Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced the Town is partnering with the Research Foundation of the State University of New York (SUNY Stony Brook) in a transformative project aimed at revitalizing Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor’s oyster populations. The project, titled “Putting the Oyster Back in Oyster Bay,” has received a generous grant amount of $477,200 from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), with matching funds totaling $308,500.

 

Oyster reefs in Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor have faced challenges due to overharvest, habitat loss, and water quality degradation. This project seeks to address these issues by synthesizing data to identify areas for enhanced oyster recruitment, survivorship, and growth, and to develop an ecosystem-scale, science-based plan to establish self-sustaining oyster populations in Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor. By refining hydrodynamic models, creating habitat suitability maps, and mapping oyster recruitment, the initiative aims to coordinate local efforts to build a metapopulation of interconnected oyster reefs.

 

“Oyster Bay has a rich history intertwined with our marine ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to ensure its preservation for future generations. The Oyster Bay-Cold Spring Harbor Oyster Restoration Project is a testament to our proactive approach in addressing environmental challenges. By working together, we are not only rebuilding oyster populations but also fostering a more resilient and interconnected habitat. This project aligns with our commitment to sustainability and underscores the significance of collaboration in achieving environmental goals,” Supervisor Saladino said.

 

“The Town of Oyster Bay is committed to playing a key role in this endeavor, working hand-in-hand with SUNY Stony Brook, environmental groups, and other local partners to foster the rebuilding of oyster populations and donating oyster/clam shells accrued through our Shell Recycling Program,” said Councilwoman Johnson. “The project’s comprehensive approach aims to enhance oyster recruitment, survivorship, and growth, establishing a pathway for the creation of shellfish reefs—a crucial component of Long Island Sound’s Important Coastal Habitat.”

 

For more information on the Town’s efforts to protect our waterways and enhance the shellfish population, please visit oysterbaytown.com.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Steve Labriola announced that the Town is now accepting applications for the 2024 Hometown Heroes’ Community Recognition Program. This initiative recognizes the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former Town of Oyster Bay residents.

 

“My Town Board colleagues and I were amazed by the outpouring of support this program has received from residents, businesses and local heroes,” said Councilman Labriola. “We are proud to return this important initiative to our communities and look forward to further recognizing our veterans, active duty service members, and their families for their commitment to defend our freedoms and democracy.”

 

Banners bearing the nominated individual’s name, rank, photograph and area of service will be unveiled throughout selected park facilities across the Town of Oyster Bay in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. Any interested individual or organization who would wish to sponsor a banner can remit $75 to sponsor the production of a banner. No profit is made from this program.  Once the banners are displayed, the Town will maintain the banners, and will remain on display until Veterans Day, where they will then be taken down to avoid any inclement winter weather and returned to the service family or their loved ones. Those who sponsored a banner last year are reminded to submit a new application in order to be included in the 2024 season. Applications must be received by March 15, 2024.

 

Supervisor Saladino added, “This is an especially meaningful way to honor those who bravely and selflessly served our nation. Together as a community we will honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who sacrificed a great deal for our nation, as well as many local veterans who continue to serve our community and their fellow veterans through advocacy efforts.”

For more information on how to sponsor a banner, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/herobanners to download or submit an application, or call (516) 797-4121.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Town Board recently presented the Town of Oyster Bay Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award to United States Army Specialist Sharran Chambers-Murphy, an exemplary veteran’s advocate who provides community leadership, mentorship, and is an extraordinary role model for all.

 

“The Town’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award is presented to noteworthy recipients in recognition of their outstanding leadership and achievement, adherence to the principals of a just society and continued involvement in support of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s Dream,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Sharran has truly dedicated herself to ensuring that military service members are equipped with appropriate tools and resources that will enable them to transition and live a healthy productive life. Thank you, Sharran, for your service to our great nation, as well as your continued service to our veterans and our communities.”

 

Sharran Chambers-Murphy served in the United States Army Reserves from 1986-1997. Her unit was deployed to Germany during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990 and she has performed humanitarian missions in both Panama and Ecuador. Sharran received her Masters from LIU Post and is currently working as a Veteran Outreach Program Specialist conducting outreach to community members and organizing veteran events throughout Long Island. She has been a Veteran Peer Mentor with the Joseph Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project, co-facilitating our Liberty Village group as well as providing one on one support.

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that residents looking for a fun way to spend their Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday can head to one of the Town’s three ice skating facilities, where holiday hours will be in place, offering extended public skating opportunities.

 

“For a fun, family-friendly activity, residents can head to one of the Town’s ice skating rinks – outdoors at Marjorie Post and Syosset-Woodbury Community Parks, and indoors at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage – on Martin Luther King Jr. Day,” said Councilwoman Maier. “All three facilities will be offering special public sessions to provide children who are off from school with a fun-filled activity.”

 

On Monday, January 15^th, all Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Rinks will be open for public sessions from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm. The outdoor ice rinks are located at Marjorie Post Park, Unqua and Merrick Roads in Massapequa, and at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, 7900 Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury. The Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center is located within Bethpage Community Park at 1001 Stewart Avenue, in Bethpage.

 

For more information, including information about the Town’s Youth Ice Hockey Program, figure skating, or general skating sessions, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/ice.

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto reminds residents that Town sanitation and S.O.R.T. Recycling collection schedules will be modified for the Monday, January 15^th observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“There will be no sanitation or recycling collection on Monday, January 15^th for residents who normally receive Town service,” Councilman Imbroto said. “Residents who generally receive Town pickup on Mondays will have their collections done the next day, Tuesday, January 16^th. Those who usually receive pickup on Tuesdays will be collected on Wednesday, January 17^th.”

The Councilman added that Town offices will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but parks and skating rinks will be open and offer extended hours. For more information, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.

Oyster Bay Town Receiver of Taxes Jeffrey Pravato reminds residents that the first half of the 2024 General Tax Levy is due on January 1^st, but can be paid without penalty through February 12^th.

 

“New York State Law allows my office to provide taxpayers with a 40-day penalty free period from the date the tax is due during which payment may be made without penalty,” Receiver Pravato explained.  “After the 40 days, State Law requires a one percent penalty be added for each month the tax remains unpaid, retroactive to January 1^st.  Don’t delay, make your payment before February 12^th and ensure you aren’t paying more out of pocket than you need to.”

 

The Tax Office is open in both Town Hall North, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, and Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa, from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm to assist residents and accept payments with a check, cash or credit card*.  There are also outdoor walkup windows.  On February 9^th and 12^th both offices will be open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.  When paying in person, residents are reminded to bring the entire tax bill. Drop Boxes have been installed at both Town Hall North and Town Hall South for residents to make payments when the Tax Office is closed.

 

Residents who prefer to mail in their payments should send them to the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, 74 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, N.Y. 11771-1539.  Please be certain to sign your check, and make it payable to Jeffrey P. Pravato, Receiver of Taxes.  Indicate your property’s S.D. Code, Section, Block, Lot and phone number on the check. All mailed payments must have a United States Postal Service postmark dated on or before February 12^th.

 

Residents can access 2024 General Tax information at www.oysterbaytown.com, where they may view current tax bills, print out a hard copy, or pay taxes with an ACH check payment using a checking account for a service fee of $1.75 cents*, or by credit card for a much higher fee* charged by the credit card companies.   *Town of Oyster Bay receives no portion of this fee.”

 

“When calling the Tax Office at 516-624-6400, or sending an email to receiveroftaxes@oysterbay-ny.gov, residents are requested to have the School District, Section, Block and Lot numbers of the property in question available.  This information is listed on the tax bill and on the property deed.”

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Laura Maier announced that the Toddler Sports Program will return this winter, beginning January 30^th. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4. Registration begins online January 8^th.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilwoman Maier. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program begins January 30^th and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

• Tuesdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and

• Thursdays at 10am or 11am at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville.

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal beginning on January 8^th at 9:00 am. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child MUST be 3 years old by the start of the program.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Michele Johnson announced that the popular Toddler Arts & Crafts Program will be offered again this winter, beginning on January 30^th. This 6-week program offers classes at the Town’s Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage and at the Hicksville Athletic Center, and is open to children ages 2 through 4.

 

“The Town’s Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is a wonderful way to help support your toddler’s development through nurturing their artistic expression,” said Councilwoman Johnson.  “Classes will certainly fill up quickly as this program offers children an opportunity to meet others their age and explore their creativity. Highlights of the program include holiday crafts and ceramics.”

 

The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program begins January 30^th and is 6 weeks in duration. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on:

 

• Tuesdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for three-and-four-year-olds at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville;
• Wednesdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for three-and-four-year-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage; and
• Thursdays at 10:00 am for two-year-olds, and 11:00 am for three-and-four-year-olds at the Ice Skating Center Community Room in Bethpage.

 

Registration will take place ONLINE through the Parks Portal available at oysterbaytown.com/portal beginning on January 8^th at 9:00 am. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

 

Each class is approximately 45 minutes. The cost of the program is $35 per child who is a Town resident, and $45 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. A smock and supplies will be provided with enrollment.

 

The Toddler Arts & Crafts Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Fulfilling his pledge to revitalize the downtown Hicksville area near the Long Island Rail Road Station, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino today joined with State, County and Town officials in breaking ground for a mixed-use development project at 99 Newbridge Road, consisting of 189 new residential units along with retail and restaurant space below. Earlier this year, the Town of Oyster Bay Planning Advisory Board cleared the way for this project, known as Alpine Residential Development, to proceed.

 

“A renaissance is coming to the Hicksville community thanks to this $111 million investment by Alpine Residential Development. Together, we’re moving forward with private sector developments and public works enhancements that transform the Hicksville business district into a vibrant downtown that millennials, families and empty-nesters desire – with housing, restaurants and office space near public transportation,” said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “My administration is committed to improving the quality of life in our communities by revitalizing downtowns, improving local parks, and keeping property taxes down. Today’s ground breaking is only the start of great things to come in downtown Hicksville.”

 

Hicksville’s downtown is undergoing a renaissance thanks to the vision of the Saladino administration and a $10 million State award for downtown revitalization.  Future projects will support increased access to transportation, improved walkability, and 500 new housing opportunities. These projects, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, will continue to transform Hicksville into a vibrant downtown for downsizers, empty nesters, senior citizens and what millennials asked for and what will keep them here on Long Island.

 

In 2020, the first completed project in downtown Hicksville’s renaissance was unveiled at 35 Broadway, a vacant office building that was transformed by G2D Development Group into 18 new housing opportunities and a work-smart office-sharing space. In 2024, the Town will break ground for four additional projects, including a mixed-use development at 76, 80-82 North Broadway. This project, known as Fieldstone at North Broadway, consists of 108 residential units with retail and restaurant space.

 

The Town of Oyster Bay will also break ground in 2024 with $10 million in public improvement projects that include public space for seasonal outdoor activities – such as concerts, vendors; safer pedestrian access to the Long Island Rail Road station; and beautification of Broadway business district. This Winter, the Town anticipates hosting public meetings to obtain community feedback on these planned improvements. The Town has been working with Hicksville Chamber members and civic association leaders, along with Vision Long Island and New York State, for several years to build consensus around well-designed redevelopment that meets the needs of local residents and the downtown area.

With hospitals facing a nationwide blood shortage this holiday season, Oyster Bay Town Councilman Lou Imbroto invites residents to attend a Blood Collection Drive on Wednesday, December 27^th from 1pm to 7pm at the Hicksville Athletic Center, located at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville.

 

Councilman Imbroto stated, “Blood supplies are critically needed for local hospitals to meet the demand and continue saving lives this holiday season. Please consider participating in this blood drive to help bolster our blood banks and ensure as many people as possible can be helped. Together, we can give the holiday gift of life though a simple blood donation.”

 

Appointments are preferred for the Town’s Blood Drive. To qualify as a donor, a person must be between the ages of 17 and 75 years old (16 with parental permission and 76 or older with a doctor’s note), weigh at least 110 pounds and not have donated blood within the last 56 days. Anyone who received a tattoo within the past 12 months is ineligible to donate. It is recommended that donors eat well (low fat) and drink fluids in the days before the Blood Drive. Additionally, all donors will receive a voucher for a free Blizzard at Dairy Queen.

 

Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino added, “It’s quick, easy, and safe to donate a single pint of blood which can save up to three lives. Donating blood at the Hicksville Athletic Center, is an incredible way for all of us to pitch in and give back, to help ease the burden of our Healthcare Heroes as they continue to provide lifesaving efforts.”

 

For additional information regarding the Town’s Blood Drive, contact (516) 624-6380. To make an appointment to donate at this Blood Drive, sign up today at www.oysterbaytown.com/blooddrive