who saw their commutes double or even triple during the first workday of the dispute.

"I want to thank New Yorkers, Long Islanders, particularly, who made all the accommodations; who had to work from home; who sacrificed; who had to put up with inconveniences," Hochul said at a news conference last night.

Hochul declined to answer questions about the terms of the deal, including about wages and work rules, but said MTA negotiators reached the deal without having to raise fares or taxes.

LIRR president Rob Free said service will resume on the four electrified branches — Port Washington, Huntington, Ronkonkoma and Babylon — at noon today. All other branches will resume service at 4 o'clock this afternoon using normal weekday schedules, he said.

The deal was reached on the third day of the strike, which brought service on the nation's busiest commuter rail system to a grinding halt and after the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the leaders of the five LIRR unions representing about half the railroad's 7,000-member workforce restarted talks early yesterday.

An MTA spokesman said there will be no morning service today on the LIRR given how long negotiations had continued.

"We're looking forward to our members getting back to work and doing what they do best, which is serving the region," said Kevin Sexton, vice president of the locomotive engineers union.

MTA chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said shuttle buses will operate in the morning, just as they did Monday.

"We had to find a deal that gave people fair raises, but didn't put the hit on the riders; the taxpayers; that didn't blow up the MTA budget, which would have bad consequences for everybody," Lieber said.

***

Long Island voters today will decide whether to approve the budget proposals of 124 school districts, with seven taking the risky move of attempting to pierce their tax cap.

Dandan Zou reports in NEWSDAY that if all budgets pass, spending across Nassau and Suffolk public schools would total nearly $16.9 billion in the 2026-27 academic year, a 3.26% increase over the current year. Local property taxes would rise 2.5%, to $10 billion Long Islandwide.

The spending increase is on par with the latest Consumer Price Index of 3.8%, as of April.

This year’s budget season was marked by widespread cuts.

A Newsday analysis found a third of Long Island districts have adopted budgets calling for reductions in staffing or programs. Only a few said they would add staff or programs. School officials across the region have cited skyrocketing costs, driven in part by inflation, among reasons for the cuts.

“Inflation impacts us as homeowners, but it also impacts school districts and to some extent to a greater degree because of the size of our budgets,” said Tim Eagen, president of the Suffolk County School Superintendents Association.

Another challenge districts faced this year was the uncertainty posed by the delay of the state budget, which was due April 1 but had yet to be finalized as of yesterday. Without an approved state budget, districts did not know exactly how much state aid their schools would receive next school year.

Most were anticipating a minimum 2% increase in their foundation aid, as opposed to the 1% laid out in the budget plan unveiled by Gov. Kathy Hochul in January, said Eagen, also superintendent of the Kings Park district.

“We have the most unusual and bizarre task of putting together a budget not fully knowing what our revenue is,” he said. “Albany's got to do better.”

***

Greenport’s East End Seaport Museum is holding a reopening celebration for the season this coming Friday, May 22 with revamped gallery space and a new major installation by nationally recognized Shinnecock artist Courtney M. Leonard.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that the museum’s other gallery spaces have also been refreshed for the new season, with the main gallery featuring “Stories from Our Working Waterfront,” curated by Paul Kreiling.

The museum has also revamped its Children’s Discovery Area with a new experience, All Hands on Deck, where young visitors can explore the sea through microscopes, interactive touchscreens, a restored boat helm, and a rope and knot station. The museum’s gift shop has also been fully renovated and restocked with all-new merchandise for the season.

Friday’s festivities start with an exclusive first look for museum members from 5 to 6 p.m., and the galleries will open up to the public at large from 6 to 8 p.m.

East End Seaport Museum is at 100 Third Street in Greenport, New York.

***

Cantwell Court has received a $7 million boost from the State of New York, which establishes and plots out a clear course for the future of the long-awaited 16-unit affordable housing development set to pop up in the coming months between East Hampton Village and Amagansett.

Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that initial bids for development at Cantwell Court came in high, at around $600,000 per unit from Habitat for Humanity, which prompted the move toward more affordable, alternate options — ultimately leading town officials to lean on the state for a helping hand.

The $7 million, which is part of a $19 million package spread out throughout the state, will support the installation of 16 CrossMod homes, which are so-called because they are essentially a cross between a traditional site-built house and a manufactured home, at Cantwell Court.

The idea behind the CrossMod homes, which will be installed via the state’s MOVE-IN NY program, is to provide the benefits of a prefab house — speed of installation at a fraction of the cost — while still resembling a more traditional single-family house.

Spokesman Patrick Derenze said East Hampton Town officials plan to meet with officials from Housing and Community Renewal later this week to iron out the details, like how much the houses will cost and when move-in is expected to occur.

Installation, however, is on track to take place on a speedy timeline, with the expectation being that the homes will be sited on the 7-acre property by this summer.

Cantwell Court is on Montauk Highway between East Hampton Village and Amagansett.

“All these programs, we should remember ourselves, are taxpayer supported and paid for, so it’s great to see our tax dollars coming back to East Hampton,” said Councilwoman Cate Rogers.

But the bottom line is that East Hampton Town officials, with a helping hand from the state, will be moving forward, at a reduced cost, on an affordable housing development that is years in the making and that will provide homes to 16 individuals or families — despite the wait time.

***

Residents in Long Island's more than 120 school districts can decide on board candidates, budgets and propositions by voting today at their local school district polls.

Meanwhile, Stefanos Chen and Ashley Southall report in THE NY TIMES that transit officials and unions representing Long Island Rail Road workers agreed to a new contract last night, ending a three-day strike that shut down the nation’s busiest passenger rail service and wreaked havoc on commutes between Long Island and New York City.

Details of the new contract were not immediately clear, but Gov. Kathy Hochul said the deal would not lead to an increase on fares or state taxes.

Even with a deal reached yesterday, this morning’s commute was disrupted as the M.T.A. moved trains into place to restart regular service. Rob Free, the president of the L.I.R.R., said hourly train service would begin at 12 noon today on the four main electrified branches — Port Washington, Huntington, Ronkonkoma and Babylon — and full service would return to all lines by 4 o’clock this afternoon, in time for the evening rush.

Workers for the five striking unions, which represent about half the railroad’s work force, had not received a raise since 2022. They had been seeking a raise of up to 5 percent in 2026, in addition to three years of retroactive raises.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state transit agency that runs the railroad, had balked at the workers’ demands, arguing that the wage increases could jeopardize their negotiations with dozens of other unions and force them to raise fares or cut service.

This strike shut down the entire service for 3 days, which carries an average of more than 270,000 passengers a day between Long Island and New York City. It was the first strike on the railroad since 1994, when a similar shutdown lasted for two days.

***

County Road 39 in Southampton will be closed to through traffic between Tuckahoe Lane and Shrubland Road from 8 p.m. on Wednesday night, May 20...that's tomorrow at 8 p.m. until 4:30 a.m. the following morning for the construction of the pedestrian bridge linking the Stony Brook Southampton college campus and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club for the U.S. Open Golf Championship next month.

Starting at 8 p.m. tomorrow westbound traffic on County Road 39 will be detoured south on Tuckahoe Lane to Montauk Highway and eastbound traffic will be detoured north onto Shrubland Road and Sebonac Road to get around the closure.

Residents and employees of businesses between the detour points will be allowed to use the closed stretches of roadway but will not be able to pass Tuckahoe Road where the construction is taking place at any point.

***

Think someone gouged you for a ride during the just concluded Long Island Rail Road strike? The state attorney general’s office wants to know.

Newsday has written about skyrocketing fares since the strike began Saturday, including an instance of a ride-hailing company trying to charge someone $297 to get home from the airport.

Yesterday, NYS Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert warning about ride-hailing companies potentially price gouging and providing a way to report incidents.

"As New Yorkers face a complete shutdown of LIRR service, many are counting on rideshares, rental cars and other services to help them commute," James said in a statement Monday afternoon, about five hours before the strike ended.

"This strike is no excuse for companies to unfairly raise prices on New Yorkers," she said. "We will not tolerate price gouging, and I encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report illegal price hikes to my office."

Yancey Roy reports in NEWSDAY that A.G. James noted New York’s price gouging law covers vendors, retailers and suppliers, and includes essential goods and services that are necessary for the health, safety and welfare of consumers or the general public. "Transportation options" are covered, her office said.

Penalties can run up to $25,000 per violation.

Consumers may report incidents by calling the AG’s hotline, 800-771-7755, or by reporting online here.

The first Long Island Rail Road strike since 1994 has rolled into a third day and the start of the workweek. Negotiations between MTA and union leaders are expected to resume at 7:30 this morning.

As reported in NEWSDAY, Long Islanders arrived in Queens by the trickle early today, riding shuttle buses mobilized to replace LIRR trains.

The shuttle bus that left Ronkonkoma at 4:05 a.m. arrived at 179th Street in Jamaica at 4:58 a.m. It carried 58 passengers, including the driver.

An MTA employee stood at the bus door as passengers exited, handing out placards of the shuttle map and answering questions.

The MTA said multiple customer ambassadors will be at each of the shuttle bus locations to take questions from confused commuters. They will probably be very busy.

Here is the info on shuttle buses:

They will run until 9 a.m. this morning from these Long Island locations to the subway stations in Queens and then back to Long Island from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Bay Shore LIRR station to the Howard Beach-JFK Airport stop on the A train.

Huntington LIRR station to the Jamaica-179th Street stop on the F train.

Ronkonkoma LIRR station to the Jamaica-179th Street stop on the F train.

In addition, shuttle buses will run until 9 a.m. from these three locations: Hempstead Lake State Park and the Hicksville and Mineola LIRR stations to the Howard Beach-JFK stop on the A train. But there will be no return buses in the afternoon.

There is no separate charge for the bus. Tap and ride with phone, credit, debit or OMNY card and you will transfer.

No substitute service is being provided east of Ronkonkoma.

If you haven’t already, take a minute to bookmark mta.info/lirr strike for details or dial 511.

Stefanos Chen reports in THE NY TIMES that five unions representing more than 3,500 workers — including engineers, signalmen and machinists — walked off the job shortly after midnight on Saturday, after yearslong negotiations with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the railroad, fell apart.

The strike has shut down the entire service, which carries an average of more than 270,000 passengers a day between Long Island and New York City. The M.T.A. is providing free bus service which began this morning from six locations on Long Island to two subway stations in Queens, and in the opposite direction during the evening rush. Police officers and members of the L.I.R.R. work force who are not on strike are expected to help direct passengers to buses at the stops.

But the M.T.A. said the shuttles would not be able to accommodate all the riders who rely on the railroad, and encouraged people to work from home if they can.

Yesterday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that she had made major investments in the M.T.A. to stabilize its finances, and that she would not agree to a deal that could force the agency to raise fares.

“I worked hard to do that and don’t want that undone — I will not let that be undone,” she said.

A spokesman for the unions said in a statement on Sunday that their wage proposal was reasonable and that two federal review panels had sided with them.

“We remain ready to negotiate a fair agreement at any time and get back to work on behalf of Long Island commuters,” the statement said.

The National Mediation Board, a federal agency that oversees such disputes, summoned both sides to a meeting last night to continue negotiations. Negotiations continued past 1 a.m. with no resolution. Talks were set to pick up again this morning at 7:30 a.m.The unions represent about 3,500 workers - roughly half the LIRR’s workforce - who have not had a raise since 2022.

Both sides have agreed on retroactive raises of 3% for the first two years of the contract as well as 3.5% for the current year. But they clashed over the union’s demand for a 5% pay hike in 2026. The MTA has offered a lower amount and wants to increase the amount newly hired employees would pay for healthcare.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul told the striking workers yesterday she values their labor and believes they deserved a fair wage and benefits but that the MTA cannot agree to a contract “that would raise fares as much as 8% and risk hiking taxes for Long Islanders.”

Early this morning, Matt Hollis, national president of the Transportation Communications Union, posted an update on social media saying the union “gave the MTA every opportunity to avoid this. Instead, heading into a busy workweek, MTA leadership once again demonstrated that it does not value either the riding public or in the hardworking men and women who keep this railroad moving.”

***

While the Long Island Rail Road made history this weekend with its first strike in over 30 years, train history buffs can learn more about the famous commuter railroad’s history tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. at Peconic Landing in Greenport, where Donald Fisher of the Railroad Museum of Long Island will speak as part of Peconic Landing’s America 250 lecture series.

Celebrating 192 Years of Railroading on Long Island. Greenport, the Reason for the Long Island Rail Road.

In 1995, with twenty-three years of audio-visual and technical theater experience, Mr. Donald Fisher joined the all-volunteer Railroad Museum of Long Island to serve as an electrician and exhibit designer. By 1998, Mr. Fisher had been appointed Assistant Site Manager for the Museum’s Greenport, Long Island campus and a major rehabilitation of the exhibit hall was underway.

Since October 2008, Don Fisher has served as President of the Railroad Museum of Long Island and continues to lead the restoration process on Locomotive #39.

Registration is required for Tuesday evening’s free presentation and will be strictly capped at 60 persons.

Click here to register and for further info.

***

Agriculture is an important business in Suffolk County, the top New York producer of many ornamental plants and vegetables.

Cows or hogs, not so much.

So a maverick stance by Rep. Andrew Garbarino for humane livestock conditions is befuddling his local farm bureau.

Billy House reports in NEWSDAY that the Bayport congressman was one of just three House Republicans out of 212 to vote against the GOP’s Farm Bill, which passed last month in a 224-200 vote. Garbarino objected to language that would overturn anti-confinement laws emerging in other states that mandate strict minimum space requirements for breeding pigs, veal calves and egg-laying hens.

"We were a little disappointed and somewhat puzzled," said Bill Zalakar, executive director of the Long Island Farm Bureau. He noted Garbarino’s vote was initially curious because of the bill's importance to Suffolk County, which ranks fourth out of the 62 New York counties in terms of overall agriculture production.

But Congressman Garbarino has an established record on federal animal welfare policy, notably through his work with animal protection caucuses. He is co-chair of the Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus, which bills itself as a conduit from zoos to Congress of "valuable expertise and resources in animal care and welfare."

He also has a track record of co-sponsoring bills to improve the treatment of animals or combat wildlife trafficking. As recently as last month, he was among a handful of Republicans to persuade party leaders to postpone a planned vote on a bill that critics said would impair and overhaul the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

"Long Islanders believe in treating animals humanely and respecting the right of states to set standards that reflect their values," he said. "That’s why I voted ‘no.’ ”

Garbarino represents New York's 2nd congressional district which stretches along the south shore of Long Island and includes parts of Suffolk County and a small portion of southeastern Nassau County.

Along with threatening state-level animal welfare standards, Garbarino also said the farm bill as passed by the House raises "serious concerns about federal overreach that could impact everything from New York’s pest and disease prevention safeguards to its public health, food safety and consumer protection laws."

***

East End Police Departments will participate in the statewide May 2026 “Click It or Ticket”/“Buckle Up New York” campaign, beginning today through Sunday, May 31.

During the two-week mobilization, officers will be conducting fixed and roving safety restraint details focused on seat belt and child restraint compliance, according to police.

Under New York State law, all front-seat occupants must be properly secured regardless of age. Since Nov. 1, 2020, all rear-seat passengers — both over and under age 16 — must also be properly secured, police said.

Police also remind drivers and caregivers of New York’s child passenger safety requirements, including that children up to age 4 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child safety seat, and that backseat passengers under age 2 must be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint.

For more information, residents can visit www.safeny.ny.gov.

***

As the U.S. Open returns to Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the United States Golf Association, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Golf Association and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, is launching a wide-ranging community engagement initiative designed to deliver lasting impact across Eastern Long Island.

“Bringing the U.S. Open to a community is an opportunity to create impact that extends well beyond championship week,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan.

Focused on strengthening access to the game, enhancing public golf facilities and creating new opportunities for young people, the U.S.G.A. promotes its continued commitment to ensuring the championship leaves a meaningful legacy in its host community.

Shinnecock Hills President Brett Pickett states, “Nothing about hosting a U.S. Open is more satisfying than the opportunity to spotlight and help constituents of our local community…We are incredibly grateful to the USGA for its leadership, and the MGA for its partnership, in continuing the legacy of community investment around our national championship.”

Four Suffolk County public golf courses — Indian Island Golf Club, Timber Point Golf Club, Bergen Point Golf Club and West Sayville Golf Club — will receive targeted support aimed at enhancing course conditions and improving the overall player experience.

In addition, a key component of the community giveback initiative will support youth programming within the Shinnecock Nation, building on existing efforts to introduce the game to young people in the community.

The partnership will enhance programming at the Shinnecock Nation Boys & Girls Club, expanding access to golf instruction, equipment and playing opportunities, while continuing to integrate cultural education and community-based activities.

“The USGA has been a long-time supporter of the Shinnecock Nation and we have seen the impact that support has on our youth over the years,” said Lisa Goree, chairwoman of the Shinnecock Council of Trustees. “We’re excited about this next chapter and look forward to welcoming back the U.S. Open.”

Arriving here 4 weeks from now, the 126th U.S. Open is scheduled for June 18–21, 2026, at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York. As the national championship of golf, it features a 156-player field competing for the title, with the final round traditionally concluding on Father's Day.

It will be the sixth Open hosted at the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club...dating back to 1896.

The first strike since 1994 could shut down the Long Island Rail Road as soon as 12:01 a.m. Saturday...that's right after midnight tonight...as the MTA and five labor unions remain locked in a contract standoff.

If commuters didn't have enough anxiety over the possible Long Island Rail Road strike, service to Penn Station was “extremely limited” this morning due to yesterday’s track fire.

There are no eastbound trains leaving from Penn Station and “there will be reroutes, cancellations and delays,” according to the MTA’s TrainTime app.

As reported by Newsday Staff, a 12-hour negotiation session yesterday between MTA managers and five LIRR unions ended last night without a deal, and with the two sides “very far apart,” according to one labor leader.

The talks broke shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday and are expected to reconvene at 10 o'clock this morning — just 14 hours before a strike deadline.

Asked if he thought a deal could be made with such little time left on the clock, Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said “I hope so.”

"What I can say is, at this point, the parties are very far apart,” Sexton said upon leaving the MTA’s Manhattan headquarters with other union leaders. "But we look forward to meeting with them tomorrow, and we'll take it from there.”

Earlier in the day, the two sides noted incremental progress during yesterday’s marathon negotiations.

***

The Petrocelli hotel plan got a warm reception from members of the Riverhead Town Board yesterday and is headed for a public hearing next month on the site plan and special permit application.

Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that officials reviewed the proposed 94-room downtown hotel from town square master developer J. Petrocelli Riverhead Town Square, a limited liability company whose managing members are Joe and John Petrocelli.

Joe Petrocelli and other representatives of the development company presented plans for the five-story hotel proposed for 117–127 E. Main St., adjacent to the planned town square and East End Arts campus, during the Riverhead Town Board’s morning work session.

The revised proposal increases the hotel room count from 76 to 94 rooms while removing the previously planned 12 condominiums. The fifth floor will now be built out as 14 suites with balconies or terraces instead of the condominium dwelling units, VHB environmental planner Christiana Kastalek told the board.

The proposal calls for construction of a 69,738-square-foot mixed-use building on an approximately half-acre site. The building will contain:

• a 116-seat restaurant with bar and outdoor terrace,

• a coffee shop,

• nearly 2,900 square feet of retail space,

• hotel lounge and fitness facilities,

• and 94 guest rooms, including 14 suites. Developer Joe Petrocelli described the project as critical to maintaining momentum for the broader downtown redevelopment effort.

The Riverhead Town Board is expected to schedule formal public hearings on the hotel site plan and special permit applications for June 10. Project representatives said they are also seeking a foundation permit to allow construction work to begin as soon as approvals are obtained. “We’re ready to go,” Petrocelli told the board.

***

East End Police Departments will participate in the statewide May 2026 “Click It or Ticket”/“Buckle Up New York” campaign, which runs from this coming Monday, May 18 through Sunday, May 31, police have stated in a media release.

During the two-week mobilization, officers will be conducting fixed and roving safety restraint details focused on seat belt and child restraint compliance.

Police cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics indicating seat belt use has saved more than 345,000 lives since 1975, and that in 2024 there were 9,758 unbuckled passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes. The national seat belt use rate in 2024 was 91.2%, police said.

Under New York State law, all front-seat occupants must be properly secured regardless of age. Since Nov. 1, 2020, all rear-seat passengers — both over and under age 16 — must also be properly secured, police said.

Police also remind drivers and caregivers of New York’s child passenger safety requirements, including that children up to age 4 must be properly restrained in a federally approved child safety seat, and that backseat passengers under age 2 must be restrained in a rear-facing child restraint.

For more information, residents can visit www.safeny.ny.gov.

***

Ticks take over lawns and yards across Long Island in the warm spring and summer months and stick around into the fall. And like many of us, they enjoy dining al fresco.

Lisa L. Colangelo reports in NEWSDAY that many homeowners have turned to professional pest control companies to spray their yards to eliminate or at least control the tick population. Others prefer to tackle it on their own with store-bought tick killers and repellents.

While not all tick bites cause diseases, such as Lyme disease, or trigger the red meat allergy known as alpha-gal syndrome, public health experts urge Long Islanders to be wary of these hearty arachnids, many of whom survived this past winter under the cover of snow.

"I think most people come in contact with ticks in their yards ... and yards can be risky areas," said Scott Campbell, Suffolk County’s chief entomologist, who oversees tick surveillance. "People have a tendency to take precautions if they are going for a hike, but not if they are in their backyards."

The first step is figuring out if you have ticks in your yard and where they are.

"Not everyone has to spray," Campbell said. "You really have to assess the problem."

Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, an entomologist based in Babylon and associate director at Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management program, suggested a simple DIY approach. Take a light-colored piece of flannel and attach it to something like a broom handle and sweep it across the grass to look for ticks.

"The flannel is really a perfect substance, because the tick is kind of tangled up in there, and they don't fall off easily," she said.

***

Nancy Remkus, who grew up in Sag Harbor and has been minister at the First Presbyterian (Old Whalers’) Church in Sag Harbor over the last five years was chosen recently to receive a Suffolk County “Champion of Diversity” Award.

Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker chose Remkus as the “Champion of Diversity” award recipient for Suffolk County’s District 2. Remkus opted to receive recognition at this coming Sunday’s service at 10 a.m. in the Old Whalers’ Church.

Welker and her assistant, Cheryl Rozzi, will be on hand to present the award. The church will host a reception following the service downstairs in the social hall.

Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that Nancy Remkus was a beloved teacher at Sag Harbor Elementary School for more than 30 years. She created the school’s popular morning program, where students and their families start each school day by gathering in the gymnasium and singing a selection of songs.

***

Two weeks before the unofficial start of summer — traditionally the season of high water use across Long Island — the state has issued a drought warning for Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Dry conditions and below-normal precipitation on Long Island have prompted DEC to ... issue a drought warning in Nassau and Suffolk counties," Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said in a statement yesterday. "We are encouraging all Long Islanders to practice water conservation to protect the region’s valuable sole source aquifer water supply."

Both counties had been on a drought watch; a drought warning is the second of four ranks, from watch to warning to emergency to disaster.

Long Island has received 4 inches less rain than normal over the past three months and 9 inches less than normal over the past six months, per the NYSDEC statement.

Tracy Tullis reports in NEWSDAY that abnormally low precipitation depletes the groundwater and the surface waters, such as streams and lakes, that are fed by groundwater.

Long Islanders use on average 140 gallons of water a day, per person, about 55% more than the national average of about 90 gallons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Last August, during a drought watch, water use did not decline significantly even as the Suffolk County Water Authority pleaded with its customers to conserve water.

A drought warning doesn’t carry mandatory restrictions. But water suppliers are asking residents to take extra care with their water consumption in the coming weeks.

"With Long Island under a drought warning, Suffolk County Water Authority is urging all customers to be mindful of their water use and take the preservation of our water resources seriously," authority spokesman Daniel Dubois wrote to Newsday yesterday. "Outdoor lawn watering is one of the biggest drivers of demand on our system," he said. Customers should observe the odd/even watering schedule, he added.

Other suppliers encourage residents to use "smart" sprinklers, which monitor the soil for moisture before watering, and observe the ban on watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when much of the sprinkler water evaporates before reaching the lawn.

Outside of a slight chance of showers this morning, rain is not in our east end forecast until next Thursday morning when a 40 percent chance of showers is indicated.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's lead negotiator said yesterday a deal to avoid a commute-crippling Long Island Rail Road strike was within reach, as the transit agency put a $134 million offer on the table that would pay workers "all of the money that was requested," and that the unions have budged from their previous demands.

The MTA, however, is relying on a lump-sum payment to meet some of the unions' demands. A union source, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations, said the unions would not accept a deal made up of a one-time payment.

Alfonso A. Castillo reports in NEWSDAY that progress in the talks, acknowledged by both the MTA and the unions representing about half of the LIRR’s 7,000-member organized labor force, came as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul urged both sides to "find a middle ground" to avoid disrupting the commutes of 270,000 daily railroad riders. A strike could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. this Saturday if no deal is reached.

Following a Manhattan bargaining session, MTA chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson offered new details of management’s latest offer at a news conference at the authority's headquarters. He said the compensation package worth — $133,788,000 — is "the exact same amount" as a proposal recommended by White House mediators.

That recommended settlement would have paid workers 4.5% raises in the fourth year of their contract. The unions have demanded 5%, but Dellaverson said the unions, for the first time in recent negotiations, "actually made a move" at Wednesday’s bargaining session.

"All of the money that was requested is now on the table," Dellaverson said. "I believe firmly that a deal is present. It’s available. It’s doable. And we should reach it tomorrow."

In the event of a strike, the MTA is encouraging commuters to work from home if possible. Those who can’t will have to drive to work or rely on limited public transportation options, including shuttle buses running between six locations on Long Island and two subway stations in Queens.

***

The public will get its first look this morning at long-anticipated plans for the Petrocelli hotel proposed for the Riverhead town square.

Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that Riverhead Town Board members are expected to review plans for a 94-room hotel filed by J. Petrocelli Riverhead Town Square LLC at today’s work session at 10 a.m. in Riverhead Town Hall.

The application calls for construction of a five-story, 69,738-square-foot hotel building at 117–127 E. Main St., adjacent to the planned town square and East End Arts campus.

Plans submitted to the town show the project would include a 116-seat restaurant with bar and outdoor terrace overlooking the riverfront, a coffee shop, nearly 2,900 square feet of retail space, hotel lounge and fitness facilities and 94 guest rooms, including 14 fifth-floor suites with balconies or terraces.

The “Peconic River Hotel” proposal replaces an earlier concept reviewed during the town’s downtown revitalization environmental review process that included 76 hotel rooms and 12 condominium units.

The plan represents one of the most significant vertical development projects tied to the town’s broader downtown redevelopment initiative, which includes construction of a new public town square, flood mitigation improvements and a planned parking garage.

Among the most significant are questions involving sewer and water system capacity.

Parking and traffic operations are also expected to be key discussion points during this morning’s Riverhead Town Board work session.

***

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Southold Flotilla holds its annual National Safe Boating Week event in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this coming Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities to promote safety on the water will include paddlecraft & safety equipment, knot tying, and life ring toss. Free vessel safety checks will be given on the water in Greenport Harbor.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that U.S. Coast Guard statistics show drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities in 2024, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were NOT wearing life jackets.

The NY State Annual Report reflects that the most common cause of accidents is collision between boats. “With over 60,0000 registered recreational vessels in Suffolk County, boaters must be constantly aware of what is happening,” said Andrew Tarantino, Division Commander, Eastern Long Island. “Auxiliary safety classes point out the changes in the laws, as well as best practices to keep boating safe and fun.”

Learn more as the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates Safe Boating Week in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

***

Tired of delay, an Amagansett property owner has sued the East Hampton Town Building Department after five months of waiting for a building permit to construct a house on Bendigo Road.

Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that the East Hampton Town Building Department has been in the spotlight for much of the past year, having battled a backlog, a handful of lawsuits and staff turnover — all as the district attorney’s office conducted a bribery investigation, and ultimately, charged two staffers.

Highly credentialed Principal Building Inspector Richard Normoyle, who came on board with the Town of East Hampton after 30 years of experience in municipal building operations last September, has looked to right the ship and told the Town Board this week that he has a one-year plan for cutting down the backlog, which right now stretches back to September.

The goal is to cut the wait time down to three months by January 1 and reduce the wait time for smaller, accessory permits down to two weeks. By May 1 of next year, Normoyle is targeting a four-to-six-week wait for permits. Staffers are wrapping up applications from September; they are about to dive into October, November and December, which they plan to have worked through by mid-July.

“We’re all aware of the challenges we’re facing, and this board has been tremendously supportive of rebuilding this department,” Normoyle told the Town Board at a work session on Tuesday.

But the department is now faced with another lawsuit, this time concerning that very same application backlog that has been the subject of much scrutiny.

Dominating the conversation about moving forward, is expanding the department with extra staffing, which Normoyle says will be critical for getting additional eyes on applications and keeping pace with the rate of applications. East Hampton Town officials have been working with Suffolk County Civil Service on that, with the current ask being two new plans examiner positions.

Normoyle has also been quick to sing the praises of the new staffers. “The department is expanding and changing and growing…The more we expand, the more we train, the more we deal with the architects, the faster things move, and this only increases our momentum as we continue down this path,” said East Hampton Town’s Principal Building Inspector Richard Normoyle.

***

The Long Island Rail Road, America’s busiest passenger rail service, will be forced to shut down on Saturday if transit officials and workers cannot come to terms on a contract and avert a strike.

Stefanos Chen reports in THE NY TIMES that five unions representing more than 3,500 workers — including engineers, signalmen and machinists — about half of the LIRR’s unionized work force - are preparing to walk off the job at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, if they don’t receive bigger raises than they are currently being offered. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the state agency that runs the railroad, has said such an increase could lead to higher fares, higher state taxes or service cuts.

A strike on the Long Island Rail Road, which carries more than 270,000 passengers a day between Long Island and New York City, on average, could cause chaos for travelers with few other options. Many commuters cannot work remotely and rely on the service.

The threat of a strike comes as Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, seeks re-election later this year. The governor, who lost Long Island in the last election, is being challenged by the Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman, a Republican with close ties to the region.

Ms. Hochul said at a news conference yesterday that she did not want a strike, but that the unions’ salary demands could jeopardize the M.T.A.’s finances at a time when the authority is finally on stable ground.

“I’m not willing to ask Long Islanders to pay unnecessary fare hikes or higher taxes,” she said. “So we have to be ready for whatever happens.”

"Both sides must continue to negotiate in good faith toward a deal at the table. Now, I've directed the MTA to do just that, to negotiate in good faith, and they are," Hochul said. "But they need a partner."

Following a Manhattan bargaining session yesterday, MTA chief negotiator Gary Dellaverson offered new details of management’s latest offer at a news conference at the authority's headquarters. He said the compensation package worth — $133,788,000 — is "the exact same amount" as a proposal recommended by White House mediators.

Dellaverson said the MTA’s latest offer, which has been revised several times in the last week, would be the same financial outlay in the fourth year of workers’ contracts as mediators recommended. But because it would consist of lump-sum payments, rather than wage increases, it would be more affordable for the MTA in the long run, and not a precedent for negotiations with other, larger transit unions, he said.

A union source told NEWSDAY that workers wouldn't accept a lump sum payment alternative.

***

The Riverhead Business Improvement District Management Association - BIDMA - is rolling out a new branding and marketing strategy aimed at positioning downtown Riverhead as a year-round destination centered on arts, culture, walkability and its waterfront character.

Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the effort announced publicly this week, includes a new mission statement, updated branding language and a marketing strategy focused on attracting visitors, businesses and investment to the downtown district.

The BIDMA’s new mission statement promotes downtown Riverhead as “the nexus of the East End” and emphasizes its “historic character and arts culture” along with “sustainable economic investment,” “authentic community experiences” and “year-round vitality.”

BIDMA Executive Director Melissa Martin recently described downtown Riverhead as “the authentic soul of the East End” and “a walkable riverfront junction where craft culture meets historic grit.”

The BIDMA oversees the downtown business improvement district, which includes portions of Main Street and surrounding downtown areas of Riverhead.

More information is available at downtownriverhead.org.

***

The final Express Sessions event for spring 2026 focused on what the Southampton Town Board’s recent approval of the purchase of land to anchor a sewer system for the Hampton Bays business district could mean for the future of the hamlet — for better and worse.

Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that the panel compiled for last week’s discussion included Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore, Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara, Town Planning and Development Administrator Janice Scherer, Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce President Christine Taylor, Hampton Bays Civic Association Vice President Michael McCullough and Hampton Bays community activist Gayle Lombardi.

The panel and members of the sold-out audience at Cowfish restaurant offered competing views about what a sewer system would or could mean for downtown Hampton Bays and ranged widely to discussions about the hamlet business district’s broader woes and a wide range of possible other ways to boost the economic prospects of the hamlet.

Supervisor Moore and the other Southampton Town officials defended the town’s purchase of a 31-acre property next to the town’s Jackson Avenue campus and its plans to use about 6 acres of the land to construct a sewage treatment and water discharge system. The plan is the subject of a lawsuit by the property’s sole neighbor.

The proposed location, adjacent to the town’s transfer station and separated from residential neighborhoods, had been one that many in Hampton Bays had called for years ago. Councilwoman McNamara acknowledged that she’d thought it was a poor choice because of the distance from the business district, but when engineers looked closely at the details they determined it was actually very well suited for a sewer system plant.

Critics have said that freeing downtown properties from the current constraints of Suffolk County Health Department wastewater limits could lead to an explosion of new development. Supporters say they hope that is exactly what will happen.

Making it possible for new development to grow in the downtown is crucial to sustaining Hampton Bays vitality and keeping it a desirable place to live, proponents of the sewer plan say.

Chamber of Commerce President Taylor said that without a major boost to the business climate in the downtown, it is doomed to gradual deterioration even from what it is now. “Hampton Bays is not the Main Street you’re going to walk down just to window shop. People go to the hardware store and leave. The stores are struggling,” Taylor said. “A lot of our business owners are over 55 years old. They’re tired. They’re looking for younger blood to come in and revitalize.”

A potential Long Island Rail Road strike could have a “catastrophic” impact on local economy and employees’ ability to get to work sites, shops and offices. The region could see a daily loss of $70 million in economic activity, according to past analysis adjusted for inflation. Local employers, both large and small said they are weighing contingency plans on how to get employees to job sites.

Victor Ocasio reports in NEWSDAY that the Long Island Rail Road transports more than 270,000 weekday riders each day, and a strike would disrupt the local economy and create ripple effects on businesses that rely on rail access, business leaders and economists said. Businesses, from restaurants and hospitals to retail, construction and tourism, could stand to lose tens of millions in economic activity, experts said.

“The LIRR is an economic lifeline for Long Island and a critical artery for the entire downstate economy,” said Stacey I. Sikes, acting president and CEO of the Long Island Association business group. “A strike could create immediate disruptions for hundreds of thousands of commuters and employees.”

Steven Kent, chief economist for the Long Island Association said, “We on Long Island have not experienced this kind of disruption for a very long time,” said Kent, an associate professor of economics at Molloy University’s School of Business. The LIRR last went on strike in June 1994. The next LIRR strike could start this coming Saturday at 12:01 a.m.

While businesses in certain professional services, such as accounting, the legal field, or IT support, have tools in place for remote work following the pandemic, many industries, including construction and retail don't, Kent said. Many workers will still need to travel within Long Island or to the city "whether the railroad is working or not."

As a result, Long Island's highways may become even more gridlocked, leading to lost productivity even for businesses with local staff, Kent said.

Kristen Porciello, vice president of operations at the Hotel Indigo in Riverhead said the loss of any modes of transportation ahead of Memorial Day weekend posed a risk to hotel stays. Industry officials said it could also slow the collection of hotel and motel taxes.

“This is our busy season. This is the season that people come out for,” Porciello said. “Anything that could stop that could hurt bookings.”

***

Gasoline prices on Long Island and in the metropolitan area overall rose a whopping 33.9% last month compared with a year ago as the war with Iran continued to disrupt oil production and transportation.

That was the fastest rate in nearly four years — and followed March’s 18.2% increase in the cost of gas.

James T. Madore reports in NEWSDAY that the surge in pump prices led to higher inflation overall in the metro area and nationwide last month with the consumer price index rising at its quickest pace in three years. The index was released yesterday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The acceleration of war with Iran which began Feb. 28, has reversed the year-over-year decline in the cost of gas seen in January and February, as well as in much of 2025.

Prices on Long Island have continued to climb this month. The average price of a gallon of unleaded was $4.53 yesterday, up from $4.35 on May 1, according to AAA.

Economists predicted more of the same at least in the short term, with some saying inflation will peak next month.

"Shoppers face a costly summer ahead," said John A. Rizzo, an economist and Stony Brook University professor, adding the higher gas prices coincide with the Trump administration’s tariffs on imported goods.

"Businesses are passing on the import taxes directly to customers. At the same time, high oil prices and summer gas fees are making it pricier to ship food and store goods," which leads to increases in retail prices, Rizzo said.

The overall consumer price index for the 25-county region, including Long Island, rose 4.6% last month compared with April 2025. That was the fastest pace in three years.

***

Riverhead High School’s honor music students returned home from Philadelphia with some of the top honors awarded at the Music in the Parks festival earlier this month. Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the R.H.S. wind ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber orchestra and chamber choir all earned superior ratings at the regional competition, with the wind ensemble and jazz ensemble each being named best overall in their categories.

The wind ensemble captured first place and Best Overall Concert Band, while the jazz ensemble earned first place and Best Overall Jazz Ensemble honors. The chamber orchestra also took first place with a superior rating, and the chamber choir earned second place with a superior rating.

Two Riverhead High School students also received individual recognition for their performances. Senior Christian Seymour was named Best Overall Jazz Soloist and junior Jarell Gilliam earned Best Overall Vocalist honors.

“This trip was an extraordinary experience for all involved, one that showcased the dedication, talent and hard work of our student-musicians,” said jazz ensemble director Crystal Crespo.

***

The Town of East Hampton yesterday adopted legislation barring its police from cooperating with federal authorities on civil immigration enforcement.

Alek Lewis reports in NEWSDAY that the East Hampton Town Board voted unanimously to approve the bill during its meeting on Tuesday. The new law prohibits town police from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in civil immigration enforcement. The measure allows town police to cooperate in criminal cases or when officers are presented with a judicial warrant.

East Hampton Town officials framed the measure as a step to strengthen public safety by reinforcing trust between members of law enforcement and immigrant communities. About 27% of the town's population is Hispanic or Latino, and about 23% are foreign-born, according to U.S. census estimates. The percentage of "documented" foreign born East Hampton residents has not been officially published.

Advocates have said the threat of deportation can deter residents from reporting crimes or cooperating with police. The legislation bars the Town of East Hampton from entering into 287(g) agreements with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which allows police departments to partner with ICE on immigration enforcement. Such agreements have been used in Nassau County, where local detectives have been deputized to assist federal agents.

Latino and immigrant neighbors are “part of the fabric of East Hampton,” Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez said before the vote. “I want them to hear this clearly: You are not alone and you belong here. You should not have to choose between your health and your fear.”

In response to East Hampton Town’s adoption, an ICE spokesperson said in a statement to Newsday that ICE has had “tremendous success” when working with local law enforcement.

“Partnerships with law enforcement are critical to having the resources we need to arrest criminal illegal aliens across the country…When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with ICE, our law enforcement officers have to have a more visible presence so that we can find and apprehend the criminals let out of jails and back into communities,” the I.C.E. spokesperson said. “Seven of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE.”

The new East Hampton Town legislation follows a period of heightened illegal immigration enforcement nationwide by the Trump administration including on Long Island.

New York State lawmakers are looking to ban municipalities from entering 287(g) agreements statewide. President Donald Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, has threatened to “flood the zone” with immigration agents if New York passes those bills.

***

Two of the most prominent commercial real estate properties in downtown Sag Harbor Village are officially under new ownership. Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that the U-shaped building at 2 Main Street — sometimes referred to as “Fort Apache” — which is currently home to K-Pasa and Yummylicious, and 22 Long Island Avenue, the former home of the 7-Eleven, were purchased last week by Mavik Capital, a New York City-based real estate investment firm.

Mavik is now the sole owner of the properties, but has been involved in them for several years. Mavik was one of the original lenders when developer Jeremy Morton purchased both properties in 2024 for a total of $30 million.

After making the purchase, Morton presented grand plans for the properties to the Sag Harbor Village Planning Board, looking to extend an existing second floor at both buildings.

But the fate of those buildings has been in flux for months, after the news, earlier this year, that Morton had defaulted on more than $5 million in loans, many that he had personally guaranteed, and had failed to pay various local contractors as well.

Mavik closed on a deal last week to assume full control of the two properties. While details of the company’s plans for the buildings have yet to be released, the company has hired local attorney Denise Schoen of Adam Miller Group and local architect Chris DiSunno, signaling a desire to engage in a thoughtful way with the community.

A press release sent from Adam Miller Group outlined the approach the company plans to take in its ownership of the buildings.

“As the gateway assets to the Village, Mavik is focused on delivering a thoughtful, community-focused approach by engaging local expertise to help shape the project’s vision,” the release stated. “Mavik has confirmed it will transition to a new architect and has engaged Christopher DiSunno, a Sag Harbor/East Hampton native with a deep understanding of the town’s character.”

***

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Southold Flotilla holds its annual National Safe Boating Week event in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this coming Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities to promote safety on the water will include paddlecraft & safety equipment, knot tying, and life ring toss. Free vessel safety checks will be given on the water in Greenport Harbor.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that U.S. Coast Guard statistics show drowning was the reported cause of death in three out of every four recreational boating fatalities in 2024, and that 87 percent of those who drowned were NOT wearing life jackets.

The NY State Annual Report reflects that the most common cause of accidents is collision between boats. “With over 60,0000 registered recreational vessels in Suffolk County, boaters must be constantly aware of what is happening,” said Andrew Tarantino, Division Commander, Eastern Long Island. “Auxiliary safety classes point out the changes in the laws, as well as best practices to keep boating safe and fun.”

Learn more as the U.S. Coast Guard celebrates Safe Boating Week in Greenport’s Mitchell Park this Saturday from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

***

Long Islanders have been feeling the sting of rising grocery prices since annual average grocery inflation in the New York metro area, including Nassau and Suffolk, hit a 48-year high of 10.2% in 2022. Price growth slowed afterward, but grocery inflation has recently accelerated to levels not seen in years. Tory N. Parrish reports in NEWSDAY that from March to April, inflation for groceries, or "food at home," in the NYC metro area was 1.5%, the biggest monthly increase since July 2022, when it was 2.5%, according to data published yesterday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Grocery inflation in April compared to the same month last year was 5.9%, the biggest annual increase since April 2023, when it was 6.1%.

War with Iran, as of Feb. 28, has disrupted fuel shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and is the biggest factor in recent grocery price hikes, said Adam Kamins, senior regional economist at Moody’s Analytics, an economic research provider in Manhattan.

Diesel fuels the trucks that transport food and the machinery used on farms, while petroleum byproducts are used to produce fertilizer.

“I expect that what we’re seeing now, it may not be the new normal [in terms of prices], but it’s pretty close at least for the rest of this year,” Kamins said.

Among the different food categories, fruits and vegetables had the biggest year-over-year price growth in April, 11.8%, in the metro area.

That is partly due to extreme cold weather in Florida and other parts of the United States this past winter into spring, which reduced crop production, said Tom Jackson, economics manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence, a market information provider based in Manhattan.

Higher labor costs and fewer workers at farms due to heightened immigration enforcement were other factors, he said.

Overall grocery prices in the New York metro area are now 26% higher than they were in April 2020, the month after the COVID-19 pandemic began leading to temporary business shutdowns and home quarantines.

Despite higher grocery prices, farmers are not seeing increased profits due to rising expenses. About 5.8 cents of every dollar spent on groceries goes to farmers, down from 7.4 cents in 2014 according to Faith Parum, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Every day on average, half a million vehicles cross the Queens-Nassau border on the region's major highways — the Long Island Expressway, the Northern State and Southern State parkways.

Peter Gill and Alfonso A. Castillo report in NEWSDAY that shutting down the Long Island Rail Road, if a possible strike becomes a reality this coming Saturday, and sending at least a portion of the 270,000 daily weekday riders to their cars is expected to put a serious strain on roadways connecting Long Island and the city.

Robert Sinclair, of AAA Northeast, said the strike has the potential to make roadways between the city and Long Island "extremely crowded."

"All the roads going west are [already] jammed during a normal rush hour — and this is going to be extremely abnormal," he said.

Commuters and transportation experts see a potential gridlock situation. However, they say, the impact can be difficult to predict and could be less severe if people adjust commute times, to avoid peak rush hour, or work from home.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s strategy to survive a potential LIRR strike next week relies on most commuters working from home, and those who can’t making do with limited options to get between New York City and Long Island, including buses and their own cars.

The MTA will have shuttle buses going from six LIRR stations — including Bay Shore, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma in Suffolk to and from Queens locations.

MTA chief financial officer Jai Patel said between 165 and 275 buses could be secured for the contingency plan, costing the MTA $325,000 to $550,000 per day.

Still, MTA officials have acknowledged the shuttles won’t be able to accommodate all riders of the busiest commuter railroad in North America, so they have been encouraging employers to allow workers to telecommute.

***

Gov. Kathy Hochul said yesterday she’s committed to getting LIRR workers a "deal that is going to prevent a strike" just five days away.

Alfonso A. Castillo reports in NEWSDAY that Governor Hochul, in Manhattan Monday, said she and her team are "immersed in the details" of the ongoing labor negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and five unions representing nearly 3,500 LIRR workers. If unresolved, the unions have said they will go on strike beginning Saturday, shutting down the nation’s largest commuter railroad and displacing about 270,000 daily riders.

"I am involved," said Hochul, who oversees the MTA and appoints many of its board members. "We just want to make sure that New York is affordable for everyone and make sure, as they negotiate, that they get the deal that is going to prevent a strike. I’m committed to that."

After failing to reach a deal at a pair of negotiating sessions last week, both sides returned to the bargaining table in Bethpage yesterday for negotiations overseen by the National Mediation Board.

A union coalition spokesman said Monday's bargaining session ended with no settlement and little progress made. He said both sides are set to meet again Wednesday.

In a statement, the MTA said it made "a revised proposal" during yesterday's talks, but offered no details of the latest offer.

Yesterday, Michael Sullivan, general chairman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, said the MTA strategy is to "deflect, distort, dither and denigrate" even as the strike date grows nearer.

"It’s time for management to get serious about negotiating wages," Sullivan said in a statement.

Hochul said among the issues her office is tracking is "what can be afforded" and "what sets the pattern for other unions."

***

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed incumbent East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez in her ongoing Democratic primary race with challenger Jerry Larsen, the mayor of East Hampton Village, according to a release sent out by East Hampton Democrats. Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that Burke-Gonzalez and Larsen have been locked in a heated contest for the Democratic Party ballot line, the winner of which will be decided in the primary election on June 23. Since the local Republican Party has not put forth a candidate for East Hampton Town supervisor ahead of the filing deadlines for the November election, the winner of this year’s primary will have a straight shot at the town’s top office.

Intrigue has surrounded the race from the outset, as Larsen has challenged the established local Democratic Party by backing a separate slate of candidates for seats on the East Hampton Town Democratic Committee and drawn the ire of Suffolk County Democratic Committee officials.

Governor Hochul’s announcement yesterday endorsing Kathee Burke-Gonzalez stated in part, “Kathee knows how to work with partners at every level of government and bring resources home for the people she serves…I’m excited to keep working with Kathee to build on that progress and deliver even more for East Hampton and for New York.”

***

The man who was shot and killed by Southampton Town Police officers on Sunday had slashed and stabbed his mother more than 40 times inside her Northampton home before he was shot, Town Police Chief James Kiernan said at a press conference yesterday. Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that the 28-year-old, identified as Steven Eastwood, had already stabbed his mother multiple times when three officers arrived at the well-kept Topping Drive home on Mother’s Day.

When officers entered the home, they found Eastwood standing over his mother with a knife. He ignored their orders to drop the knife and began walking toward the officers, who Chief Kiernan said backed away from him in an effort to draw him away from his mother and deescalate the situation.

But, instead, the son suddenly turned back toward his mother and began stabbing her again.

“Faced with an ongoing, deadly assault, officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Eastwood, and immediately stopping the attack,” Kiernan said. “Emergency medical services personnel from Flanders Northampton Ambulance responded to the scene and pronounced Mr. Eastwood deceased.”

Kiernan said that more than one of the officers fired their guns, but did not say how many shots were fired. He has not identified the officers by name, but said all three are receiving trauma counseling.

The victim, whom police have not named, was taken by Suffolk County Police medevac helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She remains in serious condition and has not regained consciousness, Kiernan said, as of the last update shared with police.

The victim had called police at 2:43 p.m. Sunday and said that her son was at the home, highly intoxicated and acting violently. Police officers were already en route to the address when the woman called 911 again and said that her son was threatening her with a knife.

Chief Kiernan said that the officers involved in the shooting were wearing body cameras and that the footage from the incident will be released at a future date. The shooting is being investigated by the New York State attorney general’s office, as is protocol for all officer-involved shootings.

This appears to be the first time a Southampton or East Hampton Town police officer has shot and killed anyone.

***

A code change that would link employment and housing underwent public debate last week as a string of speakers came out in force to question an East Hampton Town Board move that would, if passed, establish and enumerate the standards for employer-owned housing developments. Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that all such developments, if the code were approved as currently written, would have to be built in both an affordable housing overlay district and a limited business overlay district, which would ensure proximity to workplaces. Units would go to moderate-income families or individuals — that is, those who earn within 130 percent of the area median income, which is around $142,000 for a single person. Rent also would be capped at 130 percent of fair market rent.

Such developments would require a special permit. Tenants also would have all rights and protections provided by New York State’s tenant laws.

These proposed changes came on the heels of a pitched 79-unit decentralized, condominium-style workforce development on Three Mile Harbor Road that popped up late last year — and quickly fizzled out in the face of firm opposition from the public and an East Hampton Town Board that questioned the oversight structure.

This shadow loomed last Thursday as the Town Board unveiled the set of workforce housing code changes. The crux of the legislation, on top of what is listed above, would mandate that a third-party management company come in to oversee the units.

What this code change would do, practically, is pave the way for private developer Kirby Marcantonio’s 47-unit, condominium-style plan for workforce housing on Pantigo Road. Units will cost $700,000 to build, so the cost for businesses to buy would end up being north of that number. Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, for one, has been outwardly supportive of this development.

Next steps will have the East Hampton Town Board return the code changes to a work session for further discussion. There, town officials will likely discuss whether to make any changes to the draft code and whether the board’s support weathered the public hearing.

***

The League of Women Voters of the Hamptons, Shelter Island and North Fork will welcome Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, as guest speaker at its 49th annual meeting this coming Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m. at Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton.

Goldsmith, appointed president in August 2025, will discuss the university’s vision, provide updates on programs at the Southampton campus, and speak about the new “Future Scholars” initiative involving five local school districts.

An engineer and telecommunications researcher, Goldsmith previously served as dean of engineering and applied science at Princeton University and spent more than two decades on Stanford University’s engineering faculty. In 2020, she became the first woman to receive the Marconi Prize for telecommunications research.

Sunday’s meeting will also include the League’s annual business session, election of officers, adoption of the 2026-27 budget and presentation of the Betty Desch Student Leadership Award and the Carrie Chapman Catt Award.

RSVPs are being accepted by email, [email protected].

That’s this Sunday at 2 p.m. in Rogers Memorial Library in Southampton.

***

More than a decade after southern pine beetles were first discovered in Long Island’s forests, hundreds of thousands of conifers have died — a sight that has become vivid this spring as deciduous trees have leafed out and greened up. Tracy Tullis reports in NEWSDAY that roughly 5,000 acres of pine barrens, a globally rare ecosystem, have been infested, according to foresters at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, dramatically altering the landscape.

While foresters fear some of the pine forest will be lost for good, they also are finding reasons for guarded optimism. In Rocky Point, a pilot program started five years ago to thin the pines provides a strategy for slowing the beetles' spread.

"For all the damage it's doing, I think it's finally making people realize that these forests need to be managed," said Kathy Schwager, an ecologist at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, which is surrounded by pine forest. The pine beetle crisis demanded better forestry practices, Schwager said, especially targeted thinning and burning, which mimic the natural cycles of wildfire that sustained the pine barrens for hundreds of years. Over time, those efforts should make these ecologically sensitive woodlands "more resilient to the southern pine beetle."

Long Island’s pine barrens — about 50,000 acres of relatively intact pine and mixed pine and oak woodlands — had grown dense after decades of fire suppression. That density, experts say, provided a tempting target for the beetles.

The tiny insects — each about the size of a single chocolate sprinkle, as DEC forester John Wernet described them — feed on the inner bark of pines and the fungi the beetles bring with them, and they use chemical signals called pheromones to call others to a healthy food source. Where trees are closely spaced, the signals are more easily received, bringing reinforcements in such huge numbers that the tree cannot fight the infestation.

In a more open woodland, pheromones disperse and the insects lose their way. Each tree also has fewer near neighbors with which to compete for sunlight, nutrients and rain, leaving them healthier and more able to defend against pests.

Fire policy began to shift by the 1990s, and when the pine beetle started ravaging the area in 2014, state foresters began spot suppression — cutting infested trees — as well as thinning healthy trees to open the canopy and slow the spread. And they began setting prescribed fires to clear some of the dense understory.

Over time, though, forests in Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Shirley and elsewhere in Suffolk will most likely be dominated by oaks, and some parts of Long Island’s thousand-year heritage of rare pine barrens will disappear. experts tell NEWSDAY.

Southampton Town police shot and killed a man armed with a knife on Sunday afternoon after officers responded to a call of a "violent" disturbance in a family home, Suffolk County police said in a statement last night. Peter Gill and Janon Fisher report in NEWSWDAY that Southampton Town police said they received a call at 2:43 p.m. yesterday from a resident on Topping Drive in the hamlet of Northampton about "an escalating violent domestic situation."

When officers arrived at the home, they found the son actively stabbing his mother. The unidentified man was shot and killed by officers with the Southampton Town Police Department after he refused to put down the knife, according to sources and police.

A woman suffered serious injuries, Suffolk County police said, and she was taken to Stony Brook Hospital. Three Town of Southampton police officers were also taken to a hospital with unspecified injuries, but were treated and released.

"Officers secured the scene and an investigation is ongoing with the Suffolk County Police Department," Southampton police spokeswoman Det. Sgt. Gina Laferrera said in an earlier statement. "There is currently no danger to the community."

State troopers and Southampton police blocked off Topping Drive Sunday afternoon with yellow crime scene tape.

Greg Mastronardi, whose parents live across the street, said he and his wife witnessed the shooting.

Mastronardi said that he saw a man come out of the house with a knife in his hand.

"The cop was telling him, 'drop the knife, drop the knife' several times. He didn't comply," he added.

The police officer was about 10 feet from the stairs leading up to the porch of the home — where the man was — when the officer opened fire, Mastronardi said.

The wounded woman is confined to a wheelchair and was described by neighbors as a quiet woman who suffered years of domestic abuse. She had triplet boys, with at least two of them suffering from mental illness, WABC reported.

The woman, who was not identified, made at least one 911 call yesterday, stating she had become afraid of her son, sources added per THE NY POST.

The New York State Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation is conducting "a preliminary assessment of the matter," a spokeswoman said.

By New York State law, the attorney general's office must investigate all fatal police-involved shootings.

***

Extensive habitat restoration and trail improvements have been completed at the 100-acre Broad Cove Preserve in Aquebogue.

Broad Cove Preserve, one of the largest remaining tracts of open space in the Peconic Estuary, was added to the New York State Birding Trail this spring.

Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the site includes more than 8,000 feet of frontage on Terry Creek and Broad Cove in Flanders Bay, an embayment within the Peconic Estuary, an Estuary of National Significance. It is home to a broad array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, the federally endangered northern long-eared bat, osprey and eastern wild turkey, and it lies within the Atlantic Flyway for migrating birds, officials said. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation this week announced the habitat restoration and trail improvements, which included invasive species removal, restoration of native habitat, trail realignment and expansion, and improvements to waterfront access and wildlife observation areas.

A new trail also provides access to a waterfront viewing area overlooking Flanders Bay, where a Chronolog Station — part of a citizen science project led by Peconic Baykeeper — has been installed.

Additional benches and observation points were added throughout the preserve to support birdwatching and quiet enjoyment of the property.

Representatives from DEC, Peconic Land Trust and conservation organizations, along with local elected officials, gathered at the preserve this past Thursday to celebrate the environmental improvements and the site’s recent addition to the New York State Birding Trail.

***

Tuesdays with Tom at North Fork Audubon heads to Calverton Ponds Preserve tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. for a chance to spot Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Red-winged Blackbird, Tree Swallow, Osprey, and Red-tailed Hawk, along with a variety of ducks and other migrating songbirds during peak migration.

Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that you are invited to join North Fork Audubon for a spring bird walk at Calverton Ponds Preserve, where they will explore freshwater ponds, woodlands, and open habitats during peak migration.

Registration is required.

To register visit northforkaudubon.org.

That’s tomorrow morning - Tuesdays with Tom - from 8:00 AM to 10 AM at Calverton Ponds Preserve, Old River Rd, Manorville, NY 11949

***

Two cornerstone retail properties in Water Mill have been sold for a combined $39 million, setting a new record for the largest retail transaction in the history of the Hamptons. As reported on 27east.com, the blockbuster sale, which closed last week, includes Water Mill Square, located at 670 Montauk Highway, and The Mill, 760 Montauk Highway. Together, the two centers represent 84 percent of Water Mill’s gross leasing area.

The properties were sold by Vault Development Partners, led by Robert Zecher and Benjamin Rinzler. The transaction was brokered by Hal Zwick and Jeffrey Sztorc of the Hamptons Commercial Real Estate Team at Compass.

Water Mill Square features a 20,500-square-foot retail and office center situated on 2.26 acres, and has a mix of service, food, and lifestyle tenants. Neighboring property The Mill spans 29,314 square feet across 3.66 acres and is currently undergoing a repositioning to introduce new food concepts, curated outdoor elements, and experiential retail, according to a press release issued by Compass last Wednesday, May 6.

Last year, Zwick and Sztorc were behind a $30 million sale of commercial properties along the Sag Harbor waterfront.

The massive retail assemblage in Water Mill was finalized in 2023 when Zecher led the acquisition of The Mill to pair with Water Mill Square, which Rinzler’s family has owned for years.

“This portfolio has been a cornerstone of the Water Mill community for years, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see it evolve into such a vibrant retail destination,” Zecher stated.

***

Hundreds of Long Island Rail Road union workers and supporters this past Saturday stood together and vowed to "walk together" if the failure to negotiate what they consider a fair contract with the MTA forces them to go on strike in a week's time.

Alfonso Castillo and Joe Werkmeister report in NEWSDAY that the crowd of more than 400 rallied at the Massapequa train station one week out from what would be the railroad's first strike in over 30 years. Despite only representing about half the LIRR's union work force, the five unions involved in the contract fight presented a unified front, with support from other labor leaders and Long Island elected officials from both parties.

"This fight is about dignity. It's about respect. And it's about protecting the standard of living of hard working railroad families," Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, told rallygoers — many wearing red "LIRR Bargaining Coalition" T-shirts and holding signs with messages including "No contract, no work."

After three years of failed negotiations, the unions, which together represent about 3,500 LIRR workers, say they are prepared to strike on May 16 if the Metropolitan Transportation Authority — the LIRR's parent organization — does not agree to their demands for a 5% raise in the fourth year of their contract. Both sides have agreed to raises of 3%, 3% and 3.5%, respectively, in the first three years of a new deal, which would be retroactive to 2023.

Sexton called it a "break-even agreement" that would barely allow workers to keep up with the growing cost of living. The monthly increases in the Consumer Price Index for the metro area have ranged between 2.5% and 4.5% since March 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rank-and-file railroaders in the crowd expressed anxiety over potentially walking off the job and forgoing their paychecks but said they were buoyed by the large show of support, including from the MTA's largest labor organization, the Transport Workers Union, which represents 40,000 city bus and subway employees.

MTA spokesman Tim Minton dubbed it "the first-ever 'Rally for a Fare Hike' " because paying the unions the raises they demand could force the MTA to raise rates to cover costs.

***

Suffolk County Legislator Greg Doroski honored Sonia Spar as the 2026 Champion of Diversity for Suffolk County’s First Legislative District at a ceremony at the Southold Town Board’s meeting last week at the Peconic Lane Community Center. Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that the honor celebrates Ms. Spar’s “decades of tireless advocacy, multicultural leadership, and her extraordinary ability to bring together residents, institutions, and government in service of a more equitable and inclusive community,” according to Legislator Doroski.

A longtime Southold resident originally from Colombia, Spar has dedicated her career to building bridges of understanding across cultural, linguistic, and civic boundaries.

Since 2023, she has served as Southold Town’s Spanish-Speaking Community Service Liaison, connecting multilingual residents with local government services and ensuring equitable access to information and civic participation. Her work is grounded in cultural humility, trust, and a firm belief that strong communities are built through meaningful engagement.

In accepting the honor, Ms. Spar reflected on those who paved the way for her work and called on the community to remain engaged.

“I stand on the shoulders of extraordinary people who are no longer with us,” she said. “Their courage created room for conversations that were not always easy but were necessary.”

Ms. Spar has been a longstanding member of the Southold Anti-Bias Task Force and had served on the Hispanic Advisory Board to the Suffolk County Executive, bringing the perspective of Suffolk County’s growing Latino community to the highest levels of county government.

***

From housing to daycare, utilities and other needs, it costs more to live on Long Island than in most places.

James T. Madore, Jonathan LaMantia and Tory N. Parrish report in NEWSDAY that for many Long Islanders, the strain isn’t coming from one major expense, but from everything at once — housing, property taxes, electricity, transportation and childcare all running higher than in much of the rest of the country.

Data from Manhattan-based Moody’s Analytics indicates that Long Island’s cost of living exceeds the national average by 32% when accounting for spending on housing, food, utilities and transportation.

Economists cite a host of reasons for why prices are so much higher in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including proximity to New York City, high demand for a limited supply of commodities by a large population, many layers of government, and residents’ expectations for a high quality of life.

“Long Island’s high prices have to do with the attractiveness of the area and the scarcity of housing,” said Juan Carlos Conesa, co-chair of Stony Brook University’s economics department. “Any commutable suburb next to a strong, lively city is bound to be more expensive.”

The squeeze shows up across nearly every part of a household budget — but some costs stand out more than others. For example: the brutal housing market.

The median price of a single-family home in Nassau, at $849,000, is more than twice that of a typical American home, and Suffolk isn’t far behind at $700,000, according to March sales data from OneKey MLS. Of course the price of an East End home is much higher still.

Local renters also face a disparity in housing costs. Long Island renters pay about 70% more than the national average, according to CoStar, an Arlington, Virginia-based provider of real estate data.

The average monthly asking rent on Long Island was $3,030 across all unit types as of April 30, ranking fourth nationally behind only the New York City area (minus Long Island), San Francisco and San Jose, said Jared Koeck, associate director of market analytics at CoStar.