5 Things To Follow In 2011

 The year of 2010 has come to an end, but there are a few issues and ongoing stories to keep an eye on as we move forward.

1. Suffolk Asphalt plant's place in the community
Residents have noted the is raising its smokestacks to 120 feet to comply with Department of Environmental Conservation's recommendations to lessen air pollution  in its immediate vicinity. However, Town of Islip and the plant owners remain embroiled in an April 2009 lawsuit that could force plant operations to cease. A judge's decision was due Dec. 17, 2010, but a conference with lawyers on both sides pushed back it back yet again. Will the community see action on this case in 2011?

2. Suffolk County sewage treatment facilities not welcome
Suffolk County government has been searching for new treatment facilities to handle overflow situations near its county government buildings, allegedly including sewage from Commack. A plan of action has been put before the county's Environmental Conservation Committee for a Final Scope, and residents are concerned possibly treatment plants or solutions maybe placed within the Hauppauge community. It will be interesting to see what plan of action is moved forward on.

3. Route 347 reconstruction: Help or Hassle?
 New York State Department of Transportation broke ground on from the intersection with Veterans Highway to Route 111, touting it as Long Island's first . , but the construction wouldn't harm their sales. The lingering question remains will it be completed within the one-year time frame, will it ease traffic or will the new lower speed limit contribute to further roadway congestion.

4. Hauppauge schools face funding cuts
Superintendent Patricia Sullivan-Kriss has alluded to the looming state budget cuts Hauppauge school district has faced in previous years, combined with upcoming increase in mandatory contributions that will force a tight 2011-2012 school budget. With school budget season rapidly approaches starting in March and a new state governor, Patch will be keeping a close eye on what's proposed.

5. Samurai Killer to receive second trial
New York State courts ruled that Hauppauge resident Zachary Gibian, nicknamed the "samurai killer," should receive a second trial for allegedly killing his stepfather with a katana.