Elected Officials and Community Leaders Unite in Coram to Strategize Solutions for Local Challenges
Coram, NY – On September 17, 2025, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay convened a Coram Community Roundtable which was held at the Coram Fire Department alongside town, county, state, and federal elected officials and representatives, as well as community stakeholders and leaders. Those in attendance were: New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay; New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo; New York State Senator Dean Murray; Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico; Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jane Bonner; Brookhaven Town Councilmember Michael Loguercio; Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne; representatives from the offices of Congressman Nick Lalota, Suffolk County Legislators Chad Lennon and Nick Caracappa; Longwood School District Superintendent Lance Lohman; representatives from the Longwood Public Library; and leaders of the Coram Civic Association and the Coram Fire Department. The purpose of this initial roundtable meeting was to discuss past efforts, current ongoing initiatives, and future plans to address quality of life issues and further the revitalization efforts in Coram.
"I am grateful to my fellow elected officials, their staff, and community leaders for joining in this civic-centric conversation," said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. "My colleagues in government and local community leaders have long been making efforts to bring resources and results to the Coram community, and together, we worked to identify the barriers to key infrastructure improvements like sewers and roadways, as well as up-to-date master planning. It was productive to discuss the status of past and ongoing initiatives, while identifying how each stakeholder can take agency in furthering the community's shared goals." The Assemblywoman continued, "I would also like to thank our gracious hosts, the Coram Fire Department, for inviting us to have the meeting at their beautiful firehouse. We look forward to collaborating with the Coram community, local public servants, and civic leaders to help transform these discussions into meaningful action and a lasting change that reflects Coram residents' vision and goals. I hope this is the first of many roundtable meetings in Coram."
New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, "I was pleased to join this important roundtable discussion with state and local officials and concerned residents in Coram. The event highlighted efforts to improve the area's infrastructure, enhance economic development opportunities, public safety, and a number of additional quality of life concerns. I want to thank Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for hosting the event and all the participants involved in this open and productive conversation on how to address these topics and work together in support of the Coram Community."
New York State Senator Dean Murray shared, "The Coram Community Roundtable serves as a testament as to the importance of bringing all levels of government together with community leaders and stakeholders to identify important issues and work on plans to address those issues. I thank everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to attend the meeting and share their thoughts and concerns. Meaningful discussion is always the first step in bringing meaningful change."
"It was my pleasure to attend a recent meeting, facilitated by Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and hosted by the Coram Fire Department," shared Town of Brookhaven Councilman Michael A. Loguercio Jr.. "Many important issues and concerns were discussed, and I look forward to coming together again to share our thoughts on addressing these items."
"Coram is the heart of Brookhaven, and when our community comes together to share ideas and address challenges, we grow stronger," said Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner. "This roundtable is an important step in ensuring that residents' voices are heard and that we are working hand in hand to create lasting solutions that improve quality of life for everyone."
"For the first time, every level of government sat together in a truly bipartisan, in-person roundtable focused on Coram's quality-of-life priorities," said Coram Civic Association President Kareem Nugdalla. "As the largest hamlet in Brookhaven with 50,000 residents and a crossroads that links Riverhead to Smithtown and Port Jefferson to Patchogue, Coram's revitalization will improve daily life here and strengthen the entire region."
"This roundtable exemplifies the power of bringing together voices from every level of government and community leadership," stated Longwood Central School District Superintendent Lance Lohman. "When we unite town, county, state, and federal representatives with local stakeholders like our schools, library, civic groups, and emergency services, we have the opportunity to create meaningful opportunities to address the real challenges facing our Coram residents."
The roundtable's discussion centered on key issues affecting Coram residents, such as: vital infrastructure needs such as sewers and roadways; the community's challenges as a food, banking, and medical desert; public safety; youth engagement opportunities; and strategies for attracting new businesses to the area that can revitalize commercial corridors and contribute to economic development. The group plans to meet again to continue identifying solutions and strategies to address the needs and goals of the Coram community. For more information about this and any other program or concern, please call Assemblywoman Kassay's office at 631-751-3094.