Mayor Bill Biondi, in Mastic Beach on Friday, Jan. 31,...

Mayor Bill Biondi, in Mastic Beach on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, and who was appointed as the village's second mayor in February 2012, is not running in Wednesday's elections. Biondi's last day in office is April 6. Credit: Steve Pfost

MASTIC BEACH

Biondi urges unity at last board meeting

Village Mayor Bill Biondi presided over his last board of trustees meeting Tuesday night, urging village officials and residents to work together.

Biondi, appointed as the village's second mayor in February 2012 when Paul Breschard abruptly resigned, is not running in Wednesday's elections. Biondi's last day in office is April 6.

“It's been a pleasure working with the community,” Biondi told about 60 residents at the meeting, adding that he plans to occasionally attend trustee meetings.

“We've all got to get along to make this place a success. We can't keep fighting,” he said, referring to recent disputes among board members. “Everybody has to work together and be on the same page.”

Village resident Alan Chasinov thanked Biondi for his efforts and told the mayor he would be missed.

Biondi then received a standing ovation as the meeting closed.

-- DEON J. HAMPTON

NORTH HEMPSTEAD

Board approves 5-year capital plan

The town board on Tuesday unanimously approved its five-year capital plan, which outlines funding for future capital improvement projects.

The plan, proposed by Supervisor Judi Bosworth, covers five years of town projects, for which borrowing is needed. As much as $28 million would be borrowed over a five-year period.

Board members also approved 30 bond resolutions, authorizing borrowing up to $20.4 million. State and federal grants are to reimburse $12.6 million of the total cost.

Projects in the capital plan include waterway and infrastructure improvements, and park upgrades including a dog park and Sept. 11 memorial.

Town officials say they are paying off about $65 million in debt over the next five years.
-- SCOTT EIDLER

SMITHTOWN

Newborn given a special distinction

Town officials welcomed the first baby born right after the town's 350th anniversary.

Smithtown Supervisor Patrick Vecchio on March 6 presented newborn Christopher Granados and his parents, Glenda Corvera and Jose Granados, both 29 and of Brentwood, with a proclamation naming him Smithtown's Sesquarcentennial Baby at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center.

The proclamation bestowed Christopher honorary citizenship in the Town of Smithtown, “granting him all the rights and privileges enjoyed by every Smithtown resident.”

Kathy Albrecht, a board member of the Smithtown 350 Foundation tasked with planning anniversary events throughout the year, said the foundation wanted to “honor the first baby born in the Town of Smithtown after March 3,” which is the 350th anniversary of the town's founding.

Christopher was born on March 4 at 8:49 a.m. at the hospital, Granados said, adding that he and Corvera were unaware of the town's anniversary celebration.

“I felt so excited about it,” Granados said of Christopher's honor. “That was great. It's my first son.”

The foundation also gave the couple a $350 check to be used toward the state's 529 College Savings Plan and a baby basket with blankets, bottles and bibs, Albrecht said. Christopher's photo is to be placed in this year's time capsule to be opened in 50 years, she said.

St. Catherine's Executive Vice President Paul J. Rowland said in a statement: “We are all pleased to have the first Sesquarcentennial baby here at the hospital and look forward to participate in future events."

-- LAUREN R. HARRISON

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Errick Allen not guilty … Water rates rise … Woman boxer back in the ring Credit: Newsday

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