Islip Notebook: Councilwoman's Husband Blasts Croci

Islip Councilwoman Trish Bergin Weichbrodt's husband has taken his frustrations over the power struggle in the Town on-line, blasting Supervisor Tom Croci for removing the title of deputy supervisor from Bergin Weichbrodt.

Newsday reports that Randall Weichbrodt on Facebook criticized Croci's decision. "Clearly his ego has gotten the better of him as he feels he can make better decisions behind closed doors," Randall Weichbrodt wrote. He called for supporters to rally around his wife. The post was removed on Thursday.

Bergin Weichbrodt said she was unaware of her husband's actions and apologized to Croci.

The posting was made one day after the Town Board approved a public hearing on two resolutions that seek to strip Croci of some of his administrative duties. In turn he appointed town employee Linda Angello as new deputy supervisor.

Airport Taxi Contract Awarded

Islip officials approved a contract with Islandia-based JTE Enterprises for taxi services at MacArthur Airport, despite some complaints about flaws in the bidding process that were voiced at Tuesday's town board meeting.

Newsday reports that George Blank, an official from Medford-based Winston Transportation Group, claimed the bidding process was "very flawed," saying his company was given the wrong time for a conference and wrong deadline date.

However, Airport Commissioner Robert Schaefer said Blank's company failed to submit its fares and the required bid deposit.

JTE Enterprises was one of four applicants who met all the bid requests, according to Islip officials. It has agreed to reduce its fares by 30 percent under the new contract.

Town Strikes Tax Deal with B/E Aerospace

The Islip Town Board, acting as Industrial Development Agency, has struck a deal with Holbrook-based manufacturer B/E Aerospace to keep 154 jobs in town with a promise of future growth, according to Newsday.

B/E Aerospace, which manufactures lighting systems for commercial and business aircraft, is looking to expand and approached Town officials stating it was considering a move to Seattle. The Town Board approved a 10-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the company, who is now finalizing a move to Bohemia.

B/E Aerospace is looking to lease 60,000-square-foot facility previously home to DentSply GAC and add 30 jobs within two years.