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WMHO hosts three ribbon cuttings at Stony Brook Village Center

by Press Release - April 20, 2025

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It is said that all good things come in threes and the The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s event on April 11 was no exception as it hosted ribbon cuttings for Stony Brook Village Center establishments Georgio’s Coffee Roasters; North Shore Injury Lawyer Mark Freeley, Esq.; and The Little Cheese Shop.

For over 20 years, Georgio’s Coffee Roasters has been perfecting the art of roasting coffee in Farmingdale. Now they are thrilled to expand their legacy with a new location at 131 Main Street in Stony Brook. Founded by Lydia and Georgio Testani, the coffee shop offers Georgio’s signature roasted coffee beans and freshly ground coffee, available in 21 varieties. Their extensive drink menu features specialty lattes, cappuccinos, and rich hot chocolate, featuring house-made syrups. For those on the go, Georgio’s also serves delicious to-go items, such as bacon, egg, and cheese tacos and challah peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They are open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 631-841-1700 or visit georgioscoffee.com.

North Shore Injury Lawyer, Mark Freeley, Esq., brings over 30 years of personal injury litigation experience to his new office at 111 Main Street in Stony Brook. A longtime local resident and Senior Partner at a respected law firm in Woodbury, Freeley offers clients in the Three Village area personalized legal services backed by the strength of a full legal team. He is available by appointment in Stony Brook with a flexible schedule. In addition to handling injury cases, Freeley provides free reviews of auto insurance policies to help ensure proper coverage. Known for his daily walks with his rescue dogs and his volunteer work with Last Chance Animal Rescue, he is a familiar face in the community he proudly serves. By appointment only, call 631-495-9435 or visit northshoreinjurylawyer.com.

Little Cheese Shop at 127 Main Street in Stony Brook is run by Chris and Krystal Abate—industry professionals with over 20 years of experience in the food world. The charming boutique cheese shop offers an impressive selection of over 30 international and artisanal cheeses, many of which are rare finds on Long Island. In addition to cheese, the shop is stocked with gourmet pantry staples including jams, spreads, crackers, and mustards, as well as a curated selection of charcuterie. Perfect for entertaining or gifting, they also offer custom cheese platters, grazing tables, and beautifully packaged gift baskets. Cheese lovers can enjoy their full sandwich and grilled cheese menu, featuring over 20 delicious options made fresh to order. To learn more or place an order, call 631-223-0245 or visit littlecheese.shop.

Staller Center for the Arts appoints First Assistant Director

by Press Release - April 20, 2025

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5835037984657829566 — Photo from Staller Center Facebook

The Staller Center for the Arts at Stony Brook University has announced the creation of a new leadership position–Assistant Director–and the appointment of Katie Stockhammer to the role. This move underscores the Center’s commitment to strengthening its operational structure and ability to better serve its community.

As Assistant Director, Katie will take on significant responsibilities overseeing the day-to-day functionality of the Center, including production operations, and will play a key role in managing staff and resources. The creation of this role comes at a time of growth for Staller, allowing for more focused leadership and streamlined operations as the venue continues to evolve.

Katie, who joined the Staller team in 2011, brings a wealth of experience to this new role. Over the years, she has held various leadership positions, including Development Director, Financial and Executive Director of the Friends of Staller, and Director of Finance and Operations. Throughout her time at Staller, Katie has been instrumental in managing the center’s finances and supporting staff development, contributing to numerous operational improvements. Her appointment to Assistant Director follows her commitment to the success of Staller, as well as Staller’s dedication to nurturing talent within its ranks.

“Katie has been the backbone of the center for several years,” said Alan Inkles, Director of Staller Center. “I am tremendously confident in her abilities to manage our exceptional team and grateful to her for her over a dozen years of service. I am very proud to have her as the first ever Assistant Director at Staller Center. Please join us in congratulating Katie on her new position and continued success in helping guide Staller Center to even greater heights.”

Moe’s Southwest Grill reopens in Rocky Point

by Press Release - April 19, 2025

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Document — Pictured from left are Marketing Director Tricia Catalani; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Regional Manager Pablo Cuevas; General Manager Johanna Cruz; Catering Manager Karen Diaz and Quentin Palifka, Legislative Aide for Legislator Chad Lennon. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On March 27, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined the owners, employees and guests to celebrate the grand reopening of Moe’s Southwest Grill located at 346 Route 25A in Rocky Point. With more than 600 restaurants in the country, Moe’s serves delicious southwestern food including burritos, nachos, quesadillas, tacos and burrito bowl with a twist. Pico de gallo, seasonal salsas and good times are made in house every day.

Pictured from left are Marketing Director Tricia Catalani; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Regional Manager Pablo Cuevas; General Manager Johanna Cruz; Catering Manager Karen Diaz and Quentin Palifka, Legislative Aide for Legislator Chad Lennon.

Operating hours are weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Sundays. They also offer delivery. For more information, call 631-849-6487.

PSEG Long Island to give out free trees for Earth Day

by Press Release - April 17, 2025

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unnamed — Photo courtesy of PSEG Long Island

In honor of Earth Day, PSEG Long Island and Suffolk County, in partnership with the PSEG Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation, will provide more than 230 customers in Suffolk County with a free tree through the Energy-Saving Trees program. The program showcases how planting the right trees in the right location can reduce utility bills and promote ongoing system reliability.

“Earth Day is a time for all of us to remember that we have a part to play in building a greener future,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island’s interim president and COO. “Strategically planting trees helps save up to 20% on a home’s summer energy bills once the trees are fully grown, while also improving air quality and reducing storm water runoff for all residents across Long Island and the Rockaways.”

The free energy-saving trees can be reserved at https://get.arborday.org/pseg starting Monday, April 14, until all trees are claimed. The reserved trees will then be available for pick-up on Tuesday, April 22, at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge, from 9 aim, to 12:30 p.m. All reserved trees will be held until noon, when they will become available on a first come, first served basis.

“We continue to identify opportunities to make Suffolk County environmentally sustainable, and planting just one tree can make a difference,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “We encourage our residents to take part in the PSEGLong Island Energy Saving Trees program and work collaboratively to embrace clean energy and innovative solutions to improve our region’s air quality. Together we will continue to raise awareness and make a difference in Suffolk County.”

“Trees add beauty to neighborhoods, help reduce energy consumption, filter pollutants that negatively affect community health and wellbeing, and provide places of respite, along with many other benefits,” said Calvin Ledford, president of the PSEG Foundation. “The PSEG Foundation is proud to support the Energy-Saving Trees program, which will help provide more than 230 trees to the Suffolk County community. We are excited that our employees can volunteer to be part of this initiative distributing the trees and sharing energy efficiency information and help create a more environmentally sustainable ecosystem across Long Island and the Rockaways.”

The Energy-Saving Trees online tool helps customers estimate the annual energy savings that will result from planting trees in the most strategic location near their homes or businesses. All customers who participate will receive one tree and are expected to care for and plant them in the location provided by the online tool, taking into account utility wires and obstructions. The types of trees offered include red maple, river birch, scarlet oak, flowering dogwood, eastern red cedar and sweetbay magnolia.

PSEG Long Island will also be on site at the H. Lee Dennison Building on April 22 to share information about energy saving and financial assistance programs. In addition, they will distribute reusable shopping bags and free LED lightbulbs to save customers money and energy, and to support the environment. Information, shopping bags and lightbulbs are available to all customers. The Energy-Saving Trees must be reserved ahead of time.

PSEG Long Island will host a similar event in Nassau County on Saturday, April 26.

PSEG Long Island will also be a sponsor of the RISE Earth Day event in the Rockaways on Saturday, May 3, where the company will be giving away 35 trees on a first-come, first-served basis. The event takes place from noon to 3 p.m. at 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd. in Far Rockaway.

In honor of Earth Day, PSEG Long Island is also offering free Google Nest smart thermostats to customers on its Online Marketplace through April 29.

Serving the community

PSEG Long Island is committed to giving back to the people and communities it serves by actively supporting hundreds of local charity events each year through the company’s Community Partnership Program. For more information on how PSEG Long Island supports the communities it serves, visit psegliny.com/inthecommunity/communitypartnership.

Daniel Gale Foundation to hold Third Annual Outing June 9

by Press Release - April 8, 2025

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0-6 — This year’s distinguished honoree is Julia Poli Pecora.

The Daniel Gale Foundation, the philanthropic division of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, will be holding its Third Annual Outing on Monday, June 9 at the Huntington Country Club. The outing will offer a day of golf, tennis, and pickleball in support of the Foundation’s mission to benefit charitable causes across Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, the North Fork and the Hamptons. Last year’s event achieved 110 percent of its goal, with more than $110,000 earmarked for multiple Long Island charitable organizations.

This year’s distinguished honoree is Julia Poli Pecora, a Huntington native and Vice President of Partnerships at UBS Arena and the New York Islanders. Now in her sixth season with the team, Julia has played a pivotal role in the franchise, leading numerous revenue generating sales efforts. Julia’s work, which was pivotal to the successful opening of UBS Arena in November of 2021, continues to greatly benefit the organization. Most notably, Julia recently secured a long-term partnership with JetBlue Airways.

A seasoned sports industry executive with 17 years of experience, Julia has held key roles as an executive with the National Football League, Under Armour, and FOX Sports prior to joining the NY Islanders.

“With heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors and attendees who made our first two events a success, we anticipate another opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our neighbors in need,” said Deirdre O’Connell, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty Chief Executive Officer and President of the Daniel Gale Foundation. “Our commitment remains steadfast – to support the communities we serve across Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.”

Co-chairing this year’s event for the Daniel Gale Foundation are two of its board members, Melissa Stark, Sales Manager for Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s Cold Spring Harbor, Huntington and Northport offices and Abby Sheeline, Senior Media & Communications Strategist in the corporate office.

To register for or to sponsor the outing please visit 3^rd Annual Daniel Gale Foundation Golf Outing.

About the Daniel Gale Foundation

The Daniel Gale Foundation was established in 2022 as part of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty’s celebration of its centennial year. Charitable donations and community outreach have been integral to the fabric of the Daniel Gale organization throughout its history through donations totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars and hundreds of volunteer hours.

As its sphere of influence has grown, so has the reach of its community giveback. The Foundation was formed to consolidate and organize the considerable charitable giving and outreach efforts of the organization’s management, staff and real estate advisors to make an even greater impact. In the three years since its formation, the Foundation has donated the equivalent of 150,000 meals to Island Harvest and City Harvest food banks during Hunger Action Month®, supported Pink Aid in its fight against breast cancer, and raised more than $300,000 for local charitable organizations from Brooklyn to the North Fork and the Hamptons.

To learn more about the Daniel Gale Foundation or make a donation, please visit www.danielgalefoundation.org.

Anant Yardi, CEO of Yardi Systems, to deliver keynote address at SBU’s College of Business convocation

by Press Release - April 7, 2025

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Stony Brook University’s College of Business is proud to announce that Anant Yardi, Founder and CEO of Yardi Systems, will deliver the keynote address at the College’s convocation ceremony on May 21, 2025. Yardi, a pioneer in real estate technology and a champion of educational opportunities, will share insights from his career journey and discuss the importance of innovation, leadership, and giving back to communities.

“We are honored to have Anant Yardi as our Convocation speaker. His visionary leadership in real estate technology and entrepreneurship serves as an inspiring example for our graduating students, said Dean Haresh Gurnani. Anant’s journey from innovator to industry leader embodies the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and technological innovation—qualities that will empower our students as they embark on their own professional paths. We look forward to his insights and the invaluable lessons he will share with the Class of 2025.”

Yardi Systems is a global leader in investment, asset, and property management software for the real estate industry. The company’s software solutions support both residential and commercial property management, integrating accounting, operations, and ancillary services. Yardi has offices throughout the US and the world, including in Melville on Long Island.

Beyond its business success, Yardi Systems is deeply committed to education and community development. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the company partnered with 28 colleges and universities across North America, including Stony Brook, to provide scholarships for first-generation students. This initiative reflects Yardi’s core values: “Take care of our clients, take care of our employees, take care of our communities, stay focused and grow.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to address the class of 2025 at Stony Brook College of Business. I look forward to sharing my experiences in innovation, entrepreneurship and risk management during a 40 year period that saw immense technological change and gave rise to incredible business opportunities.”

Anant Yardi founded Yardi Systems in 1984 after recognizing the need for integrated accounting and property management software in the residential marketplace. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a global powerhouse in real estate technology. With an M.S. in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Yardi has been widely recognized as a visionary in the industry, earning accolades such as the Realcomm “Digie” Award and induction into the Multi-Housing News Hall of Fame.

The Stony Brook College of Business convocation ceremony will celebrate the achievements of graduating students and honor their hard work as they transition into the next phase of their professional lives.

For more information on the event, please visit https://www.stonybrook.edu/commcms/business/

Crimes Victims Center launches SAFE Training Program in Ronkonkoma

by Press Release - April 7, 2025

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The Crime Victims Center, CVC, announced the official opening of its Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) and Rape Crisis Response Training Program with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their Ronkonkoma training site on April 4. This groundbreaking initiative brings renewed hope and vital essential resources to Suffolk County and the surrounding region, addressing a critical gap in care for sexual assault survivors caused by a lack of trained forensic examiners.

The event was attended and supported by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Deputy County Executive Dr. Sylvia A. Diaz, PhD, LMSW, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina, NYS Senators Monica R. Martinez and Dean Murray, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislators Jim Mazzarella and Jason A. Richberg, along with representatives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office. Additional support came from federal, state, and county lawmakers with staff in attendance, including US Senator Charles E. Schumer, US Congressman Nick Lalota, NYS Senator Alexis Weik, Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, and Suffolk Legislators Sam Gonzalez, Chad Lennon, and Nick Caracappa.

The unveiling of the training site marks a significant step forward in building capacity in Suffolk County and the region. The CVC SAFE Program offers specialized training for medical professionals, ensuring that sexual assault survivors receive timely medical, forensic, and trauma-informed care. The Program is approved by the International Association of Forensic Nursing (IAFN) – an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center Commission on accreditation.

The launch of the SAFE Training Program demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the CVC, policymakers, lawmakers, and community stakeholders to advocate for survivors, provide compassionate care, and drive systemic change in responding to sexual violence. The first training starts on April 7, 2025.

For more information about the SAFE Training Program or to join CVC’s mission to support survivors, please contact (631) 689-2672.

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The CVC is a NYS DOH Certified Rape Crisis Program, and NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Domestic Violence Services Provider and SCPD’s Crime Victims Center, providing trauma-informed support and services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and all victims of violent crime.

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Sadly, 70% of sexual assaults are not reported to the police. Join us in our efforts to raise awareness during SAAM.

Port Jefferson Chamber welcomes Optical Outfitters with ribbon cutting

by Press Release - April 6, 2025

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Optical Outfitters ribbon cutting — Optical Outfitters in Port Jefferson held a ribbon cutting on March 22. Pictured on left, chamber members Ron Schlumpf, Mary Joy Pipe, John Huber, Brett Sceraviao and Steve Munoz; pictured on right, Alan Paulus, owner Danielle Cossari Paulus (with scissors), Natalie Cossari, Anne Cossari, staffer Amelia Bass and Dr. Alfred Cossari.Photo courtesy of Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce

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The Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, celebrated new chamber partner, Optical Outfitters, with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on March 22 at 158 E. Main Street & Arden Place, Suite 2 in Port Jefferson.

The new shop offers affordable quality prescription eyewear for children and adults with an added focus on specialty collections, quality sunglass brands and a gift section.

Upcoming events include Mother’s and Father’s Day Wishlist gatherings with a jewelry making demonstration and sunglass fittings to be announced on the shop’s website, opticaloutfitters.com. Operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and extended concierge appointment hours are available by calling 631-928-6401.

Chick-fil-A in Selden celebrates grand opening with ribbon cutting

by Heidi Sutton - April 2, 2025

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By Heidi Sutton

A new Chick-fil-A^® restaurant began serving the Selden community on Tuesday, April 1. The event kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, Tabatha Fajardo from Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa’s office, Penny Hines from New York State Senator Dean Murray’s office, Thomas Lupo on behalf of Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Ryan Gessner from the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce, staff, and members of the community. Franchise owner Stan Abrahamsen and his wife Debbie cut the ribbon.

Located in the College Plaza shopping center at 949 Middle Country Road, the 5,500-square-foot restaurant will be open for drive-thru, dine-in and delivery from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The new restaurant will also feature Mobile Thru, a fully dedicated lane in the drive-thru where Guests can pick up orders placed ahead of time on the Chick-fil-A App^®.

The Selden restaurant joins 10 other Chick-fil-A restaurants serving Long Island, including Port Jefferson Station, Commack, Smithtown, Huntington, Farmingdale and the recently opened location in Farmingville in Suffolk County. Additional restaurants are planned for Medford, West Babylon and Lake Ronkonkoma.

Stan Abrahamsen, who also operates the Port Jefferson Station location, will be responsible for all day-to-day activities of the Selden business, including employing approximately 120 full- and part-time team members, “serving guests, cultivating relationships with local organizations and businesses, and tailoring philanthropic efforts to meet the Selden community’s needs,” according to a press release.

According to the release, Abrahamsen has lived on Long Island for 38 years and has spent more than two decades as a small business owner, building a career rooted in hospitality and service. His journey with Chick-fil-A began in 2015 when he became the local owner-operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson Station, which was the first free-standing Chick-fil-A restaurant in New York state. He will continue to operate the Port Jefferson Station restaurant in addition to the new restaurant in Selden.

“As a longtime Suffolk County resident and the local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Port Jefferson, I’m honored to continue serving my neighbors and making a positive impact in the community that I call home,” Abrahamsen said. “At Chick-fil-A Selden, my focus is on building a welcoming, service-driven culture and helping my Team Members grow — both personally and professionally.”

Chick-Fil-A in Selden. Photo by Heidi Sutton

According to the press release, Chick-fil-A business is built to add positive impact beyond profit, including giving back to local communities. Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators are empowered to support the neighborhoods they serve with a key focus on hunger, education, and specific community needs.

In celebration of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has donated $25,000 to Feeding America in honor of the new restaurant. These funds will be distributed to partners in the greater Long Island area to aid in the fight against hunger.

Abrahamsen’s restaurant will plan to participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table^® program, an initiative that redirects surplus food from the restaurant to local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks and nonprofits in need. To date, more than 35 million meals have been created from Chick-fil-A Shared Table donations from over 2,300 Chick-fil-A restaurants throughout the U.S. and Canada.

In addition, Chick-fil-A Selden is recognizing 100 local heroes making an impact in the Selden area by providing them with free Chick-fil-A entrées for a year.

“With this opening and the impending opening of Aspen Dental next door it marks the redevelopment of two lots that were empty or barely used for well over a decade. Wishing Chick-fil-A success as they serve up delicious food and great hospitality to the community. Stop by and check them out!” said Town Clerk LaValle.

For the latest news and updates on Chick-fil-A Selden visit the local restaurant’s Facebook page. For more information about Chick-fil-A and stories about the Brand’s food, people and customers across the country, visit chick-fil-a.com.

Staller Associates Realty discusses designs for mixed-use project at PJS/Terryville civic meeting

by Sabrina Artusa - March 29, 2025

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By Sabrina Artusa

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association met on March 25 with Staller Associates Realty and its architect to discuss possible architectural designs for the Staller’s 280-unit, three-story apartment complex, which would replace the abandoned shopping center on Route 112, between Cherub Lane and Terryville Road.

John Lewis from NELSON Worldwide, described as a “masters of suburban mixed-used development master plans” by Staller Associates Vice President Valentin Staller, presented three possible designs for the civic’s consideration. The three buildings were all angular, with long wrap-around balconies, large windows, discrete first-floor parking garages and glass elements.

The first design was mostly brick with a “warehouse or mercantile kind of feel,” said Lewis, who was inspired by feedback about the Staller’s property in Farmingdale, The Lofts on Main; the second integrates more color and other textures and materials with sleek white columns, while the third is more geometric, contemporary and mostly white.

“A more residential tone is more of a tone of exclusivity than inclusivity. A commercial feel allows people to feel welcome and draws them in,” Lewis said, saying later that the property will be a community center as people walk from store to store.

Some residents repeated the complaint that it is reminiscent of Brooklyn and Queens; others thought it was trendy and would be popular among the younger generation; many wanted a more subdued, classic New England feel — something that would mesh more with Port Jefferson.

While aesthetic discussion revolved mostly around feel, but some residents wanted specific elements such as a unique trim, no shutters or more cast stone.

“They are a little sterile. I like the idea of making it more farmhouse or colonial,” said a Port Jefferson resident.

“We are the gateway to Port Jefferson…is there a way to make this more to that kind of perception?” asked another.

Staller had previously lowered the building height at the request of the civic. The property will have a 25-foot setback, be 35-45 feet tall and will not include balconies in the back where the building faces a residential area as well as a larger buffer.

PJS/Terryville Civic President Ira Costell appreciated the effort to involve the community, but was dissapointed with the renderings. He said a computerized model that displayed the depth and other aspects of the project would have given a “real sense of the feel of the place” and allowed for more effective communication in the future. The meeting which was attended by around 70 people and lasted 2 hours.”It is a starting point rather than ending,” Costell said.

Staller Associates President Cary Staller said construction will start in two to three years. He still intends to devote 20% of the units to people with disabilities, although he doesn’t have a price point per unit approximation. Staller Associates is still looking for vendors, and the civic responded with many suggestions, ranging from a health food grocery store to a bakery, a suggestion that was enthusiastically received.

Bike lanes and sidewalks are part of the plan, and Cary Staller said he is trying to connect the bike lane to the existing lane. “We are going to have bike lanes from Terryville throughout the site and then to [the Greenway] and we think that will make the Greenway a lot more desirable,” Cary Staller said.

Lewis said there will be some construction traffic but roads will remain open.

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