April 14th, 2022 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter presented her annual State of the Town address Monday, echoing a theme of unity, inclusivity and the importance of partnerships. The 35-minute address highlighted new programs and initiatives on the horizon, those that have already been implemented Town-wide, while also commending town employees and residents for coming together and showing their strength and resolve during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In her address entitled, “Forward Together,” Supervisor Carpenter reflected on the effects of the pandemic, while applauding the members of the Town Board, commissioners, department heads, and employees across all divisions, for quickly adapting to a new normal and forging ahead despite COVID limitations.

Supervisor Carpenter stated that together with the continued support of the Town Board, the Town’s 2022 operating budget is Tax Cap compliant. “The 2022 budget delivers a modest Town tax decrease to the average assessed home, does not cut any services, staff or programs. We are not piercing the Tax Cap,” she said.

The Supervisor noted the Town delivered on the promise to seek out new opportunities to help assist those residents or businesses undergoing financial hardship, as a result of the pandemic. The Town of Islip's Community Development Agency initiated the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), which dispersed $8.7m to households in jeopardy of eviction during its first round. The second round of ERAP, now underway, has dispersed $1.6m to date and is currently accepting applications. “Through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the Town has also launched the Town of Islip KIT Grant Program (Keep Islip Thriving), allocating assistance for small businesses and local non-profits who experienced hardships due to lost revenue because of the pandemic,” she added. Grants are now available to help those affected, and applications can be found on the Town’s website at www.islipny.gov/KIT.

Supervisor Carpenter reiterated the Town’s commitment to climate change and the expansion of its unique and thriving aquaculture program. “On the heels of the Town becoming NYSERDA Clean Energy Certified, and in 2020 achieving Climate Smart Community designation through the New York State DEC, the Town of Islip DEC continues working diligently on sustainability efforts to identify high impact action items to raise the Town’s Climate Smart Community ranking to Bronze Certified. The DEC progresses to expand the Town’s aquaculture beyond shellfish to include Sugar Kelp, as well as leasing all available parcels,” said the Supervisor. The Town is now at an astounding 37 million Blue Point Oysters and Hard Clams, each oyster cleaning up to 50 gallons of bay water, and each clam cleaning 30 gallons daily. “The Shellfish Cultivation Facility is in a position to become the premier supplier of quality seed for the growing demands not just on Long Island, but all around the Northeast,” she added.

The Supervisor touched on recent completed projects throughout the Town, such as the Roberto Clemente Spray Park in Brentwood; the centrally-located Animal Shelter and Adopt-a-Pet Center in Central Islip; and the more than $500,000 in parks improvements across Town hamlets, including playground equipment accessible for ALL abilities.

On the horizon is the first of its kind Serenity Garden at Brookwood Hall in East Islip. This is the first project of the newly formed not-for-profit Town of Islip Parks Foundation. The garden will cater to people with: visual and hearing impairments; Alzheimer’s or dementia; those who are developmentally disabled or on the autism spectrum; and for seniors, as well as veterans, allowing all to enjoy nature in an environment crafted for their individual needs. Preparations for a groundbreaking are underway. For more information on the Town of Islip Parks Foundation, please visit www.Isliptownparksfoundation.org.

The Town’s Anti-Bias Task Force has been reimagined to become the Town of Islip Unity Council, she announced, dedicated and committed to… Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility, or IDEA. “The Unity Council is comprised of those that reflect the diversity of the 340,000 residents in our Town, and has hit the ground running, bringing programs forward including the Town’s Student Ambassador Program,” she said.

And despite the limitations on the travel industry imposed by the pandemic, new and exciting air service has commenced at Long Island MacArthur Airport. Southwest Airlines began flying non-stop to Nashville, Tennessee last June, Frontier Airlines re-launched its service to Fort Lauderdale, and, at the end of April, will once again resume direct service to Raleigh-Durham. In addition, the founder of JetBlue, David Neeleman, launched service from Islip with his 5th airline, Breeze Airways, flying nonstop to Charleston, South Carolina and Norfolk, Virginia and, will be offering one-stop service to New Orleans, with more to come.

“There is no doubt that we are much better off today than we were this time last year. However, there have been setbacks, new variants, new challenges,” said the Supervisor. “The path forward has been frustrating at times, but we must continue to be steadfast and remain vigilant in order to see one another through. Together, as one, acting on our mutual goals for the betterment of this Town, we can define what tomorrow will look like,” she concluded.

The Supervisor’s address can be viewed in its entirety on the Town of Islip website, at www.islipny.gov.