Assemblyman Graf Offers Update on Plowing Situation

State Assemblyman Al Graf responded to rising criticism from the Sachem community that the town is not doing enough to get the local streets plowed.

Responding to a post we put on our Facebook page, Graf stated:

This is to let everyone know that a list of more than two hundred streets to be plowed has been sent to the towns from my office. I also toured my district to see what the towns are facing. Please understand that the towns have all hands on deck trying to dig us out from under this blizzard. I personally witnessed the town's management in payloaders clearing streets. The slush and ice can also take a toll on town equipment, We will be forwarding further updates to the towns as we get them. I understand that this can be frustrating. However, I ask that everyone be patient. The highway department will be working night and day to clean up our towns. If you are stuck in your house, look around you, be thankful for your family. Also be thankful for your family, friends and neighbors who have reached out to check on you. In times of stress little miracles appear by the small gestures of loved ones and friends who show us they care, and we should be thankful.

Are recent as an hour ago, residents dropped street names onto our Facebook page, including:

• Long Street, Lake Grove
• Hettys Path, Farmingville
• Norma Boulevard, Holbrook
• Sutton Place, Holbrook
• Windham Lane, Holbrook
• Neill Drive Cul de Sac, Farmingville
• Concord Drive, Holtsville
• Buckingham Drive, Holbrook
• Glen Summer Road, Holbrook
• Fallen Leaf Road, Holbrook
• Greenbrier Avenue, Farmingville
• Wiggins Street, Lake Ronkonkoma
• Silva Street, Holbrook
• Honeysuckle Lane, Holtsville
• Blue Point Road, Holtsville
• Vautrin Avenue, Holtsville

One Facebook commenter noted that it might be easier to list which streets actually have been plowed.

In addition, Lily Bedell wrote to Patch about the lack of plows in the five corners section of Lake Grove/Lake Ronkonkoma.

"It must be addressed ASAP," she writes. "No more excuses, people need to go to work and the sick and elderly need assistance. Nobody can get in or out and the snow can't be removed by hand. This is becoming a dangerous situation. We pay taxes and have been polite and patient. This new way of handling the highways is not working."