Community Corner

Hauppauge's Biggest Stories of 2010

Route 347's reconstruction and Hauppauge Library's new home top this year's list.

Let's take a look at Hauppauge in 2010, as we are counting down the minutes till the stroke of midnight.

Hauppauge Patch launched in 2010, going live on Sept. 29. Over the past three months, we have covered stories that range from the communities events, the industrial park's highs and lows, to the actions taking place in Suffolk County Legislature. This diversity has been reflected in the stories we covered, ranging in all possible topics. 

It's been a year full of change, from construction at Hauppauge Middle School and reconstruction of Route 347 to the changing face of business. Some local businesses were forced to close their doors due to the recession, while the enterprising took it as a window of opportunity.

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As we forget ahead into 2010, here are 10 stories that are unforgettable:

10. Dangerous Roadways: A traffic accident overturned a  at the intersection of Motor Parkway and Route 111, closing down roadways for hours. Days later,  just north of that intersection, Suffolk County police were looking for witnesses to a off Rabro Drive and Nicon Court that left a man in serious condition.

Find out what's happening in Hauppaugewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

9. Blizzard Brings Extreme Weather: At first, weather forecasters predictions of up to were eyed cautiously by those celebrating Christmas and the holidays. When the storm hit, towns were quick to get , but by the time the snow tapped over . The ongoing cleanup through Tuesday, involving plows and sanding, may be 

8. Bank Mergers: The Hauppauge-based  was purchased by People's United Financial, who will take over its corporate headquarters and local branches in a merge. , which was expected to be completed by Nov. 30. Madison National Bank  the First National Bank of New York in Manhattan.

7. Legislature Debates Closing Foley: The Suffolk County legislature took on Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy about the future of John J. Foley Skilled Nursing facility, started with a s followed by its sale profits inclusion in the. When the budget passed, Foley's sale was still included with no funding for operations past 2011. Yet, its sale was . What's to come in 2011? 

6. Local Restaurant Changes Hands: A long-time Hauppauge restaurant often referred to as "former Sweetwaters,"close its doors for good to emerge as , a family-friendly restaurant featuring New American cuisine leaning towards Italian.

5. Building Better Schools: and are in the midst of reconstruction. The l. Several areas were completed in time to great returning students in september, but the music and science wing is scheduled for a ribbon cutting and grand opening shortly. The high school's auditorium, scheduled to be complete by the spring, has displaced concerts and theater productions.

4. Criminal Sentencings: The Hauppauge community pulled together twice to support families during the sentencing of two drivers who broke the law, killing two Hauppauge community members. The to driving under the influence of drugs in the death of , received a . Forgiveness and loss prevailed at the sentencing of the drunk driver who killed, who will serve 3 - 9 years.

3. Asphalt Plant Still A Hot Issue: NorthField Woods Civic Association encouraged concerned Hauppauge residents to on Rabro Drive during the November elections. Individual residents gathered to pass out hundred of fliers to find an official to support their cause. Whether it played a roll in state Rep. loss is hard to say, but they will be speaking to Zeldin. Town of Islip is still awaiting a judge's decision on their April 2009 against the plant.

2. Library Finds A New Home: After Hauppauge Public Libraryfor a future new home in Hidden Ponds Park. This will give the community center a permanent building to expand and grow its collection.

1. Route 347 Reconstruction: The one-mile stretch of Route 347 from the intersection of Route 454 to Route 111 is being torn apart, repaved and While , Time will tell, as Patch will continue to the estimated one-year project.


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