Huntington Notebook: Town Issues $20M Bond to Developmental Disabilities Institute

Town Issues $20M Bond for Developmental Disabilities Institute

The Town of Huntington Local Development Corp. recently closed on the issuance of $20 million in revenue bonds on behalf of the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI).

DDI plans to use the revenue from the bonds to refinance existing debt and for the construction, renovation and equipping of facilities in both Huntington and Smithtown. DDI will be responsible for the repayment. Of the $20 million issued, $19.6 million are tax-exempt.

DDI is a multi-site agency serving over 1,500 children and adults with Autism and related disorders. They provide educational, residential, day habilitation and vocational services, as well as medical and dental services to over 5,000 patients across Long Island through its Opti-Healthcare Division, and are the largest provider of services and programs for children and adults with Autism on Long Island.

“The Town of Huntington should feel very good about what was accomplished,” said David Bartash, chair of DDI’s Board of Directors. “Not only is the Town’s LDC fulfilling its objective to help stimulate the local economy and job growth, but DDI is being helped to fulfill its mission of supporting children and adults with disabilities and their families, many of whom are residents of Huntington.”

The Huntington LDC was formed in 2010 to promote job growth and employment, increase job opportunities, promote community and economic development and create jobs. The financing is made possible without any cost to taxpayers.

Town Obtains Free Patrol Boat Through State

The Town of Huntington recently took ownership of a new 24-foot Justice Boston Whaler equipped with twin Mercury 200hp outboards, full electronics and police package – provided at no cost to the Town through a New York State Parks and Recreation & Historic Preservation Marine Law Enforcement Program.

The newly commissioned vessel “M-2,” is valued at $175,000 and will be utilized by the Town’s Bay Constables for patrol of its harbors and waterways.

“Our sincere thanks and appreciation to the New York State Government Agencies for assigning this state-of-the-art vessel to the Town’s Harbormasters Office at no cost to its taxpayers,” said Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. “The Town of Huntington has over 64 square miles of shoreline and with its four harbors and numerous waterways, this new vessel will be instrumental with safeguarding Huntington’s waters.”

More West Nile Found in Area, Testing Ends

Suffolk County Health Services (SCDHS) Commissioner James L. Tomarken
announced on Aug. 31 that seven additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquito samples, collected between Aug. 21-22, were from locations in Holtsville, Northport, South Huntington, Aquebogue, West Babylon and Dix Hills. To date this year, 199 mosquito samples and 37 birds have tested positive for the virus.

Two human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Suffolk County, with one in . Both persons were hospitalized and have recovered and been released from the hospital.

The Department of Health Services stopped collecting and testing dead birds for West Nile virus on Aug. 31. For medical questions related to West Nile virus, call 631-854-0333 during normal business hours.

Coming Up

The Town Economic Development Committee will meet on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

The Town Planning Board will meet on Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. PDF Agenda attached.

The Town Zoning Board will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 6 in Town Hall.  PDF agenda attached.