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1. What does the Town Attorney do?

The Town Attorney's Office is the principal legal advisor to the Town Board and all Town departments. This office represents the Town in all legal matters affecting the Town's interests. The Town Attorney's Office is also responsible for drafting resolutions, local laws, and ordinances for the Town Board.

2. Does the Town Attorney provide notary public services?

No, the Town Attorney's Office does not provide notary public services to the public.

3. What is the processing time for a Notice of Claim for property damage?

There is no set time period for this action.

4. What is the process for purchasing a Town-owned property?

All property inquiries must be made via written request to the Town Attorney’s Office. The request must provide all known details regarding the property, including:

• Property location


• Address


• Suffolk County Tax Map Number


• Hamlet


• Names of side streets


• Whether the property is vacant or occupied


• If there is a structure upon it.

The inquiry will be processed and a determination will be sent to the requester.

5. What is a FOIL request?

A Freedom of Information request (FOIL) is a request for access to Town Records pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law (Public Officers Law, article 6 sections 84-90).

Once the request form is received by the Town Clerk via fax or in person, the Town Attorney reviews the request with subject area personnel. The law pertains to records only. It is not intended for examination of employees or officials. The Town is not required to create a new record in response to a question or questions.

The Town may seek clarification of the requested information and may reasonably decline to honor a request that is not descriptive enough within the context of the Town's record keeping system.

All records are available, unless an exception permits an agency to deny access. Common sense and the potential for harm that might arise from a specific disclosure, such as that which could preclude the government from carrying out its duties, are things that could limit disclosure.

6. What is the process for making a FOIL request?

Once the request is made and requested information is compiled by the subject area department, it is forwarded to the Town Clerk's Office and the requester is notified that the information is available. This is usually done by phone.

For more information, contact the Town Clerk's Office at (631) 957-3017.

7. How long does it take to get a FOIL request completed?

Once the request is filed with the Town Clerk's Office, it is reviewed by the Town Attorney's office. These requests are typically returned within 20 business days.

8. Can I make a FOIL request for property information?

FOILS can be filed for property information by non-owners as per usual procedures.

Property owners do not need to file a FOIL request to get information pertaining to property they own (and can show proof).

If a Certified Certificate of Occupancy is required, the application can be filled out by the property owner in the Department of Planning & Development's Building Division. Certified documents usually take about 2 weeks to be prepared.

9. How can I annex a paper street to my property?

Send a written inquiry to the Town Attorney’s Office, requesting that the Town abandon the property. The request must provide all known details regarding the property, including:

• Property location


• Address


• Suffolk County Tax Map Number


• Hamlet


• Names of side streets


• Whether the property is vacant or occupied


• If there is a structure upon it

The inquiry will be processed and then a determination will be sent to the requester.

10. What is the process for recording Covenants and Restrictions?

To record a Covenant and Restriction, requestors must submit the original Covenant and Restriction, survey and deed, and approval to the Town Attorney’s Office for review and approval as to legal form.

11. How can I obtain an Excavation Permit/Road Opening Permit?

Applications for Excavation Permits/Road Opening Permits may be obtained at the Department of Public Works' Highway Engineering Division. You may also call (631) 957-TOWN (8696) for more information.