Suffolk Notebook: Legislature Joins Suit To Stop Foley’s Closure

Suffolk County Legislature just won't give up on stopping the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank from closing.

Legislators voted 11-5 in favor of joining an existing lawsuit filed by a nurse and three patients that would prevent the 264-bed facility from closing in March. The lawsuit claims County Executive Steve Levy failed to follow county law including getting legislative approval before calling for closure of the facility.

Previously, as the was vetoed by Levy during the 2011 budgeting process in December, the legislature – locking the two in a stalemate.

 After that, the legislature voted to issue a request for  proposals to form a private-public partnerships that would increase the services offered and revenue generated by Foley. That measure passed by a vote of 13-3.

Legislature Overrides Veto, Gives Hiring Power to Five Officials

By a 16-1 vote, legislators voted to override an executive veto in allowing

The county charter change, first proposed on Dec. 1, 2010, grants the district attorney, sheriff, treasurer, county clerk and comptroller authority to hire personnel to fill vacant positions in their departments, provided there is funding, without executive approval.

Levy has argued the measure will cost Suffolk taxpayers money, as it decreases his ability to manage the budget and keep taxes under control.

Plan To Disperse Homeless Sex Offender Housing Fails

Levy’s veto of sent legislators back to the drawing board this week. 

On Dec. 21, 2010, legislators voted to approve a contract with private contractor, Community Housing Innovations, to construct community houses spread through Suffolk County, with suggestions of one per town or Legislative district.  

Currently, all of the county’s homeless sex offenders are housed in trailers in Riverside and Westhampton Beach. 

Levy, who favors a system offering homeless sex offenders a $90 voucher each day, vetoed CHI’s plans in January. The legislature lacked the 12 votes necessary to override his veto, divided 9-8. 

Meanwhile, the legislature did unanimously approve a new law aimed at preventing sex offenders from living near amusement parks.

No Sunday Bus Service for Suffolk County Riders

Legislators this week failed to find the support necessary to fund .

The proposed plan was to raise daily bus fares by 50 cents, from $1.50 to $2, to pay for the increased cost of running buses on Sunday. It was approved by the legislature in December, before Levy’s veto in January.

Levy said he was against increasing standard fare in the current economic climate.