The civic association is one of the most rudimentary forms of neighborhood engagement, public discourse, and community participation. Additionally, it serves as a direct connection between the public with their local leaders and elected officials.
At a population of 43,000 residents, Coram is one of the most populous hamlets in the entire Town of Brookhaven. Coram is in the middle of a period of revitalization and civic engagement, and the Civic Association took the liberty of honoring community leaders who have been instrumental in that transition at their monthly board meeting Monday night at the Coram Fire Department.
Led by President Kareem Nugdalla, the Coram Civic Association honored Sixth Precinct Inspector Joe Condolff, Suffolk County Legislators Nick Caracappa (C-Selden) and Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point), Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge), New York Senator Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station), and County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches).
“We drive all around Coram looking for problems,” said Nugdalla. “We look for things to bring to our elected officials that they can resolve with us. I’m very happy to say that over the last month of us driving around, there have been times where we have seen nothing. There are still some dilapidated buildings, but lawsuits are pending, the right departments know about them, and people are actively working on these issues. But in terms of prostitution, drug dealing, and other activities, it’s just not there; we don’t see it.”
Nugdalla mentioned the bus stop by the Home Depot on Middle Country Road and Route 112. He said that people are starting to feel safe taking the bus again since drug dealers are not there trying to sell drugs to passengers.
“We wanted to recognize the people that were instrumental in the changes to our community,” said Nugdalla. “It’s been a challenge for sure. A lot of the time, we wanted things to happen a little bit faster than humanly possible, truthfully. But I will say that we’re starting to see the fruits of the labor of all the hard work that’s been put into it.”
The first Community Excellence Award was presented to Inspector Joe Condolff of the Sixth Precinct of the Suffolk County Police Department. The Sixth Precinct covers the northeastern part of Brookhaven, ranging from Old Field and Stony Brook to the town line in Ronkonkoma. It stretches east to Medford and north towards Mount Sinai.
“The first award is presented in recognition of Inspector Condolff’s exceptional dedication and transformative leadership in the forum community,” said Nugdalla. “Through unwavering commitment and innovative strategies, Inspector Condolff has significantly enhanced public safety and fostered a spirit of unity and trust. This award celebrates Inspector Condolff’s outstanding contributions as a change agent, setting a new standard of excellence in community policing.”
“I want to give a hand to the whole Sixth Precinct because it’s the men and women that are really working the nuts and bolts of the job out there,” said Condolff. “We’re fortunate enough to have a lot of cooperation from our last Commissioner [Rodney Harrison] and our latest Commissioner [Robert Waring] to give us the manpower to do all of this and hopefully keep it going. In our business, things get better and then they get worse. We realize that in the spring, things can really pick up a little bit, but we are preparing for that also in a lot of different ways, talking to shop owners and business owners, the landlords, making sure all the affidavits for trespassers are in place. Thank you very much for this, it does mean a lot.”
Nugdalla presented the next award to Legislator Caracappa of the Fourth Legislative District.
“This award is presented in recognition of Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s pivotal role in advancing the Coram community,” said Nugdalla. “His successful procurement of a multi-million dollar sewer study grant has laid the foundation for future development, showcasing his no-nonsense yet reasonable approach to governance. This award honors Legislator Caracappa with instrumental contributions and steadfast commitment as a transformative force in our community. Thank you.”
“We have a lot of work to do,” said Caracappa. “We hear you and we want to make a difference. I want to see results and you’re going to see a lot more of me and my colleagues and we’re going to continue to get things done in Coram.”
Nugdalla then presented the next award in recognition of Councilwoman Jane Bonner, who represents the Second Council District in the Town of Brookhaven.
“This award recognizes Jane Bonner and her pioneering leadership and innovative solutions that have revitalized the Coram community,” said Nugdalla. “With her tough stance on crime, strong moral ethic, and heartfelt dedication to treating our community like family, Councilwoman Jane Bonner has blazed a trail towards restoring our neighborhood’s former glory. This award commends her instrumental role as a change agent, embodying the highest ideals of community excellence.”
A representative accepted the award on Bonner’s behalf.
“I want to thank everyone, all of the board members in the community for all the partnership that you’ve given to our office and helped us to improve Coram,” she said. “The board has really been so instrumental in helping us do that and we wanted to express our appreciation for the recognition and the continued effort to move forward.”
Nugdalla then recognized Senator Dean Murray of the Third Senate District.
“This award is in tribute to New York State Senator Dean Murray’s unwavering dedication and transformative impact,” said Nugdalla. “Having served in multiple capacities, Senator Murray continues to champion revitalization efforts in the State Senate and shares Coram’s voice. His down-to-earth approach and constant availability underscore his commitment to our community. This award recognizes his lifelong service and significant contributions as a change agent.”
“On behalf of Senator Murray, we want to thank you very much for recognizing him,” said a representative for Murray. “As in the past when he was an Assemblyman, so now a Senator, this is his district and he will always be here for his residents. You can call our office, you can email us, you can Facebook message us. We’re always here and we’re always going to be working with the board. I talk to board members all the time in regards to the needs of the community, and we’re always going to be here fighting for what’s right for the community and for us. Thank you.”
Nugdalla then addressed the Coram Civic Association at large.
“As your president, I am continually inspired by the dedication and community spirit that each of you embodies,” said Nugdalla. Coram is not just a place on the map, it’s our home, a testament to our collective efforts and dreams. In our quest to make Coram the best it can be, your vigilance and voice are indispensable. Every observation, every concern is a step towards improvement. When you speak up, you ignite change, foster an environment where solutions and community welfare are paramount. We should embrace our responsibility to Coram with zeal. Your proactive actions are the building blocks of a brighter, safer, and more vibrant community tomorrow. Together, let’s shape a future for Coram where we can all be prouder. Your engagement is the spark that drives progress. Let’s remain vigilant, speak up for our community, and together turn our shared vision for Coram into reality.”
Newly-elected Legislator Chad Lennon (R-Rocky Point), of the Sixth Legislative District, addressed the Association.
“I want to hear from you what your concerns are, like we’re hearing today,” said Lennon. “This way, I can make a better informed decision when I go to the Legislature and vote on a bill or make a recommendation for a piece of legislation.”
Lennon then pitched an idea to join all the civic associations in his district to collaborate and inform him of their needs and projects.
“We can discuss a variety of ideas, from SS4A grants for infrastructure to the federal government bringing about changes to the communities, from sidewalks to whatever problems your communities are facing.”
The Coram Civic Association then continued with their regularly-scheduled board meeting, where topics from the hamlet’s relationship with the Town Planning Board, to sidewalk construction were discussed.
The Coram Civic Association holds general meetings on the last Monday of every month at the Coram Fire Department located at 303 Middle Country Road in Coram.
