Politics & Government

Suffolk Notebook: County Gets Failing Grade for Ozone Pollution

American Lung Association's report finds Suffolk has worst ozone air pollution in the area.

This story was posted by Lisa Finn. It was written by Sara Walsh.

Suffolk County has been ranked as having the worst ozone air pollution in New York State by the American Lung Association, despite its overall improvements.
 
The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air 2013” report released Wednesday gave Suffolk a failing ozone pollution grade, making it one of five counties in New York to receive such a grade.

“The air in New York is certainly cleaner than when we started the ‘State of the Air’ report 14 years ago,” said Michael Seilback, the vice president of public policy and communications at the American Lung Association of the Northeast.

“While we still have too many counties with failing grades, the air quality is still better compared to a decade ago. But the work is not done, and we must set stronger health standards for pollutants and cleanup sources of pollution to protect the health of our citizens.” 

Ozone pollution is measured on a stoplight-like scale, with green indicating clean air, and red used to indicate that ozone pollution levels in the air are unhealthy not just for those with sensitivities to air quality but all people. Suffolk had three of the seven red days recorded across the state.

Ozone is the most widespread air pollutant as it’s created by the reaction of sunlight with emissions from vehicles and other sources. When inhaled, ozone can irritate the lungs and cause immediate health problems that linger for days including wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks and even death. 

The American Lung Association upped Suffolk’s grade for short-term particle pollution from “B” to “A,” ranking it among the cleanest. 

Suffolk forms panel aimed at curbing crime

Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone unveiled a new panel that will be touring historically troubled communities in hopes of cutting down on crime.

Newsday reported the panel and forums are part of a new initiative by the Suffolk County Police Department to enhance community policing.
 
“We are fully engaged in an effort to really create a model here, in our county, of working with the community to help a community achieve its highest aspirations," Bellone said.

Members of the panel include Risco Mention-Lewis, the deputy commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department; Errol Toulon Jr., the assistant deputy county executive for public safety; Insp. Edward Brady of the Second Precinct; and the Rev. Roderick Pearson, the executive director of Suffolk County Human Services.
Bellone introduced the panel at a community policing forum held in Huntington Station at the Tri Community CYA on Monday. More forums are planned for Central Islip and Medford in the future. 

County accepting applications for downtown revitalization grants

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and the Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory announced applications are being taken for Round 11 of the Suffolk County Revitalization Grants. The new round makes available $250,000 in grants for partial funding of capital projects on or next to downtown areas on land owned by municipalities.

“Providing grant funding through this program encourages local organizations to partner with their municipality and find ways to enhance public lands, improve the vitality of business districts, and contribute to walkable communities and bustling downtowns,” Bellone said.

The applications must be filed by organizations who represent the downtown area, such as business improvement districts, chambers of commerce, civic associations, historical societies or beautification societies, who are working with local government. Towns or villages will be required to pass resolutions supporting the project. 

Projects eligible for funding could include public parking facilities, curb and sidewalk construction, pedestrian walkways, street lighting, public restrooms, disability access, renovations and cultural facilities. 

Each application will be judged by members of the Downtown Revitalization Citizens Advisory Panel on a point-based system to ensure the projects that receive funding make the greatest long-term improvements to business districts. 

Instructions for applying can be found here, along with the application for grant funding here. All applications are due by 4 p.m. June 14. 


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