Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman Commends Nassau County Police And Federal Partners On Gang Crackdown Operation
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder, District Attorney Anne Donnelly, ICE Assistant Field Office Director Bryan Flanagan, and other local and federal officials to discuss recent efforts taken by the Nassau County Police Department to crack down on violence and criminal activity committed by gang members.
Since August 13, the Nassau County Police Department has coordinated a sweeping takedown of gang members and other dangerous criminals across Nassau County that has led to 42 arrests, many of which involved drug and weapons charges. Half of the arrested individuals were known gang members from criminal organizations like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang, and The Trinitarios. Thirty-three of the 42 detained individuals have been transferred to ICE custody due to illegal status.
This operation represents one of the largest gang takedowns in Nassau County history. County Executive Blakeman stated that he is committed to working with all local and federal partners to get dangerous and illegal criminals off our streets.
“The message here today for those engaged in gang activity: not in this county!” County Executive Blakeman said. “We in Nassau County are grateful for the federal partnership we have with ICE, FBI, DEA, and other agencies. As a result, we are a safer community.”
Nassau County Commissioner of Police Patrick Ryder stated that local police will continue doing everything in their power to apprehend and detain dangerous gang members. He promised that officers are standing by to answer the call if criminal actions are taken in our communities.
“[The gang members] saw our response. The response will continue. If they try to bring up any retaliation in the gang world, we will be there to answer it,” Ryder said.
“These arrests are a testament to how committed we are in Nassau County to dismantling gangs and their toxic influence in our communities. But they are only the beginning. My office will continue to work closely with Commissioner Ryder and the police department to investigate, prosecute, and take down criminal organizations that put families at risk,” added District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
County Executive Blakeman reiterated that he is doing everything in his power to protect Nassau County residents despite pro-criminal policies that have been enacted by state lawmakers. Since taking office, he has hired over 300 new police and correctional officers, opened a state-of-the-art police training village, and partnered with federal officials, all in the name of keeping Nassau the safest county in America.
“Crime is down in Nassau County. We are the safest county in America. We are doing a great job—our police department, our sheriff’s department, probation, and our federal, state, and local partners working together are doing an outstanding job here,” County Executive Blakeman stated.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, New York State Senator Mario Matera, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and other Long Island public officials at a press conference to speak out against potentially disastrous energy initiatives being pushed by Governor Kathy Hochul and Albany lawmakers.
The officials strongly denounced offshore wind projects proposed by the state, as well as additional plans for putting lithium-ion battery facilities in Long Island communities. They said these initiatives pose significant risks to residents by threatening tourism, local businesses, and marine wildlife while increasing taxes and electric rates.
County Executive Blakeman noted that firefighters cannot put out a fire at a lithium-ion battery storage facility and that it must be left to burn out on its own. He also explained why that poses an especially significant threat to Nassau County.
“Nassau County has roughly the same population as Suffolk County, but we’re a lot smaller geographically. We are very dense. A fire in our community could set the whole village on fire, and that’s something that concerns our firefighters each and every day,” Blakeman stated. “Our Chief Fire Marshall Mike Uttaro has come out against these facilities because he knows that there’s no ability for our firefighters to put them out. Our firefighters are not protected, and our communities aren’t protected.”
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the dangers of lithium-ion battery facilities are well known and that people in communities where fires happen are the ones who pay the price when something goes wrong.
“We have seen in recent years, from fires that take days, others that take weeks, the impacts of these lithium batteries on local communities—the challenge that results for these local fire departments to be able to respond,” Zeldin stated. “When disaster strikes, and those batteries are on fire, and there are toxic emissions and water quality impacts, it’s the people in this room who are going to have to answer that call to put it out.”
County Executive Blakeman reiterated that these energy initiatives impact all of Long Island and that local officials should decide whether they are implemented.
“This is a regional issue: this isn’t a Nassau County issue, it isn’t just a Suffolk County issue, it’s the whole of Long Island together who don’t want these battery warehouses in their communities,” Blakeman said. “The site of these facilities, and whether or not they make any sense, should be made on the local level, not on the state level, not coming from Albany. It should be our town, village, and city officials who make the determination on whether or not they want them in our communities.” n
State Of The Village Of Lawrence Address
Dear Fellow Residents,
{small IMG Mayor Sam Nahmias
{Caption Mayor Sam Nahmias
Just over a year into our new administration, I’m proud to report that the Village of Lawrence is on a strong and promising path forward.
We’ve made significant strides in infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life—thanks largely to partnerships with state and county officials. I’m pleased to share that we’ve secured approximately $1.4 million in grants to support transformative initiatives already underway.
Special thanks go to State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, whose support helped secure a $150,000 grant to restore a key stretch of long-out streetlights—some dark since Hurricane Sandy. That project, now complete, brings both a symbolic and literal return of light to Route 878.
An even more substantial $1.24 million grant—made possible through County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Presiding Officer Howard Kopel—has launched a major infrastructure effort that includes:
• Replacing 800 Village streetlights with energy-efficient, warm LED lighting
• Beautifying Rock Hall Road with eco-friendly landscaping
• Building a new sidewalk and bike lane to improve walkability and safety
• Installing surveillance cameras to strengthen public safety
• Investing in emergency services: $411,000 for a new ambulance and $206,400 for a fire apparatus
These projects reflect what collaborative government can achieve. They’re not just line items—they’re lasting investments in safety, accessibility, and quality of life.
In addition to grant-funded initiatives, the Village has allocated $1 million to repave streets including Muriel Ave, Margaret Ave, Copper Beech Ln, Waverly Pl, Mistletoe Way, Mulry Ln, and Sutton Place South—enhancing driving conditions and infrastructure longevity.
Our business district is also improving. We’ve begun installing new parking meters that accept coins, credit cards, and mobile app payments—making it easier for residents and visitors to support local businesses.
Lawrence is on a strong financial path. By cutting wasteful spending and making prudent investments, we began the year with $7.4 million in cash on hand—up from $6 million the previous year, including initial tax revenues. With additional funds expected, our cash holdings are projected to grow to $15 million. This solid position allows us to invest confidently in both long- and short-term priorities while maintaining the flexibility to respond to unforeseen needs. Through disciplined budgeting, we are maximizing impact and keeping taxes low—especially important following the prior administration’s nearly 9% increase.
Through a coordinated team effort, Lawrence Country Club has successfully returned to profitability, setting the stage for repaying longstanding village loans and ensuring long-term sustainability. We have broadened our services by partnering with three new caterers and introduced a bring-your-own-alcohol policy for a modest flat fee—replacing the previous administration’s restrictive and financially burdensome corkage fee. Additionally, under the dedicated leadership and oversight of Park’s Liaison Trustee Roz, we completed a modern renovation of the catering hall, enhancing the overall guest experience resulting in higher use and profitability. Additionally, the marina is undergoing major renovations and dredging, which will significantly enhance operations, funded by a $5.5 million Federal grant.
We’ve also launched a Village Beautification Program, targeting sidewalk repairs and strategic tree trimming to improve safety and visibility.
Thanks to Trustees Felder and Gottesman, we rebuilt our DPW by hiring skilled masons and carpenters who now complete sidewalk and structural repairs in-house—saving time and money.
In partnership with the Cape Cod Greenhead Fly Agency, our DPW built and deployed around 200 traps across marshes and neighborhoods—helping to reduce this longstanding nuisance.
Thanks to Trustee Parnes, sanitation services have been improved, especially around holidays when demand peaks—making collections more reliable and efficient.
Public safety remains a top priority. Our close partnership with Nassau County’s 4th Precinct has resulted in more patrols and faster response times, enhancing community security.
The Village administration is more committed than ever. Under the leadership of Village Administrator Gerry Castro and Village Treasurer and Clerk Lina Fusco, our staff remains dedicated to assisting residents with professionalism and care.
I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our appointed officials who, like our elected Board, serve entirely on a voluntary basis without compensation. Their commitment and expertise—across the Board of Zoning Appeals, Board of Building Design, Planning Board, and Parks Advisory Board—are vital to our community’s continued progress and success.
And this is just the beginning.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on smart, sustainable growth—continuing roadway improvements, drainage upgrades to reduce flooding, and further investment in public facilities. We’re also streamlining Village services, improving the customer experience at Village Hall, and deepening partnerships with local organizations. Every step we take is guided by a long-term vision aligned with our evolving needs.
We are dedicated to fostering long-term, sustainable growth while preserving the unique charm and vitality of our beautiful village. Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more vibrant Lawrence—one that we can all take pride in, today and for generations to come.
Stay tuned—there’s much more ahead.
With gratitude and optimism,
Samuel (Shlomo) Nahmias
Mayor, Village of Lawrence
{Cedarhurst Honors Local Police Officers at Concert in the Park
{IMG Cedarhurst honors Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct: Inspector Dan Ciaccio, Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant Charles Sollin.
{Caption Village of Cedarhurst Trustee Dan Plaut, Sanitary Commissioner Irving Kamenetsky, Cedarhurst Trustee Izzy Wasser, Assemblyman Ari Brown, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Mayor Ben Weinstock, Legislative Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, Lawrence School Board Trustee Tovah Plaut, and Cedarhurst Administrator Jacob Plaut honor NCPD Inspector Dan Ciaccio, Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant Charles Sollin
On August 12th, at the Cedarhurst Concert in the Park, Mayor Benjamin Weinstock and Trustee Daniel Plaut proudly presented plaques to two outstanding officers from the Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct: Inspector Dan Ciaccio, Commanding Officer, and Lieutenant Charles Sollin.
Both officers were recognized for their exceptional service and steadfast commitment to the safety and well-being of the Cedarhurst community.
“The Village extends its heartfelt appreciation to Inspector Ciaccio, Lieutenant Sollin, and the entire 4th Precinct for their continued efforts in making Cedarhurst a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and worship” said Mayor Benjamin Weinstock.
