Suffolk Notebook: Bellone Pitches North-South Bus Lines

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone this week laid out several economic development plans meant to spur business in central Suffolk County.

In a meeting with media outlets, Bellone said that would quickly shuttle commuters from the North Shore communities to the South Shore.

It's a project that fits right in with the Ronkonkoma Hub project, which is designed to hopefully transform the ramshackle business zone surrounding the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station into a more vibrant area where industry can dig deeper roots on Long Island.

The bus system would link the tech-heavy Stony Brook area with Ronkonkoma and Patchogue.

The county executive, who faces a major budget crisis in Suffolk County, also said he intends to propose a new railroad track linking Farmingdale and Ronkonkoma.

Bellone also revealed a plan to add a second railroad track that would run from Ronkonkoma to Farmingdale and service local commuters.

"Adding a second track will make intra-island commuting possible," Bellone said.

County Exec: State Delegation Delivered
Bellone this week shot a bit of love at Long Island's delegation in Albany, highlighting a few measures he said would pay off for the region.

For example, Bellone touted Albany's move to expand the red light camera program, a move that'll add cameras to 50 addition intersections in the county.

It's a program not often loved by locals, many of whom say the systems are unfair while yellow light times still vary at different intersections.

The program could yield up to $6 million annually for the county.

Suffolk's chief executive also praised a new state law that'll allow the county to regulate taxis and limousines, ensuring consumers aren't being overcharged and licensed companies carry insurance, use only inspected vehicles in good repair, screens operators for driver competency and performs criminal background checks before issuing licenses.

Petition Forms to Fight Beach Fees
While the county has backed off its plan to at Beach in Hampton Bays, its determination to charge such fees at Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton and Smith's Point in Mastic has spurred an online petition to stop the new fees.

The petition, created by Mastic Beach resident Estelle Albertina, showed up on Care2thepetitionsite.com, and has picked up nearly 900 signatures as of Friday.

The county is hoping the $4 fee for cars after 5 p.m. will bring in much-needed cash, but locals say they've essentially taken away the opportunity for working families to enjoy the beach a few hours at the end of the day without taxing their own family budgets.