Thursday, October 22, 2026
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, 47, the first Haitian American to serve in the Legislature, is looking toward the next chapter of his career with a focus on projects he says could leave a lasting mark on the communities he represents.
First elected in 2011, Solages represents the 3rd District, which encompasses Elmont, Lakeview, Malverne, Valley Stream and other surrounding communities. An attorney who grew up in Elmont and now lives in Valley Stream, Solages said his life in the area continues to shape the issues he takes on.
He listed infrastructure, affordability, public safety, small businesses, immigration and constituent services as some of the issues that continue to demand his attention. One of the projects he described as particularly meaningful is a proposed community center in Elmont, which he said received $30 million in state funding after years of work.
“I was able to reach one of my lifetime goals,” Solages said of the project.
The center, he said, represents more than a single construction project. He described it as something he has wanted to see in the community for years.
Infrastructure remains a major focus. Solages said he secured more than $5 million for water-related work along Elmont Road, an area where flooding is a longtime concern. He also highlighted $7.2 million in funding for work on Elmont Road, Linden Boulevard and Meacham Avenue, including nearly $2.1 million for streetscape and traffic safety improvements.
Traffic safety, Solages said, is an issue he continues to hear about from residents, focused particularly on busy intersections and areas where speeding has become a concern.
Affordability is another concern. He spoke about the difficulty many Long Island residents have keeping up with housing costs and property taxes, particularly as families and older residents try to remain in their communities. He suggested property tax assessment workshops and other resources for residents looking to better understand their taxes and housing options.
Solages also wants to address conditions on the Southern State Parkway. He said he is pursuing a pilot program to construct barriers near residential areas that could help reduce highway noise and air pollution.
Aircraft noise is another issue he said residents frequently bring to his attention. Because Elmont is near Kennedy Airport, Solages said he has pushed for changes in flight patterns over the community. “I just want the planes to fly over the Cross Island [Parkway],” he said. “And fly a bit higher.”
Immigration has also become a significant part of his work. As an attorney who practices immigration law, he said he has been hearing from Haitian residents concerned about Temporary Protected Status and their ability to continue working and supporting their families. He said he continues to advocate for Haitian TPS holders and help them navigate government services.
He focuses as well on the challenges that small businesses and individual constituents face, from helping business owners work through problems to connecting residents with resources they need.
“At this point in my career, 15 years deep, real power is invisible,” he said.
Looking ahead, Solages said he wants to continue pursuing new projects while building on the work already underway across the district. “There’s a lot of hard work,” he said. “More work needs to be done.”
