CVS Moves Forward, Plea Deal in Gaffney Case, Reptiles Rule in West Islip

It's been a very busy week given pre-holiday events happening, town actions and local West Islip activities.

In case you missed a day at Patch, here's a look at the past week's headlines as the Thanksgiving holiday week arrives:

Islip Planning Board OKs CVS for LaGrange Site
The hotly debated proposal of turning the former LaGrange building in West Islip into a CVS is moving forward now that the Islip Town Planning Board has approved the plan. The project still requires a change of zone and special permit from the town’s zoning board. 

Exploring the World of Reptiles Right in West Islip
Can you guess what the most popular pet reptile is in West Islip?
A few hints: It's got a beard, it eats both live insects (think worms) and some select vegetables, can live to 10 years and it's very friendly.
If you guessed the Bearded Dragon, you guessed right.

Plea Deal in Fatal Crash a "Black Eye" on Justice System
A plea deal between the Suffolk District Attorney and a Ronkonkoma man responsible for killing a West Islip kindergartner nearly two years ago in a car crash is being slammed by Patch readers for falling short and not delivering the right punishment. Instead of a possible 25 years in prison, if convicted on several felonies, Steven Kinalis was sentenced Monday to 5 and a half years to 16 and a half years in prison for the death of John Anthony Gaffney in a car accident on Dec. 10, 2011.

Officers Save Suicidal Woman on Robert Moses Bridge
Suffolk County Police Officers are being credited for saving a woman who was attempting to commit suicide by jumping off the Robert Moses Bridge earlier this morning. Police said Officers Don Lettieri and Kevin Krause were on their normal patrol near the bridge this morning at around 10:55 a.m. when another driver alerted them to the woman attempting to jump.

Legislator Aims to Make Udall, Higbie Safer to Travel
http: Suffolk County Legislator Tom Barraga wants to make Higbie Lane and Udall Road in West Islip safer travel routes and has asked local police to step up enforcement of everything from speeding to dangerous maneuvers and illegal turns. The request was borne from residents’ concerns who live in the area and who are worried that sooner or later someone will be killed by the illegal driving activity and disregard for state driving laws, said Barraga.