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Citizens Commission on Erosion members and Port Jeff Mayor Lauren Sheprow (front left, leaning) examine a blueprint of the PJ Country Club on Feb. 20. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

A newly-released interim report from the Port Jefferson Citizens Commission on Erosion offers a candid appraisal of mounting risks and financial pressures surrounding the East Beach Bluff Stabilization.

The report cites worsening erosion, persistent drainage challenges and the likelihood of rising construction costs as factors that could drive up the long-term expenses of Phase 2. In light of these concerns, the commission urges officials to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis of alternative strategies before moving forward.

The planned wall of Phase 2 will be constructed seaward of the club building, which sits near the edge of East Beach Bluff on the municipally-owned Port Jefferson Country Club property. According to officials, Phase 2 construction is tentatively scheduled for the fall of this year.

Any strategy moving forward, the commission argues, should recognize that the club building — perched dangerously close to the bluff’s crest — will ultimately need to be moved in the wake of rising sea levels, increasing storms and accelerated global erosion of Long Island’s shoreline.

“The report outlines multiple pathways forward,” Village Trustee Kyle Hill said on his Facebook page. “But each underscores a shared reality — we must begin planning for a strategic retreat [of the club building].”

Overview of the project

In 2017, the village hired GEI Consultants, an engineering firm based in Huntington Station, to develop a plan designed at curbing the rapid erosion of the East Beach Bluff. In recent years, wind, surf and storms have scoured the bluff of vegetation and steadily eaten away at its edge, ultimately leading to the collapse of the club’s gazebo and a section of the tennis courts that once were set perilously close to the brink. 

Phase 1, completed in June of 2023, included the construction of a reinforced steel and cement wall at the base of the East Beach Bluff, along with a series of terraces and native vegetation planted along its slope. 

Destruction of costly Phase 1 work of the bluff face vegetation in the wake of a series of severe storms late in 2023 and early 2024 complicated the overall cost and timelines of the project. [For further information about Phase 1 see TBR News Media website, “Report finds no maintenance or repairs carried out on Port Jeff East Beach Project,” Feb. 6.]

Phase 2, includes the installation of a second wall landward of the bluff crest with the intention of preventing the building from collapsing onto the shoreline below.

The design of Phase 2 is currently being revised to address drainage issues complicating the wall build, according to GEI Consultants’ 2024 Annual Bluff Monitoring Report, submitted to the village this May.

As of yet, the village has not received the updated engineering plans, trustee Bob Juliano confirmed during a recent commission meeting. 

Port Jefferson Country Club prior to collapse of gazebo and edge of tennis courts, undated photograph. Courtesy of PJ Village website

Financial questions linger

In 2021, village trustees projected the initial cost at around $10 million for the Phase 1 and 2 wall build and bluff restoration. This figure assumes at least three decades of structural stability to justify the investment. However, these cost estimates now appear to be outdated with recent inflation spikes and unaccounted expenditure, including a large drainage project, bluff repair and long-term maintenance costs.

The commission report calls for an updated cost analysis factoring these additional projects as well as costs related to potential supply chain uncertainty and tariffs on critical construction materials such as steel. 

Phase 2 is supported in part by FEMA money. The commission expressed concern that this funding may be rescinded in the current political climate, leaving local taxpayers to make up the difference.

“The commission is concerned over the reliability of FEMA funding and whether those funds could be withdrawn,” the report states.

Despite calls for a cost analysis of all options, village officials have not yet initiated a publicly vetted fiscal plan for relocating the facility or other options — something that the commission deems a critical omission in its findings.

GEI report warns of new damage

The recently-released 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report in May, paints a mixed picture. Conducted by GEI, the monitoring period covers from February 2024 to this March.

While the lower bluff wall — reinforced with a steel bulkhead, stone armor and vegetative plantings — has held up, the upper slope is showing new signs of distress, according to the report.

Three storm events in 2024 exacerbated erosion along the western slope. Further displacement of coir logs and terracing, expansion of gully formation, vegetation destruction and signs of internal sediment movement were all documented in the report’s inspections. GEI notes that drainage remains a major vulnerability.

Recommendations include temporary seeding and erosion control matting over denuded areas of the bluff face, sand backfill in certain sections of the lower wall, repairing cracks in the lower wall, inspection and maintenance of the lower wall, replacement of the displaced coir logs and a soil boring analysis at the bluff crest to help define drainage issues.

The report emphasizes the need for permanent drainage landward of the club building and reconfiguration of the current building drainage system southward.

A drainage plan and long-term maintenance plan were not part of the initial design or cost analysis for the entire project — Phase 1 and 2 — according to the commission research on the history of the project.

CCE’s concerns

The commission reviewed the recent GEI report in detail at the June 19 meeting held at the club building. Members appreciated the comprehensive summary and visual timeline of project work but had many concerns about the recommendations.

“What is this [GEI] report trying to accomplish besides complying with the state?” one member asked. “The report should help the village identify problems but also guide the corrective action.”

Members point to vague directives without clear implementation plans, missing details in technical specifications for reconstituting bluff damage, and unexplained rationales for root causes of problems such as why the gullies formed in the first place and are now expanding. One member wants to see a priority ranking of potentially costly recommendations made in the report.

“Does it even make sense to do all these recommendations? Or are we just shoveling against the tide?” another member said.

Bluff base west of the concrete Phase 1 lower wall showing destroyed coir logs, as at March this year. Photograph from the commission’s report

The commission plans to submit questions to GEI and the village board of trustees about the report recommendations, requesting a priority list, cost estimates and a clear funding plan.

Long-term outlook

Trustee Juliano, at a recent Meet the Candidates night, said: “We don’t even know how much the next phase [Phase 2] will cost, and the loss of long-term revenue from the catering facility [that runs private events at the clubhouse] should be taken into account when weighing the monetary pros and cons.”

However, some longtime residents express frustration over the use of millions in taxpayer dollars to subsidize a building that is underutilized by the broader community, with little evidence that it generates sufficient revenue to justify the expense of the stabilization project.

Over the years, many residents say they have seen the club building evolve from a vibrant municipal community center hosting local activities to a catering hall primarily serving private events. There is currently no restaurant at the clubhouse.

“Sadly, this valuable piece of public parkland continues to be underused by our village residents,” resident Myrna Gordon said. She has repeatedly called for a reimagining of the site where the clubhouse sits, including rebuilding inland to protect the bluff and the long-term viability of a club facility as a community asset.   

The village board, under newly reelected Mayor Lauren Sheprow, appears to be moving forward with plans for Phase 2 construction to install an upper wall.

“Protecting public assets and ensuring our approach is sustainable — not just structurally, but economically and environmentally,” Sheprow said at a recent public meeting.

Residents are encouraged to review the interim commission report and the GEI Bluff Monitoring Report, which are publicly available on the village website, and to share their input with the board of trustees. To view the CCE report, visit the village website and search for “Citizens Commission on Erosion.” To view the GEI 2024 Annual Monitoring Report search for “East Beach Bluff.”

“This is a moment for long-term thinking,” Hill said. “It’s a chance not just to respond to erosion — but to reimagine how this space can better serve the entire community.”

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Election primary at the Town of Smithtown. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R) secures the Republican seat for town supervisor, winning the Republican primary alongside Lynne Nowick (R) and Thomas J. McCarthy (R) for the town board seats. 

Wehrheim, who has held the position since 2018, was challenged by current Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R) for the GOP candidacy for town supervisor. Wehrheim won 3,728 votes while Trotta had 3,059. 

Former director of the Smithtown Parks, Buildings & Grounds Department, Wehrheim campaigned on restoring Smithtown parks, revitalizing the downtown areas and maintaining the town’s fiscal health. According to Nowick, 70% of Smithtown parks have already been improved. 

An exuberant crowd of residents and Republican officials gathered at Napper Tandy’s Tuesday night as Wehrheim spoke, the live vote results projected on the screen behind him. 

Wehrheim said he endured a “very rough campaign,” with the last weeks having been “very negative from my opponent.” He commended his team for their dedication to his campaign.

Salvatore Formica won the primary for Suffolk County legislator representing the 13th district and will run for that seat in November. He beat Frank Black by around 15%.

Having worked as chief for the Commack Fire Department and as a detective for NYPD, Formica is “excited to get back to work to keep Suffolk County safe” by supporting the police and fire departments. He went on discussing the increased demand on fire districts and the plethora of stressors, including mental health, that weigh on law enforcement.

Nowick currently holds a seat on the Smithtown council and was previously a Suffolk County legislator and a tax receiver. She said, “I want to make sure we are very rigorous in getting the downtowns revitalized” and “maintain what we are doing now with parks, beaches, golf courses, concerts and athletics.” 

McCarthy said he campaigned “on the facts, the work, the job and doing the best for Smithtown.”

Nowick and McCarthy each won by around 29% of votes, beating challengers Robert Semprini and Joann Tiereny-Varello. 

The winners will be included in the Nov. 4 general election. 

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Smyth will be the GOP candidate for Huntington supervisor; Dr. Dave Bennardo and Greg Grizopoulos will run for council in November. Photo courtesy of Town of Huntington

By Peter Sloniewsky

Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth

On June 24, a combined slate of incumbent Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund Smyth, Councilmember David Bennardo and Councilmember-hopeful Greg Grizopoulos soundly defeated an opposition slate in the Huntington Republican primary. With all 185 districts reporting, Smyth earned more than 60% of the vote. Bennardo and Grizopoulos, in a field of four candidates with two winners, led with 31 and 29%, respectively. 

Smyth was first elected town supervisor in 2021 and previously served a term on the Town Board beginning in 2017. A lifelong resident of Huntington, Smyth is also a veteran and an attorney with four children. He defined his term as supervisor by improvements in fiscal stability, revitalization projects in parks, and improvements to the building permitting process. 

Huntington Councilmember Dave Bennardo

In Smyth’s reelection letter in March, he stuck by and reaffirmed the importance of his legislative record in office, noting his “record of strong fiscal management of your [sic] tax dollars, continued improvements to public safety, parks, beaches, roads, and garbage.” He also noted that he and his slate “ignore social media sensationalism and run a drama-free government through unspectacular hard work.” 

Bennardo, a Huntington resident of more than 25 years, has served as both a high school principal and as the superintendent of South Huntington schools. Bennardo is also a noted advocate of fiscal responsibility and has worked on water quality, shoreline quality, park enhancement and road paving since joining the town council in 2021. 

Grizopoulos, a former assistant district attorney, is a partner at the law firm Grizopoulos & Portz, P.C. and resides in Melville. Grizopoulos places significant importance on “preserving Huntington’s suburban character” alongside fiscal responsibility. 

Greg Grizopoulos. Photo courtesy of www.gpnylaw.com

The competitiveness of this primary arose from the legal and political backlash to last year’s approval of an “overlay district” in Melville, which could entail the construction of high-density rental apartments. Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci, Smyth’s opponent, was the only town councilmember to vote against the plan. Lupinacci ran on a ticket alongside former Councilman Eugene Cook and former Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman John Posillico. 

In addition to the controversy surrounding this apartment project, Lupinacci accused Smyth of political retribution after an administrative reorganization plan resulted in the firing of all of her individual staff members in favor of a more selective “Town Call Center.” In February, Lupinacci said that she would “not back down or be intimidated by their actions,” and an automated email response from her office still notes that “the Supervisor and his Board terminated my staff members.” 

Smyth, Bennardo and Grizopoulos will run in the general election on Nov. 4.

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On the final day of the New York State Assembly’s 2025 session, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s bill A8560A, the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act,” passed. The justification section of the bill reads as follows:
The expansion and modernization of public rail infrastructure in Suffolk County is essential to addressing the region’s long-term transportation needs. This legislation facilitates such development by directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to grant a permanent access and construction easement to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The easement will allow the MTA to and utilize a portion of DOT-owned land currently designated as the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway for the potential development of a railyard, thereby enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and connectivity of public transit in the region. The easement is also necessary to further New York State’s green transit goals, better allowing for the electrification of the LIRR’s Port Jefferson branch.To ensure that this easement does not interfere with existing transportation priorities, the bill expressly preserves the DOT’s retained rights to carry out any future realignment of New York State Route 25A, including through the construction of a bridge over the Greenway. It further mandates cooperation between the DOT and the MTA to enable both projects to proceed concurrently without operational conflict. By establishing clear terms for coexistence and requiring timely execution of the easement agreement, the legislation provides a structured legal framework that advances public transit objectives while maintaining the integrity of state infrastructure planning.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “I became aware of the importance of this project when I was serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee. I was compelled to serve from a higher office in part to help overcome bureaucratic stalemates like this one. The economic, environmental, and community benefits of this project can not be understated and I am very proud to have introduced, sponsored, and passed this legislation that delivers a key solution to moving forward with the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line.”

In 2023, the Suffolk County Landbank Corporation and the MTA entered into a contract to transfer a portion of the site to the MTA for $10—a strategic move to support LIRR modernization. In early June 2025, Assemblywoman Kassay gathered with elected officials at all levels of government, government agencies, and community organizations to call upon New York State to resolve the ongoing bureaucratic impasse. A disagreement between these two state agencies threatened to derail a critical component of the community-backed redevelopment plan.

Following this press conference, the DOT reached out to Assemblywoman Kassay to discuss the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act”. In a race against the clock, with the Assembly and Senate session concluding mid-June, Assemblywoman Kassay worked swiftly to move the bill along with the DOT, MTA, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Governor Hochul’s staff, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Senator Monica Martinez, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and county staff.

This bipartisan coalition is driven by the regional and state-wide significance of the redevelopment of the Lawrence Aviation site. The Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which serves approximately 30% of Suffolk County’s population—including faculty and students at SUNY Stony Brook, the county’s largest employer—has long needed modernization. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation yields a $5 economic return.

In Albany, various legislation and policies have been adopted in an effort to reduce carbon emissions throughout New York. Since taking office in January, Assemblywoman Kassay has highlighted the importance of this local opportunity to ensure future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch, shifting its trains off of diesel fuel. transformative investments in regional transit infrastructure, improvements to service on one of Suffolk County’s most heavily used diesel rail lines, and relief from traffic congestion by offering better commuter rail options for residents.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “As a freshman member in the New York State legislature, I applaud the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly for over a decade to clean up the former Lawrence Aviation Industries (LAI) site in Port Jefferson Station and engage the community in a vision and plan for its future. I  join Suffolk County government officials and the county’s Department of Economic Development and Planning in their work to prioritize public input over profit in the reimagining of the former superfund site.”

“For many years two state agencies ─ the Department of Transportation and the Long Island Rail Road ─ have not been able to agree to accept Suffolk County’s generous offer of land that would eliminate the dangerous at-grade rail crossing on New York State Route 25A in Upper Port and eliminate unhealthy locomotive fumes by relocating the terminus of the railroad and ultimately enabling its electrification. Although this inaction has paralyzed regional transportation planning and suppressed the economic vitality of every community served by the North Line, Assemblywoman Kassay’s legislation appears to have turned the corner on this morass. Her problem-solving skill is a breakthrough that has profound positive potential to improve the quality of life and health of everyone who lives here.” Suffolk County Legislator Steven C. Englebright (D-Setauket)

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The passage of this legislation is critically important for Suffolk County residents and would remove an obstacle in our efforts to make Lawrence Aviation a transportation hub for our region. The redevelopment of this site is the key to electrifying lines to eastern Suffolk and will ensure a more reliable and cleaner transportation system, helping to reduce traffic congestion, especially in the busy summer months. I am proud of our work in getting this bill through the legislature and the continued efforts of the local community to move this project forward.”

“This legislation is a significant public victory,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This is the best $10 the government has ever spent. The easement will allow us to modernize the LIRR, reduce truck traffic, and reduce harmful air pollution. We are extremely appreciative of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Senator Anthony Palumbo for their hard work and dedication in getting it through the legislature. Now, we need the Governor to sign the bill so we can meet our transportation challenges for the future.”

Carmine Inserra, President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce shared, “The Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act (A8560A) passing is a huge win for the north shore of Long Island! It paves the way for cleaner, more frequent transportation for all communities along the MTA’s Port Jefferson Branch. It will also offer better public access to the Three Village Historic area and New York State’s flagship university, SUNY Stony Brook (which is also the largest employer on Long Island). Thank you to all the local governmental officials and both business & civic leaders for your support!  We appreciate everyone working together on something that benefits us all!”

Assemblywoman Kassay will continue working with fellow stakeholders and her colleagues in Albany to finalize the easement agreement, and clear the path for the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line—ensuring that the full potential of the former Lawrence Aviation site can be realized in the service of public benefit and regional progress.

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By Lynn Hallarman

Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency in 32 counties, including Suffolk County on June 22. Local temperatures on Tuesday, June 24, are forecast to reach a high of 95 degrees with a heat index—how the heat feels—as high as 105.  Hochul urged New Yorkers to “stay vigilant and safe” as extreme heat blankets the area.

When temperature and humidity soar, the result is not just discomfort— it can be life-threatening, especially for older adults and those with chronic health conditions. 

What is extreme heat? 

Extreme heat causes more deaths than all other weather-related hazards, including hurricanes, major floods and winter storms, according to the National Weather Service. 

The heat index measures how the body perceives extreme heat. Rising humidity combined with temperature makes it feel far hotter than a thermometer alone suggests. Heat Islands—or environments with a high concentration of cement—trap heat and intensify the danger. 

Signs of Heat Stress

Heat cramps are often the first sign of heat-related illness and can be accompanied by weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea and fainting. 

Heatstroke or hyperthermia is a life-threatening complication of heat stress that occurs when your body temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher,  along with symptoms such as confusion, hot, dry skin, hallucinations, headache or nausea.  At this point, the body’s ability to regulate temperature breaks down, resulting in deadly spikes in core temperature. 

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately.  Move the person to a cool environment and apply cool cloths. Do not give fluids, according to medical advice from the National Weather Service. 

Who is most at risk?

Older adults are among the most impacted by extreme heat, as their ability to adapt to sudden heat declines. Additionally, symptoms of heatstroke can be subtle and easily missed in frail older adults; in fact, some older adults may not recognize they’re overheating. In this population, symptoms can be vague, sometimes appearing only as confusion or slurred speech. Untreated heatstroke can lead to death, especially in the older adult population, even in times when there isn’t an official heat wave declaration. 

Adults over the age of 65 make up the largest group of emergency room visits related to extreme heat events. People with chronic health conditions are also at greater risk of death during an extreme heat.  Certain medications, like some antidepressants,  can worsen the effects of high temperatures. In extreme heat, deaths may also occur from heart attacks or worsened respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. 

Dangerous misconceptions

Never rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it is very hot and humid for extended periods.  Do not wait until extreme signs of heat appear, especially in older adults. Once the body’s core temperature regulation fails during heatstroke, it can be difficult or impossible to reverse.

How to prepare

Always have a plan in place for dealing with a heatwave. Most importantly, stay indoors as much as possible and drink plenty of water—do not wait until you are thirsty. 

Older adults should identify a nearby cooling center or ensure at least one room in the home has an air conditioning unit. A fan is not enough. Never leave a child or pet in a hot car– even for five minutes. 

To learn more about how extreme heat affects older adults, go to https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/heat-and-older-adults-aged-65.html

Lynn Hallarman is a physician and the former director of palliative care at Stony Brook medicine. 

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Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested a Kings Park man on June 23 for stalking a Suffolk County legislator outside of his home last week.

Legislator Robert Trotta reported to police that between June 16 and June 18 a white 1989 Chevrolet pickup truck parked in the driveway of his Northport home on more than one occasion and revved its engine to intimidate him and his family. The incident was reported to police on June 19.

Following an investigation by Major Case Unit detectives, Joshua Smith was arrested today on Indian Head Road in Kings Park at approximately 5:45 p.m. Smith, 47, of Burr Ave., was charged with Stalking 4th Degree, a misdemeanor. He was released on a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to appear at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.

When questioned, Trotta’s political opponent Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said that the man was a friend of his daughter’s.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Major Case Unit detectives at 631-852-6555.

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NYS Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay
Legislation Expands Access to Modern Septic Systems, Protecting Groundwater and Waterways Across New York
In a major environmental and affordability win, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay announced the unanimous passage of her legislation (A8807/S8241-A) in both the New York State Assembly and Senate. The bill updates the reimbursement structure of the New York State Septic System Replacement Fund, making it easier and more affordable for New Yorkers to upgrade to advanced septic systems that significantly reduce water pollution, according to a press release.
The legislation increases the reimbursement rate to 75% of eligible costs, up to $25,000 per project, enabling more homeowners to install “clean water” septic systems that remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and other harmful contaminants before they reach groundwater, bays, harbors, lakes, and rivers– and the taps of the 8 million residents of Long Island. Assemblywoman Kassay stated, “Most New Yorkers want to do their part to protect our environment, but sometimes budgetary restrictions prevent families from making those efforts. I am proud to deliver legislation that not only further protects our water, but also addresses affordability issues.”
Outdated or failing septic systems are a major source of nutrient pollution across New York, contributing to harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and water quality degradation. While advanced septic technologies are significantly more effective at treating wastewater, their cost often puts them out of reach for many families—unless supported by state funding.
Environmental and public health advocates praised the bill’s passage as a vital step toward reducing pollution and advancing clean water infrastructure.
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said, “This critical legislation will be a catalyst for the public to be financially incentivized to replace their old, antiquated polluting cesspools and septic systems. No longer can we allow inadequately treated sewage, nitrogen pollution, and other contaminants to flow from our septic systems and enter into groundwater and our harbors, bays, rivers, lakes, and beaches. These grants will provide substantive financial assistance to allow people to make the change! The replacement program is already very popular with the public; however, this increase in funds will galvanize residents who were reluctant to make the switch because they needed a bit more financial help to act. We are very excited that this law got passed and thank Senator Harckham and Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for getting it done!”
Kevin McDonald, Senior Policy Advisor, The Nature Conservancy, added, “Pollution from traditional septic systems harms wildlife and threatens clean drinking water across our state. On Long Island, the problem is especially severe where nitrogen pollution is harming our bays, harbors, and drinking water supply. To restore clean water and protect public health, we need to support property owners in upgrading septic systems with technology that can treat nitrogen pollution. The Nature Conservancy applauds the Senate and Assembly for passing legislation to enhance the state’s Septic System Replacement Fund, which will ensure clean water septic systems are within financial reach of more property owners. Thank you to bill sponsors Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay for championing this important policy change and to Governor Kathy Hochul and the Environmental Facilities Corporation for advancing this important grant program.”
The legislation builds on New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act and supports the long-term protection of drinking water supplies, recreational waterways, and marine habitats in regions such as Long Island, the Finger Lakes, and the Thousand Islands. “The passage of this legislation is another important step toward cleaner waters in, on, and around Long Island. Both our drinking water supply and the surrounding coastal waters will benefit from the legislation as homeowners are provided with significant additional financial incentives to install nitrogen reducing, state-of-the-art sanitary systems at their residences,” stated John Turner, Senior Conservation Policy Advocate, Seatuck Environmental Association. “We have no doubt that when this bill becomes law more Long Islanders will participate in efforts to safeguard their ground- and coastal waters. Kudos to Assemblymember Kassay for her leadership in sponsoring this critically important environmental protection measure,” John Turner concluded.
“In Suffolk County, the state’s largest county outside of New York City, there are over 380,000 outdated cesspools and septic tanks in use,” stated Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni. “Many of them are located in my district on the East End of Long Island. Onsite wastewater treatment systems reduce the amount of effluent and pollutants expelled into the environment, reducing the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus into surface and drinking waters, including Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. A.8807 falls in line with the priorities and needs of Long Island, and the environmental goals for the great State of New York. I commend the Senate and Assembly sponsors of A.8807, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Governor for the increased attention to the need for modernizing residential wastewater management across the state.”
The bill’s next step is for Governor Hochul to sign and chapter it, which could take place in the coming weeks or months. Strongly motivated by the environmental and affordability benefits of this legislation, Assemblywoman Kassay will continue to work with her colleagues in government and environmental advocates to ensure that this bill is signed into law.

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Photo from Lauren Sheprow

By Sabrina Artusa

In the Village of Port Jefferson, Mayor Lauren Sheprow retains her seat for a second term, defeating challenger Kathianne Snaden by 82 votes. Sheprow had 903 votes while Snaden had 821. 

Trustee Robert Juliano was also reelected for a second term with 1196 votes while newcomer Mathew Franco took the seat of Stan Louks with 911 votes. Julie Vitrano had 624 votes. 

John F. Reilly will serve as Village Justice. Unlike the mayors and trustees, the Justice has a term of four years. 

Sheprow wrote in a Facebook post from her campaigning account, “There is so much more work to be done, and I am ready to stay the course.” 

Addressing Snaden, she wrote, “Thank you for your continued enthusiasm in this Village and for your support of the school district.”

For the past two years, the Village Board of Trustees have been confronted with issues pertaining to the Port Jefferson Country Club, the persistent erosion of East Meadow Beach Bluff, parking, and flooding. Further, the decreasing revenue from LIPA continues to diminish the tax base of both the village and school district, which has experienced decreased enrollment over the past decade. Franco will now join the board in tackling these issues for the village.

Franco, the freshman candidate, said, “I congratulate Mayor Sheprow for winning reelection. Now we have to get to work for the people of Port Jefferson.” 

Running a grassroots, “policy-based” campaign, Franco said walking door-to-to–door was a “fun, amazing experience to reengage the community”, though he criticized the “acrimony” of the race. Among his chief concerns as trustee is the East Meadow Beach bluff and quality of life issues like noise pollution. 

Coming off of the intense months leading up to the election, Juliano is excited to continue as trustee, particularly in working to revitalize uptown and addressing bluff erosion and flooding.  

“It was a long haul,” he said, “but I feel truly honored and humbled to be reelected. There are still things that need to be done.” 

He added that although campaigning “got a little heated”, he knows the board will work collaboratively towards their common goal of improving the village. “That is why everyone does this,” he said. “To make Port Jefferson better.” 

In 2023, Sheprow won as a write-in candidate. This year, she had a spot on the ticket and won by 7% of votes. In 2023, she won by 9%. 

For the trustee race, there were 767 undervotes, meaning voters did not vote for two candidates, but either one or zero. There were 25 undervotes for the mayoral race. There were 73 absentee votes and one early voter submission.

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Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim

By Peter Sloniewsky

Two-term incumbent Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R, Kings Park) is running in the Republican primary for a third term on June 24. After taking office in 2018, Wehrheim has taken action to improve fiscal stability, revitalize business districts and enhance infrastructure. 

Prior to his two terms as supervisor, Wehrheim was born into a three-generation Kings Park family before serving in Vietnam, gradually rising through Smithtown Department of Parks bureaucracy and eventually serving as a town councilmember. In an interview with TBR News Media, he emphasized the importance of continuing what he considers to be a productive two terms. 

“I’m running on our record of accomplishments with the administration here in the Town of Smithtown,” Wehrheim said. “I’ve been around the government since 2003 here in Town Hall, and I think [voters] would verify that I’m very approachable at any time, and public service is very high… I’m here to do the best job I can for the Town of Smithtown taxpayers and will continue to do so.” 

Wehrheim noted the importance of continuing his work on a few issues. Namely, he intends to prioritize continued fiscal stability and overhauling community parks. 

“Smithtown is a fiscally stable town, and we’ve had an AAA bond rating since I took office in 2018,” Wehrheim said. The AAA bond rating is the highest financial distinction. “We have completely overhauled the parks and recreation facilities in Smithtown, and we are at this point about 75% complete.” 

Wehrheim also stands behind his administration’s work on business district revitalization. This issue stands to substantially affect this primary, considering Wehrheim’s opponent’s general opposition to substantial further development. 

“St. James’ downtown revitalization has been completed,” Wehrheim said. “We’re working on completing the renovations of the Kings Park business district, and the engineering plans for Smithtown and Nesconset are in the early stages.” 

He also took care to address some matters expected to arise in the near future. In Wehrheim’s view, the most pressing issues facing the town are the closure of the Town of Brookhaven landfill and the resulting solid-waste crisis, alongside the need for storm-safe infrastructure as Long Island weather becomes more severe. 

“All of Long Island is going to be faced with a solid-waste crisis, caused by the Brookhaven landfill due to be closed in two years… That is a pressing issue because of the cost to ship this material off the island… There are many, many entities working on remedies for that, but it is a pressing issue. The Suffolk County Supervisors Association is working diligently with state and federal officials to come up with an answer for how we would do that economically,” Wehrheim said.

“As everybody knows, the storms on Long Island have become increasingly severe, which causes intense rainfall,” he added. “All of the drainage structures throughout the whole road system, not just in Smithtown but in most towns in Suffolk County, were designed and engineered to take a two-and-a-half-inch rainstorm. So they’re inadequate. We’re in the process with our highway department of starting to replace those drainage structures and the infrastructure under the roadways to be able to accept more in line with a four- or five-inch rainstorm.” 

Wehrheim also drew a strict contrast between his campaign and that of his opponent, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta (R, Fort Salonga). 

“At this point, my opponent is running on open space and burying electric lines. That’s basically what his campaign is about,” Wehrheim said. “I am running for reelection on my record of accomplishments and how I have conducted my governmental operation here in the Town of Smithtown for residents… I think any resident you call will tell them that, if they call here, they get an answer back.”

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