Narrative:

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.
Initiatives:

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.
Bio:

Susan
A. Berland was elected to the
Town Board on November 6, 2001 and took office on December 1. She is a widely
known and well-respected Huntington civic leader and attorney. She is a past
Vice President and Member of the Board of Directors of House Beautiful at Dix
Hills, one of the leading civic associations in the Town of Huntington, and a
member of the Board of Directors and past President of the Huntington Recreation
Association.
For six years, Susan served as a New
York State Assistant Attorney General, prosecuting parole violators and
representing the people of the State in a variety of litigations. Subsequently,
she held the position of Assistant Town Attorney for the Town of Huntington,
heading up a campaign to eradicate illegal and dangerous multiple dwellings
in the Town. Susan obtained the largest district court settlement against an
absentee landlord in the Town's history. Susan also worked with both Republican
and Democratic administrations to prosecute criminal violations of the Town
Code. She has been deeply involved in environmental efforts — working to protect
open space and fragile aquifers, to avert over development and to reduce traffic
congestion — and in countless educational, cultural and religious endeavors
throughout the Town.
Susan is a graduate of
the Hofstra University School of Law and of the State University of New York at
Albany, where she served as a State Senate aide. In addition to her
extensive legal background, the Councilwoman is a civic activist who
participates in several community organizations. She currently serves on
the Board of Directors for the International Dyslexia Association Suffolk
Branch, an organization dear to her heart since she herself is dyslexic.
She also serves on the Advisory Board for Friends of Karen, a charity dedicated
to providing emotional, financial and advocacy support to the families of
children with life-threatening diseases. Councilwoman Berland has also
served as the former president, treasurer and current Board Member of the
H.R.A., a neighborhood summer club that provides recreational activities for her
community. She lives in Dix Hills with her husband and four children.
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