Coram Civic Association Meeting Addresses Local Concerns and Future of Community

The Coram Civic Association held a highly anticipated meeting recently, drawing a large crowd of concerned residents, local officials, and staffers. The meeting covered a range of critical community issues, including the closure of the local Stop & Shop grocery store, the impact of crime in the area, and the implications of the upcoming Equal Rights Amendment vote during the question-and-answer portion. The lively discussion underscored the community’s determination to tackle these challenges and seek improvements.

The recent closure announcement of the Stop & Shop grocery store in Coram was a major topic of discussion. Residents expressed deep concern over the potential for the vacant store to become a “zombie building”—a term used for abandoned and neglected properties that can lead to urban decay. The community stressed the urgent need for a new grocery store to replace the soon-to-be-closed Stop & Shop, highlighting the importance of having accessible, local food options.

Several potential replacements were suggested, including Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, and Giunta’s Meat Farms. The Civic Association plans to reach out to these chains to explore the possibility of one of them opening a store in Coram. They want to ensure that the community does not become a food desert, with abandoned buildings as an epicenter for possible crime, and they believe that it is crucial that they have access to fresh, affordable groceries.

The association emphasized the importance of community involvement in attracting new businesses, urging residents to participate in outreach efforts and express their support for potential grocery store replacements. The closure of Stop & Shop will not only affect convenience for local shoppers but also raise concerns about job losses and the economic impact on the area.

A representative from the Sixth police precinct, Officer John Efstathiou, attended the meeting to address concerns about crime in the area. The discussion highlighted two primary issues: the prevalence of sex trafficking, particularly involving young girls, and theft in the soon to be closed grocery store.

The officer noted that sex trafficking has become a pressing issue in Coram, with young girls being exploited for prostitution. This alarming trend has prompted local law enforcement to intensify efforts to combat trafficking and provide support to victims. The police representative encouraged residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing the importance of community awareness in tackling this issue.

The discussion also touched on the increase in theft incidents brought up by a community member, particularly with the soon to be closed grocery store. The community expressed concerns that an abandoned store could attract more criminal activity if left unaddressed. The police assured residents that they are working closely with property owners to secure the site and prevent it from becoming a haven for illegal activities. Law enforcement officers did say that the issue of repeat offenders for both prostitution and even theft getting out of jail without bail due to the crimes non-violent nature is a persistent issue.

Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) was present at the meeting to discuss various local matters, including the impact of recent bail reform laws on law enforcement’s ability to address recurring crime. The bail reform laws, which have aimed to reduce the number of people held in jail pre-trial, have sparked controversy and debate.

Assemblyman Flood noted that while the reforms were intended to ensure fairness in the justice system, they have also presented challenges for law enforcement, particularly in dealing with repeat offenders. Flood explained we went from some of the harshest bail laws to now having some of the most lenient. Flood believes this to be an issue and would like to see reforms made, however due to a supermajority held by the Democratic party in both houses of the legislature, no changes have been able to be made at this time.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for residents to ask questions. One resident asked about the upcoming vote on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) likely to appear on the ballot this November. Assemblyman Flood stated he agreed with 95% of the bill but addressed concerns about specific provisions within the amendment, particularly those related to gender identity and women’s sports. Assemblyman Flood and some residents voiced apprehensions about the potential impact of allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports, arguing that it could undermine the spirit of Title IX, which aims to ensure equal opportunities for women in education and athletics. As a father to daughters, Flood expressed his concerns with this and argued fairness in sports. Other residents seemed supportive of other items addressed in the amendment, specifically those that would require the same pay as men for jobs in the private sector.

Flood acknowledged these concerns, noting that the ERA’s language aims to ensure equality for all, but emphasized the need for clear and fair policies that consider some of these complexities need to be addressed. He also pointed out that many of the protections sought by the ERA are already enshrined in state laws, though the amendment seeks to provide a more comprehensive and enforceable framework.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for residents to stay engaged and proactive in addressing the issues facing Coram. The Civic Association plans to continue its outreach to potential grocery store replacements and work closely with local officials to ensure the community’s needs are met.

Residents were also encouraged to participate in upcoming town meetings, help with petitions for a new grocery store, engage with local law enforcement initiatives, and educate themselves about the implications of laws such as Bail Reform and the ERA. The active participation of community members is seen as vital to driving positive change and ensuring that Coram remains a safe and vibrant place to live.

In summary, the Coram Civic Association meeting highlighted the community’s resilience and commitment to tackling pressing issues. From addressing the closure of a key local business to tackling crime and navigating complex legislative changes, the residents of Coram are determined to advocate for their community’s well-being and future prosperity.