Islip Sandy Recovery Efforts Continue

As the cleanup and recovery from Hurricane Sandy continues across Islip Town, Supervisor Tom Croci on Monday provided an update on the work that has been completed and the tasks that remain.

“Many Islip residents are still without power, and the scale of destruction to Islip properties is simply unprecedented,” he said. “I can assure you that every available Town employee has been working to restore access to roadways, to clean storm drains, and to field your requests for assistance.”

Croci said crews from the Department of Public Works (DPW) have cleared 100 percent of roadways under the responsibility of the Town. In addition, the Long Island Power Authority has provided seven additional crews requested by the supervisor to complete power repair across Islip. Currently, 18 LIPA crews are working across the Town.

In addition, DPW crews have also removed more than 100,000 gallons of water from flooded neighborhoods along the south shore.

Town Hall and Government Facilities

Town Hall has been open to the public since Thursday and garbage pick-up has resumed as normal. All parks and marinas remain closed indefinitely. Boat launching is not allowed, but residents may retrieve their boat from the water between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There is very limited recreation programming this week and residents may call 224-5411 to check the status of programs. All Snowflake softball leagues have been cancelled due to field damage.

Nearly all recreational facilities have debris and fallen trees that require significant cleanup. Among the hardest hit facilities are the major destruction at Islip Beach, East Islip Marina and the Port O Call Marina in Sayville, with significant docking and structural damage at the latter two facilities. All beaches have experienced erosion and most facilities are without power. 

Composting and Storm Yard Waste and Debris

The Town continues to pull material from the streets with DPW, Parks and DEC crews. Much of the brush and storm yard waste is being delivered to satellite sites as well as our Ronkonkoma compost facility. Over the past four days Town crews have sent 7,500 tons to Islip’s compost facility, including 436 tons from residents dropping off waste directly. The compost facility is equipped to handle all organic debris that residents wish to dispose.

Hazmat and Building Inspections

The Town was able to secure 25 additional HAZMAT professionals to join Islip Town from Yonkers to assist Town HAZMAT teams in propane, oil tank and other hazardous material cleanups. The Town also now has an additional 20 CEDAR building inspectors to address the structural integrity of buildings and homes throughout Islip. Residents in flood zone areas who may have additional questions about how to get reconnected to LIPA may contact the Town at 224-5380.

Election Day Information

Tuesday is Election Day and several polling places in Suffolk County have been affected by power outages and damage from the storm. The following locations affect Islip electoral districts:

Normal Polling Place: Oak Beach Community Center, 4226 Oak Beach Road, Oak Beach; Relocated to: Paul J. Bellew School, 25 Higbie Lane, West Islip 

Normal Polling Place: Ocean Beach Boat House, 625 Bayberry Walk, Ocean Beach; Relocated to: Bay Shore Middle School, 393 Brook Avenue, Bay Shore

Normal Polling Place: Forest Brook Elementary School, 299 Lilac Lane, Smithtown; Relocated to: Hauppauge Middle School, 600 Townline Road, Hauppauge