Nassau County Legislator Richard Nicolello sponsored and approved a $50 million referendum aimed at saving the last remaining open spaces and preserving Nassau County's parklands. The legislature's unanimous approval means that the referendum will be placed on the ballot for consideration during the Nov. 2 elections. FULL STORY

In a village where no two houses are alike, a unique mayor, who embraced residents with family and tradition during his 11-year tenure, stepped down Aug. 31. FULL STORY