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MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
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CONTACT:
JOSHUA SLAUGHTER |
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Pictured: Legislator Browning oversees the clean-up of county properties in Bellport with Sam Bail and Debbie-Ann Chang. From left to right (Sam Bail, Suffolk County Dept. of Real Estate, Debbie-Ann Chang, Sustainable Long Island, and Suffolk County Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley) Bellport, NY – Today, Legislator Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), Brookhaven Councilwoman Connie Kepert, and Brookhaven Town Superintendent of Highways John Rouse coordinated a clean-up effort between various departments at both the County and Town. This effort is directed at county-owned parcels in the North Bellport area that are in desperate need of maintenance and waste removal.In February, Legislator Browning and Councilwoman Kepert toured the community with local civic leaders to see certain properties that residents had been complaining about. To both officials dismay a large amount of litter and dumping had accumulated and not been addressed. Many of these parcels were covered with tires, furniture, lumber, and other garbage. The Legislator and Councilwoman along with community input identified the worst parcels, and forwarded the information to Suffolk County’s Real Estate Department. There are eleven parcels currently being targeted. Suffolk County’s Department of Real Estate is responsible for maintaining county properties, but are limited in their staffing levels and budget allocations for this type of work. Normally clean-ups of larger scale must be contracted out at the expense of taxpayers. Due to the slowing economy and projected budget deficits it is difficult to maintain the entire stock of surplus properties because dumping usually occurs soon after these lots are cleaned. Working together Legislator Browning and Councilwoman Kepert formulated an innovative idea to combine County and Town resources without any cost to the taxpayers. Legislator Browning quickly contacted Suffolk County’s Department of Labor and requested to utilize the Welfare to Work Program’s labor crews. These crews provide labor throughout the county for road clean-ups, litter removal, landscaping, and other community services. Since these crews are not equipped to move large debris, or to transport garbage off site, Councilwoman Kepert was able to provide pay loaders, dump trucks, and other equipment to aid the county workers. This was done with the help of John Rouse, Superintendent of Highways for Brookhaven Town, and the Town of Brookhaven’s Waste Management Department. Legislator Browning stated, “These properties have been neglected for far too long. We cannot allow lack of resources to hinder the improvement of our neighborhoods. I want to thank Councilwoman Kepert and John Rouse for aiding the county in this endeavor. This is just the beginning of a larger effort to combine resources at both levels of government, while also saving the taxpayers money.” Councilwoman Kepert added, “It’s critical that as we face a downward trend in our economy, we work together and think outside the box for solutions. The large amount of litter on these lots sends the wrong message, and this cleanup is a step in bringing a sense of pride to North Bellport. I’m proud to be apart of this collective effort that includes, Legislator Browning, John Rouse, Superintendent of Highways, Town of Brookhaven’s Waste Management Department and, more importantly, the residents of North Bellport who bring these issues to our attention.” The Greater Bellport Coalition has been working on revitalizing the area with Sustainable Long Island, a non-profit organization that has been aiding the community with creating a visioning plan and coordinating those efforts with all levels of government. In addition to these properties being targeted for cleanup, Browning, Kepert, Sustainable Long Island, and the Bellport Coalition are about to complete the transfer of 75 county parcels to the town of Brookhaven for the purpose of building affordable housing that will be sold to first time homebuyers. The resolution to solidify the transfer will be laid on the table at Suffolk County’s April 29 legislative meeting. “The clean-up of these properties is in-line with what the Greater Bellport community is asking for in the early drafts of its Sustainable Community Plan. This is only the first step. The Town, County and Greater Bellport community need to continue to communicate and work together for the betterment of the community.” –Debbie Ann Chang, Sustainable Long Island Legislator Browning concluded, “The visioning process has been underway for over a year and we are making strides. By converting these parcels into homes for first time homebuyers, not only are we ridding the neighborhoods of eyesores, but we are also returning these properties to the tax rolls, and creating revenue for the county. It’s been a pleasure working with the community and Councilwoman Kepert, and I look forward to continuing the work we have started.” |
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