Since being elected to office in November 2001, Councilwoman Susan Berland has quickly earned a reputation for community activism and working on constituent concerns.

Her passion for the Town of Huntington has driven her to not only meet with countless residents and community groups, but also to work as the Town's first full-time councilwoman. Such a commitment to community advocacy and a knack for problem solving has gained her the admiration of many local residents and community leaders alike. All in all, Councilwoman Berland's vision for our town has led to immediate and promising changes that are sure to benefit our community.

Her advocacy for our Town has led to:

The ZBA workingfor Huntington

• Delivered on her powerful campaign promise to make the Zoning Board of Appeals more accessible to residents. Passed sweeping legislation that not only required all meetings to be open to the public, but also made the board more accountable for the long periods of time that residents wait for the issuance of their permits. Thanks to that legislation, the ZBA has been transformed into an open, more accountable government agency.
• Sponsored legislation to require more stringent training and education requirements for members of the Board of Assessment Review, ZBA and Planning Board.

Eliminating Unsafe Apartments

• Co-sponsored legislation along with Councilwoman Marlene Budd and Councilman Mark Cuthbertson to crack down on and eventually eradicate illegal and dangerous apartments in our town.  Also wholeheartedly supported goal to place the subsequent burden on slum landlords who house some of our residents in such horrendous conditions. The new legislation, fittingly dubbed Operation H.A.I.L. Storm, will come down hard on those landlords who knowingly rent unsafe and illegal apartments here in Huntington.
• Currently working to establish a down payment plan for first-time homeowners coming from the Town of Huntington housing trust - will give down payment as a grant which will be repaid when the homeowner sells the home.

Advocating for our Disabled Residents

• Fought tirelessly to make sure that those wishing to park illegally in handicapped spaces think twice...mainly because that's what their ticket will now do. Earlier this year, she passed legislation with Councilman Mark Cuthbertson to increase such parking fines from $100 to $200. Thanks to that legislation, the Town has now moved one step closer to ensuring that handicapped parking zones remain accessible to those who are physically challenged .
• Passed legislation that sent a swift message to those attempting to alter or create handicapped parking permits for personal gain: DO IT AND YOU'LL NOW BE FINED $500 PLUS BE ISSUED WITH AN AUTOMATIC REVOCATION OF YOUR PERMIT .
• Sponsored legislation to implement much-needed programs such as training seminars, usage and distribution of smoke detectors and thermometers, and computer instruction within our Division of Handicapped Services.
• Co-sponsored, along with Councilman Mark Capodanno, legislation that ensured the survival of the Summer Recreation Program for the Developmentally Disabled, a program run through the Town in conjunction with the New York State Office of Mental Retardation.
• Sponsored legislation that continued the Young Teen Program for the Developmentally Disabled and the year-round Recreation Program for the Developmentally Disabled.
• Spearheaded the administration and growth of the handicapped parking program by not only appointing volunteers to enforce the handicapped parking laws for the Town of Huntington but also revising the law issuing handicapped parking permits.
• Strongly supported the formation of Adult Day Care Services, both through the County of Suffolk as well as Guildnet- The Jewish Guild for the Blind.
• Sponsored legislation that reserved the Dix Hills Ice Rink to conduct ice skating programs for athletes with special needs.
• Sponsored legislation that allowed Dix Hills Golf Course to be used for a golf program for athletes with special needs.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Supervisor Petrone and Councilwoman Jackson that gave funding to the 2008 Access to the Home Funds from the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation for accessibility improvements for eligible Huntington residents.

Taking a Stand for our Senior Citizens

• Sponsored legislation along with Councilwoman Marlene Budd to continue the Residential Repair Program for the elderly of Huntington. In the past, the program has provided small household repairs for seniors who are not able to manage such repairs themselves.
• Co-sponsored legislation, along with Councilman Mark Capodanno, that renewed a Townwide commitment to the services of the successfully operated Nutrition Program for our senior citizens.
• Recognizing that the rising price of prescription medicine is affecting our senior community, Councilwoman Berland strongly support legislation that established the "Huntington Healthy Affordable Prescription Drug Access Project", which facilitates internet access from the John J. Flanagan Senior Center and enables seniors to purchase FDA approved prescription drugs at a more affordable cost
• Worked with the Division of Handicapped Services to design the "Red Dot Program,"  a townwide initiative that will give emergency personnel immediate access to information regarding medications or illnesses if the person being treated is unable to communicate.
• Worked tirelessly to push for upgrades at the Town of Huntington Senior Center, which has recently been transformed into a larger, more functional and safer environment that now accommodates 35 participants daily.  Three handicap bathrooms have been installed as well as a handicap shower that includes a changing area.  The office, kitchen and dining space has been enlarged as well.  Councilwoman Berland also advocated for unique sensory and relaxation equipment as well as an independent/small group activity room.  In addition, a new entrance foyer, two offices for the Supervisor and Assistant, and a separate storage for arts and crafts, games and day-to-day supplies were added to the center.
• Councilwoman Berland is a tireless advocate for our Senior Citizens. She has sponsored or co-sponsored legislation authorizing the Supervisor to approve agreements with Suffolk County Office for the Aging for nutritional services.
• Sponsored legislation to secure a $10,000 grant for SeniorNet, based out of the Family Service League, an organization that teaches over 4,000 Huntington-area residents aged 50+ computer skills.
• Has made healthy food more affordable and easily accessible for senior citizens by sponsoring legislation that gave funding for nutrition services for senior citizens.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Councilman Besen that created meeting places for senior citizens.
• Sponsored legislation that secured funding for the Residential Repair Program for the Elderly of Huntington.

Knowing that our Youth are our Future

• Councilwoman Berland along with the help of the Department of Parks and Recreation, understanding the needs of children with developmental disabilities, has helped initiate the "Horseability Program".  This program proved so successful this year that it will continue until November 2007. She hopes that this will be a continuing addition to the Parks and Recreation Program Guide for many years to come.
• Recognizing the need to support our schools and children, she sponsored legislation to organize after-school programs such as Natural Helpers and Homework Help within our school districts.
• Promotes her dedication to youth sports and fitness by co-sponsoring a youth instructional lacrosse program and summer youth instructional sailing program along with Councilmen Mark Cuthbertson and Mark Capodanno. The two programs are available through the Town's Parks and Recreation Department and open to all.
• With the help of the Department of Parks, and Councilwoman Berland, a second skating rink at Dix Hills Park is being planned. This will give our students in Huntington more time on the ice.  The expansion will help our hockey teams as well as the casual ice skater plan for their time on the ice in lieu of leaving Huntington for practice sessions.
• Regularly invites local summer camps, schools and scouting troops in the Town of Huntington to participate in mock town board meetings, and holds discussions regarding the different facets of the Town's many departments.
• Has sponsored legislation for funding through the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities for creating summer recreation program as well as a Young teen Program.
• Co-Sponsored legislation to authorize Dix Hills gold course for Special Olympics, for the LI region as well as legislation in support of the Northport comprehensive Youth Plan. 
• Sponsored legislation to authorize agreements with Suffolk County Youth Bureau for various programs essential to the youth of Huntington.
• Sponsored legislation that provided numerous youth services through the Suffolk County Youth Bureau's Comprehensive Youth Service Plan for 2008.

Founded the Huntington Youth Council

• Established the Huntington Youth Council in 2003.  The Huntington Youth Council is comprised of exceptional high school students from ten high schools located within the Town of Huntington.  They meet several times a month to discuss the issues that affect the youth of the community and plan events that engage their peers in local issues.  Under the leadership of Councilwoman Berland, the Huntington Youth Council has raised thousands of dollars for local non-for-profit organizations by organizing innovative fundraisers.  They have organized the follow events throughout the years:
• The Summer Youth Fest - The Huntington Youth Council organized a "battle of the bands" fundraiser at the Harry Chapin Stage in Heckscher Park that featured vendors from local not-for-profits in the Town of Huntington.  The event raised money for the Huntington Arts Council.
• The "What's on your Plate" Hunger Banquet - The Huntington Youth Council organized an innovative and interactive banquet in the gymnasium of Huntington High School which educated students on the issue of hunger on both an international and local level.  The event featured guest speakers from local not-for-profit organizations such as the Interfaith Nutritional Network, Island Harvest and the Family Service League.
• The "Shoot for the Future" Basketball Tournament The Huntington Youth Council raised over $600 for the Family Service League's Lockwood Pre-School Program by holding a three-on-three basketball tournament at Half Hollow Hills High School East.  The money raised purchased the tables and the chairs for the new location of the pre-school at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church.
• The "Town Throw Down" The Huntington Youth Council sponsored a day of sports events at Park Shore Day Camp to raise money for the Dolan Family Health Center.  High Schools in the Town of Huntington compiled teams that competed against one another in a variety of athletic events such as soccer, basketball, European handball, tug-of-war, pie-eating and more.  The event has raised over $3,000 for the Dolan Family Health Center.  The money raised purchased vaccinations for children in the Town of Huntington and allowed the Dolan Family Health Center to expand their pre-natal care unit.
• The "Youth Forum" The Huntington Youth Council has coordinated the Town of Huntington "Youth Forum" - a Town Hall meeting held by high school students for high school students.  Held in the same fashion as a Town Board meeting, the Huntington Youth Council compiled the agenda on issues that are important to the youth of the community, such as recycling and affordable housing for young people.

Keeping Huntington Beautiful

• In the tradition of former Councilman Steve Israel, has continued citizen service projects as part of her "Keep Huntington Beautiful" days.  She has led four community cleanups in our area: in downtown Huntington Village , the historic Ezra Carll House , twice at Gold Star Battalion Beach , the Old Historic Burial Ground , Manor Farm, Centerport Beach , and Crab Meadow Beach . She is in the process of organizing more "Keep Huntington Beautiful" days around the Town and hopes that such projects will become a cornerstone of Huntington Town Hall Community Service.
• Frequently sponsors legislation to issue Certificates of Approval to historic districts throughout the Town of Huntington to maintain the historic integrity of our town.
• Spearheaded legislation that restored the Colonial Arsenal in Huntington Village and the Old Burial Ground.
• Advocated the annual Art in the Park Fine Art and Crafts Festival by sponsoring legislation allowing the Art League of Long Island to use Hecksher Park for the grand event. Also permitted local artists to display public art installations in Hecksher Park.
• Sponsored legislation that approved the 2009 Public Art Plan and accepted many displays of public art, as well as supported the development, fabrication, and installation of many artistic exhibits.
• Sponsored legislation that appointed volunteer park and garden stewards.
• Spearheaded several sophisticated community enhancement projects with the EOSPA committee, including the renovation of the entrance to the "Village on the Hill" community in Dix Hills and the beautification of the wetland pond and its surrounding environments in Loft Estates.
• Led the Town of Huntington's efforts to beautify and restore the historically significant Middleville Cemetery on Middleville Road in Fort Salonga.  The Middleville Cemetery Restoration Project was completed in collaboration with the Town of Huntington and the McGill University Alumni Association, the Fort Salonga Civic Association and the Northport Historical Society.  Councilwoman Berland appropriated funds to build a new and secure fence around the perimeter of the historical property and organized community clean-ups for the cemetery.  Thanks to these efforts, this historic treasure is now a visitor-friendly cemetery for all residents to enjoy.

Huntington's First Annual Women's Day

• Sponsored, along with Councilwoman Marlene Budd, the Town of Huntington's First Annual Women's Networking Day. The overwhelming success of the day brought together over 50 not-for-profit women's organizations from the area and hundreds of community members for an empowering day for both women and men alike.

Health, Safety and Security Issues

• Sponsored legislation to change parking patterns in front of Birchwood Elementary School so students and parents walking to school have a wider area in which to walk to safely get to school.
• The Councilwoman sponsored a resolution creating a progressive fine schedule for those who continue to park in commuter spaces in the Town of Huntington without a commuter parking pass. This resolution is an excellent tool to deter repeat offenders from parking in spaces that Huntington commuters so desperately need.
• Councilwoman Berland teamed up with Supervisor Petrone to institute a "Catch and Release" program in the Town of Huntington through our Department of Public Safety's Division of Animal Control.  This program allows the Division of Animal Control to set traps in areas known to have feral cat populations.  The cats are safely trapped and transported to the North Shore Animal Hospital, where they are spayed/neutered, given a rabies vaccination and returned to the location from where they were trapped.  This program is an effective and humane initiative that controls the feral cat populations of the Town of Huntington and protects our public health.
• Sponsored legislation that approved the Service Award Program Certification for many volunteer ambulance corps throughout the Town of Huntington.
• Continually supports funding for the Town's Drug and Alcohol Treatment Program with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services.
• Sponsored legislation that provided healthier food for animals, known as Science Diet Pet Food, to the Huntington Animal Shelter.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Councilman Besen that altered the terms of the Home Share Program for Huntington residents to pair up those who cannot afford housing with those who own housing.

Supporting veterans and those who are currently serving our country

• Passed monumental legislation to support town employees who are called to active duty.    "Americans Reactivated for Military Service"- "ARMS" will extend the benefits provided for Town of Huntington employees who are also reservists. "ARMS" guarantees that the Town of Huntington will supplement military compensation for its employees who are called to active duty and away from their full-time jobs so no pay loss will be suffered by their families.  Councilwoman Berland reinstated the benefits of the A.R.M.S. in January of 2010 upon hearing that a Town of Huntington employee was to be deployed overseas by the United States military.
• Strongly supports the construction of a new Veteran's Community Center in Northport to replace the outdated, 50 year old current facility
• Co-sponsored legislation to establish the Alternative Veterans Tax Exemption, to financially assist Huntington's veterans, both combat and non-combat
• Teamed up with premier sponsor Telephonics Corporation, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the Suffolk County Veterans Services Agency and the Town of Huntington Veterans Advisory Board to create a memorial headstone marker available to any veteran buried in a Town of Huntington cemetery.  The memorial headstone marker features a gold plate with the words "This Memorial is in Recognition of Honored Service"  The marker can be placed adjacent to the headstone and is free of charge to any resident who completes the application and provides a copy of service documentation.  The application can be found on the Town of Huntington website at http://ww.town.huntington.ny.us in the online library section under Citizen Services.
• Preserves the legacy of Huntington's historic soliders by publishing "Huntington's War Heroes: A Guide to our Town's Historic Veterans."  The booklet features articles on five veterans that have left a lasting legacy in our Town: Gilbert Potter, Jesse Brush, Simeon Crossman, George Washington Brush and Samuel Ballton.  The Guide also contains a list of veterans from the Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and the Civil War who are buried within the Town of Huntington.  Also included is a list of all historic cemeteries located within the Town: the name and location of each cemetery, the years in which it was active and the number of residents buried there.  'Huntington's War Heroes" also included both an application to include a veteran buried in the Town of Huntington in the Second Edition of the Guide and an application to receive the Town of Huntington Memorial Headstone Marker.

Striving to Protect our Community's Environment

• Councilwoman Berland authored the Dark Skies legislation passed in 2005- this hallmark legislation outlines appropriate outdoor lights and their uses to limit the amount of light pollution in the sky and to limit the amount of energy used to light properties. A pamphlet design competition will be held for elementary school students in the Town of Huntington.
• Councilwoman Berland in order to protect the health and safety of the residents in Huntington has participated and spoken out against  the Intermodal Facility being proposed for the Pilgrim State Hospital grounds in Brentwood. She also participated in two rallies sponsored by The Four Towns Civic Association and The Friends of the Edgewood Preserve, which she attended along with over 650 residents in the Dix Hills, Deer Park and Brentwood community. She and Supervisor Petrone crafted a letter to Gov. Spitzer that was signed by the Supervisor and the entire Town Board voicing opposition to the project. The letter also stated an immediate need for an ancillary roadway parallel to the Sagtikos Pky to relieve the current and prospective traffic on Commack Road.
• Councilwoman Berland led the charge to ban outdoor woodburning devices in the Town of Huntington.  Effective January 1, 2010, these devices, which are known to produce highly toxic and carcinogenic particles, will no longer be permitted for use.   Praised by many environmental and health organizations such as the NYS Lung Association, the Neighborhood Network and the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition, this legislation ensures the safety and public health of residents while keeping our air clean.  Councilwoman Berland also authored "A Guide to Woodburning": a pamphlet that outlines the Huntington Town Code as it pertains to wood burning devices and provides helpful tips on how to burn in a safe and clean manner.
• Has sponsored and supported several of the acquisitions and park enhancements the Town is making through its Environmental Open Space and Parks Improvement Bond Act. She is committed to ensuring that the Town continues to acquire additional open space. To date, the Town has closed on 105.3 acres in 8 significant projects:

          Acquiring Erb Farm - 5 acres of open space located on Burr's Lane in Dix Hills - Authorize appraisal of property and locate a willing seller - will be turned into athletic fields.

         - Manor Farm, 5.1 acres       -Benjamin Property (Knolls Park), 82.5 acres

         -Hilaire Woods, 8 acres      -Hilaire Woods additions, 0.8 acres

         -West Rogues Wetlands, 6.4 acres      -Ezra Carll Homestead, 0.4 acres

         -Fleets Cove Wetland, 0.1 acre (donation)     -Gittleman Ponds, 2 acres

• Has committed much of her elected-life to working with young people. This drive has led her to speak to several schools about recycling and the importance of protecting our community's environment.
• Fully supported the bi-partisan effort to update the Town's Comprehensive Plan, which was last considered in 1993. A firm has been hired to lead the community visioning process that will culminate in the new Master Plan and an updated town code.
• Has been an avid advocate of finding alternatives to pesticide use. Has wholeheartedly supported the efforts of Councilman Mark Cuthbertson in the area of pesticide alternatives, promoting the "I Am Fed Naturally" lawn flag and sponsoring an annual Earth Day Environmental Fair in the South Huntington School District.
• Sponsored the key acquisition of property on Deer Park Avenue to erect a storage tank to help facilitate water availability in the Dix Hills Water District.
• She wholeheartedly supported Town funding of a marine research and education facility at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport and strongly supported and continues to encourage a Town program that provides bilge stocks to boaters in a further effort to keep harbors clean.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Supervisor Petrone and Councilman Besen, that gave financial assistance from the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition through the U.S. Department of Energy Association Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Councilman Besen and Councilwoman Jackson to bring more Energy Star appliances into the homes of residents in the Town of Huntington.
• Sponsored legislation that regulated the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan for the coastal areas of the Town of Huntington.
• Co-sponsored legislation with Councilman Besen and Councilwoman Jackson that restored wildlife along the coast of Huntington, which enhanced the number of shellfish along the waterfront of the Town of Huntington.
• Sponsored legislation that extended funding for the services of chemical hauling and disposal for the Town of Huntington Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Storage Facility.
• Cosponsored legislation with Councilwoman Jackson for the collection, transportation and disposal of residential waste and recyclables for the Town of Huntington.
• Cosponsored legislation with Supervisor Petrone to apply for and receive funding from the U.S. E.P.A.'s National Clean Diesel Funding Assistance Program
• Cosponsored legislation to apply for and receive funding from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for a pilot Clean Fleet Electric Projecy for an electric vehicle charging unit at the Huntington Train Station.

Protecting the Welfare of those Who Donate to Charities

• Spearheaded a new law that requires owners of clothes drop-off bins to register through the Town. The new law, which has received community and local business praise alike, ensures that residents looking to donate to charity and make a difference in the lives of others are not taken advantage of.
• Was Instrumental in assisting the Sheryl Steinberg Collins Foundation, which was established when Steinberg Collins, a long-time resident of the Town passed away in September of 2005.  The Foundation, with the help of Councilwoman Berland, erected a new playground in Hecksher Park.
• Established the Town of Huntington's first Volunteer Resource Guide, which is a compilation of volunteer opportunities offered by various organizations within the Town, and will provide students and adults alike with a convenient way to choose how they can provide community service.  The Premier Edition of the Town of Huntington Volunteer Resource Guide was available as of September 2006 in high schools, libraries and other locations within the Town. The Second Edition will be available in September. Please feel free to call 351-3173 if you would like a copy mailed to you directly.

Recreation and Sports

• Sponsored legislation to provide Youth and Adult Rowing Programs at Coindre Hall.
• Co-sponsored legislation, with Councilman Besen, giving sports organizations permission to use town facilities.
• Co-sponsored legislation, with Councilman Besen and Councilwoman Jackson, that allowed for the installation of aluminum bleachers for assorted sports fields throughout the town.
• Sponsored legislation that provides bus service to many recreation programs across the Town of Huntington.
• Sponsored legislation for Spring, Summer, and Autumn storage at town marinas.
• Has urged both the County of Nassau and the Hempstead Town Board to support the Lighthouse Project.

Supporter of our water and boating community

• Sponsored legislation urging the NYS Legislature to mandate boater safety courses before issuing boating licenses.
• Sponsored legislation that executed an agreement with the Sagamore Rowing Association to allow the organization to temporarily store their equipment and boats at Huntington Bay's Fleets Cove Beach.  This legislation allows the rowing association to continue their rowing and sculling programs for both youths and adults as renovations on the Coindre Hall Boathouse are underway.

Anne Frank Memorial Garden

• Councilwoman Berland has spearheaded the initiative to establish the Anne Frank Memorial Garden at Arberetum Park started by former Councilwoman Marlene Budd with Councilman Besen. The design of the Garden depicts Anne Frank's strength and perseverance as she strived to overcome severe adversity during the Holocaust. The Garden will bring visitors on a metaphorical journey through the life of Anne Frank and will commemorate events such as "Kristallnacht - The Night of Broken Glass" and Anne Frank's time in hiding. Construction on the Anne Frank Memorial Garden is set to begin shortly.