Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi and the Glen Cove City Council were once again privileged to honor the Glen Cove Police Department at the city council meeting of July 24, this time in the persons of newly promoted officers Sgt. Wesley Leach, Lt. Ralph Bruschini and Deputy Chief Robert MacDonald. Following the resolution proposing said promotions, the council had no hesitation in casting a unanimous aye vote for the trio. In addition, each council member had nothing but the finest words for each officer, including comments by Councilwoman Meehan, who spoke, not just of the men they have grown into, but of memories of Sgt. Leach "running around the neighborhood as a kid," of knowing Lt. Bruschini in his youth, and of meeting DC MacDonald's mother.

Cumulatively, the officers represent 60 years of police employment and dozens of commendations and Mayor Suozzi praised the officers for their years of service and dedication to the City of Glen Cove, in both the police department and in their private lives. In addition to the praise for the promoted officers, the mayor and council expressed admiration for Chief William Whitton and his predecessor, former Chief Timothy Edwards, for the leadership and high standards they have set in the department.

Chief Whitton said that it was a very special night for him, as these were the first promotions over which he has presided since becoming chief, and added that he was very proud to hear the compliments given his officers by the mayor and council. "As chief," he said, "I take my job very seriously and expect a high level of performance from my staff. I am confident that these officers are aware of the importance of their new respective roles and will continue to supply the public, which they serve, with dedication, commitment and superior law enforcement." He added that the officers have earned the respect of the rank and file, and believes the men will do outstanding jobs. "And as far as my administrative team goes," said Chief Whitton, "I'm one very lucky police chief."

DC MacDonald stated that he was "truly honored" to have been selected by Chief Whitton as "his right hand man" and echoed the chief's remarks concerning the administrative team. "With the chief, Lt. John Mandato, Lt. Bruschini and myself working together, we're ready to tackle anything."

Lt. Bruschini said. "It's very exciting to be part of a new era in the Glen Cove Police Department." He expressed his thanks to Chief Whitton, Mayor Suozzi and the city council for their faith in him, and singled out former Chief Edwards, under whom he had worked for 23 years. "Chief Edwards has been a great influence on me. He gave me my start, promoted me to sergeant, and I will always be grateful to him," the lieutenant said.

Sgt. Leach stated he was excited, proud, and "happy to be here. I rode in on good coattails," he smiled.

Following the police promotions, and a five-minute recess while many family members and friends left for a small celebratory party, the council went on to honor artist Denky Gerasaki and Sgt. Jack McDougal for their recent gift of a logo designed for SAFE (Substance Abuse Free Environment). The logo depicts a baseball diamond, with home plate labeled "safe." A self-proclaimed non-artist, although well known as an "idea man," Sgt. McDougal said he was thrilled to have worked with someone of Ms. Gerasaki's talent in creating what he could only visualize. He also thanked the artist for her generosity with her time and talent. Ms. Gerasaki has been a Glen Cove resident since the age of 7, is a graduate of Glen Cove High School and holds a bachelor's degree in graphic design.

Sgt. McDougal also took the opportunity to speak as a police officer, adding his kudos to the evening's promotions. "And you know I'm not saying this for brownie points, since they're all gone," he added.

The meeting then turned to regular business.

During the public comments portion of the meeting. Reginald Spinello, Republican candidate for mayor, took to the microphone to address the subject of the waterfront revitalization. Mayor Suozzi told Mr. Spinello that the meeting was not the forum for statements, and asked if he had a question. Mr. Spinello said he would pose his question at the end of his remarks.

Mr. Spinello stated that he was "having trouble understanding" how the city reached a point where the proposed development included 860 residential units, as well as 250 hotel rooms. "When did the voice of the people say 'I want 1,100 units in buildings as high as 16 stories?'" he asked rhetorically. He said he had visited Port Jefferson, a waterfront community consisting of restaurants, retail shops and cultural attractions, and it felt to him like a vacation. "It was a waterfront with a winning formula: jobs for its residents and revenue for the town. Amazingly, there was no building taller than three stories," he said. "The views were spectacular from everywhere." He called his visit "a glimpse of what a successful suburban waterfront is like" and stated that Glen Cove needs to make certain that its project creates maximum revenue for the city while protecting quality of life. "Now more than ever, we can't repeat the same mistakes that have plagued our city...our deficit is spiraling out of control and our property taxes are higher than ever," Mr. Spinello said, adding that "the residential component of this project as it stands would be the biggest mistake in the history of our city." Done correctly, he said, "Glen Cove would become a showcase waterfront community. Done incorrectly, we would be one step closer to urbanization, complete with traffic jams, pollution and high-rise eyesores" and stated that surrendering to the "status quo" is not the kind of leadership the city needs to put the waterfront redevelopment back on the right track.

In respect to his question, Mr. Spinello asked Mayor Suozzi, "Are you going to the Feast?"

Paul Meli, leader of the Glen Cove Republican Party, questioned the interim zoning ordinances recently put in place, asking how many present homes have been made non-conforming by the new laws. The mayor stated that the city was working on the zoning issues and was not sure if there would be a final property-by-property analysis. Mr. Meli also questioned signage regarding "political parties" and asked Mayor Suozzi, "Are you the Democratic candidate?" The mayor answered that yes, he was indeed cross-endorsed by the Democrats. To date, there has been no official statement made by either Mayor Suozzi or the Democratic Party in regard to the endorsement.

A number of residents took the microphone to question the current situation concerning architect Robert LaBaw, and in specific, construction on a Prospect Avenue house which the city stopped last week. According to the New York State Office of Professional Discipline, Mr. LaBaw is being investigated, as records show his state registration has not been renewed since August 2003. An architect's license is good for life; however, law requires annual renewal of registration.

Sea Cliff resident Pamela Tamaddon, who lives close to the Prospect Avenue house, was most adamant in stating that, perhaps, "Mr. LaBaw has been cruising too long," and expressed concern that he has "not only put homeowners at risk," but has also caused devaluation of homes. Brenda Weck stated that as a nurse, her credentials need to be updated by continued education, and remarked she was sure it was true for many other professionals.

Resident Michelle Puckett remarked that she had given the mayor's office information from the state architectural board in reference to Mr. LaBaw and wondered why the city wasn't moving more quickly in regard to Mr. LaBaw's projects currently before city boards, as well as those done between 2003 and 2007.

Mayor Suozzi iterated what he has said before, that all of Mr. LaBaw's project plans currently in the building department would be held until the question is cleared up. Both the mayor and Vincent Taranto, attorney for the City of Glen Cove, were resolute in explaining that the city is doing all it can to find the truth, with Mr. Taranto stating, "The city is on top of this. Not one day has gone by since June that myself, the mayor and [Building Department Administrator] Len Baron have not dealt with this." But, Mr. Taranto continued, the city has been receiving conflicting views and statements from the state as to Mr. LaBaw's status, and the status of his "recertification, or lack thereof." "We are trying to do the right thing. Homeowners, builders, architects...all have rights," he said. Calling Mr. LaBaw "a good man," the mayor concurred with Mr. Taranto, adding, "Nothing will go forward until I have a statement, in writing, from Albany."