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Paul Rogers from ESRG speaks to the civic association while Sid Bail stands before the podium and Key Capture Energy’s Phil Denara listens. Photo courtesy Stephanie Bail

By Samantha Rutt

Wading River Civic Association convened on May 23 to discuss a significant new development — a proposed battery energy storage system facility, known as BESS, on LIPA-owned property in Shoreham. The meeting, held at Wading River Congregational Church, drew a considerable crowd interested in learning about the project’s specifics and its implications for the community.

After concluding the business portion of the meeting, addressing new membership, voting rules and general notices, the civic’s focus shifted to the proposal from the Albany-based company, Key Capture Energy. 

Key Capture Energy is an independent power producer of utility-scale battery storage system projects. “Currently, in New York State, KCE operates three battery energy storage facilities — including the largest operational facility,” said Phil Denara, director of development at KCE. 

The company’s proposal is not the first Long Island has seen, as other companies with similar objectives have visited neighboring civic organizations and presented their systems. Indeed, KCE has plans for facilities at Babylon and Cutchogue. 

The increase in proposed battery energy storage facilities coincides with the Climate Leadership Protection Act, signed into law in 2019, essentially mandating greenhouse gas emissions to 40% by 2030 and no less than 85% by 2050 from 1990 levels. It also mandates 100% of electricity used in New York state must come from clean energy sources by 2040 with 70% renewable energy by 2030.

Project genesis and site selection

The discussion began with an explanation of the project’s origins and site selection process. The project was initiated to meet statewide goals for energy storage as Long Island transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. With a local demand for approximately 5,000 megawatts of electricity, integrating storage systems with renewable energy such as offshore wind and solar is crucial.

“Here on Long Island we currently have a demand for electricity to the tune of 5,000 megawatts and so as we transition away from fossil fuels and toward renewables, we have to keep that number in mind,” Denara said.

As explained by Denara at the meeting, in 2021 Long Island Power Authority issued a competitive solicitation for bulk energy storage projects, seeking at least 175 MW of capacity. Developers bid on various sites, including those offered by LIPA, which were strategically located next to existing infrastructure to reduce the need for new development. This site was awarded in August 2022 and is now moving from preliminary design to execution.

Project scope and capacity

The BESS project at Shoreham is slated to have a capacity of 50 MW, enough to power tens of thousands of homes. 

While this represents only 1% of Long Island’s total power demand, it plays a critical role in the broader transition to renewable energy. Currently, there are only two full-scale BESS facilities on Long Island, both with a capacity of 5 MW each, located in East Hampton and Montauk. The East Hampton facility has been out of commission since a fire on May 31, 2023.

Site details and development stages

The Shoreham site is situated on approximately 2.3 acres of land near the former Long Island Lighting Company property. Development has involved boundary surveys, geotechnical studies and comprehensive environmental reviews.

For completion, the project must navigate three main development components: land-use acquisition and permitting, grid interconnection and commercial power delivery contracts. The site benefits from exemptions from the Town of Brookhaven’s zoning requirements, although the developers are adhering to these standards voluntarily. Local officials, including the Town Board and emergency services, have been engaged throughout the process to ensure transparency and community safety.

Technology and safety considerations

BESS will employ advanced lithium-ion battery technology. A significant point of discussion was the safety of these systems. Lithium-ion batteries are chosen for their high efficiency, with a round-trip efficiency of about 90%, essential for storing and dispatching renewable energy.

Paul Rogers of the Energy Safety Response Group — comprising retired firefighters, service people, engineers and first responders responsible for handling codes, standards and safety protocols — detailed the safety measures in place. These include multilayered safety listings and comprehensive monitoring systems to prevent overcharging and overheating. The system’s design ensures that in the unlikely event of a failure, the issue remains contained within an individual unit, preventing any propagation.

Community concerns and future technologies

Civic members raised questions about the long-term viability and environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries. Some suggested exploring alternative technologies such as sodium-ion batteries. While the current focus is on lithium-ion due to its proven efficiency and safety, the developers remained open to integrating future advancements.

The project is designed for a 20-year operational life, with plans for recycling and repurposing battery components at the end of their lifecycle. This contributes to a circular supply chain, reducing reliance on international resources and enhancing energy independence.

The Shoreham BESS facility is set to become a critical component of the local energy infrastructure, promising enhanced reliability and sustainability for the community.

The civic association plans to continue these discussions in future meetings, ensuring ongoing community engagement and transparency as the project progresses. The next civic meeting will be held on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wading River Congregational Church. 

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Screenshot

By Samantha Rutt

All members of the Brookhaven Town Board at the May 16 meeting sported a green ribbon to signify their support for mental health awareness. “We are all wearing green ribbons … that is for mental health,” town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) said. “Statistics show one in five people in this country have a mental health issue. It is an issue that touches all of our lives, some of our families and what we want in the Town of Brookhaven for you to know you are not alone.” 

Panico continued, “There is help out there. If you feel you need help or a family member needs help, contact the supervisor’s office or your councilperson.”

Moving on to the public hearing portion of the meeting, several applications were addressed including a modified site plan of Mount Sinai Meadows. The plan to amend the excess materials to be removed from the site was approved and will have no financial impact. 

In Centereach, the Centereach Hyundai filed an application for a change of use for the reduction of the building size from 45,150 square feet to 40,091 square feet, update landscaping, lighting and parking areas, special permit for outdoor parking or overnight parking with variances for property located on the north side of Middle Country Road. The application was approved with oversight from the town Environmental Protection Division ensuring no significant impact on the environment. 

Soon after, the board addressed the resolution agenda portion of the meeting. As part of the town’s agreement with the Long Island Housing Partnership, an extension of the initial agreement was granted. This agreement from May 25, 2022, was created under Title II of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990. The general purposes of the program include expanding the supply of decent and affordable housing, particularly rental housing, for low and very low-income persons. The program is fully supported with HUD Federal funds. There is an adequate budget of $90K remaining resulting in no financial impact.

A request was made by District 1 councilmember, Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) for increased travel efficiency of the Port Jefferson Ferry terminal. The Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company is currently in the process of a major construction project at the ferry terminal by connecting to a sewer line located in a Port Jefferson Village parking lot. Approval of the councilmember’s request is awaiting state Legislature approval. 

Still pending decision, the application by Staller Associates for a zone change from Business to a Commercial Redevelopment District located on Patchogue Road in Port Jefferson Station. The application, initially submitted in 2021, proposes a demolition of an existing commercial building and an addition of a new mixed-use development. The proposed development includes seven commercial buildings for retail, restaurant, health club, professional/medical buildings as well as 280 dwelling units — 20% of which will be marketed as affordable housing units. 

The next Town Board meeting will be held on June 6 at the Town Hall in Farmingville. For more information about the Town Board visit brookhavenny.portal.civicclerk.com.

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Town of Brookhaven employees remove illegal signs from public right-of-ways. Photo courtesy Town of Brookhaven

By Sabrina Artusa

The Town of Brookhaven is making a revitalized effort to remove illegal signs and enforce commercial sign restrictions. 

Unclear diction in the existing code made enforcement difficult, but now, as the town revises the code, officials are reviewing and discarding prohibited signs throughout Brookhaven. 

Signs in the right of way along state-owned highways were simplest to extricate, as anything in that zone is considered litter according to New York State. However, restrictions unique to the town in regards to size, location and lighting were more challenging to enforce. 

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) said, “The new sign code will be a little more detailed and enforceable in regards to size, location and lighting.” According to him, unclear language and years of making exceptions make the current code insufficient. 

The proposed new code includes a more extensive list of purposes and 30 more definitions for terms and signs named in the code.

While zoning districts have different restrictions in terms of size, placement, lighting and materials, there are certain signs prohibited in all areas, such as revolving signs, reflective signs, billboards, roof signs, signs for off-premises businesses and signs attached to a tree, fence or utility pole, among others.

“The public interest has to be taken into consideration and allowing the proliferation of signs makes the streetscape look terrible,” Kornreich added. 

Improving the aesthetic of the community and preventing dangerous distractions to drivers were listed as considerations in the code revision.

While some business owners may feel these restrictions hinder their ability to attract customers, Kornreich, a small-business owner, is confident that by improving the atmosphere, more people will want to visit the area. 

Instead of signs, businesses can buy ads in newspapers or utilize websites and social media, he said. “Ultimately, making the community beautiful and a more desirable place to live is good for everybody. Our goal is not to harm small businesses — our goal is to make our downtown community better and more inviting.” 

This sentiment is echoed in the revised code. Most signs, including personal expression signs and temporary signs, require a permit from the Building Division. 

The town has sent the proposed revised code to the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and chamber of commerce, also the Three Village Civic Association and chamber of commerce for review. After a period of feedback from these organizations, there will be a public hearing. 

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File photo

By Sabrina Artusa

New Leaf Energy has proposed a new battery energy storage system facility in Mount Sinai — a proposal that necessitates a rezoning of the current property.

The increase in development of battery energy storage systems in the state is part of the effort to achieve the goal of the 2019 New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which states that by 2030, 70% of electricity should be derived from renewable energy. 

The battery energy storage system will work to offset the lack of wind and solar power during off seasons by storing excess electricity throughout the year, then release electricity when demand dictates. 

The facility will be approximately 40,000 square feet and will consist of 24 Tesla Megapack 2XL containers, and will generate around 80 megawatt-hours, which could power 16,000 homes. The proposed site is adjacent to Mount Sinai‒Coram Road and Route 25A.

The proposal was met with opposition from the community, many of whom were concerned that the facility, which consists of four battery installations, would provide a safety risk to the nearby school. 

In March, the developer approached the Mount Sinai Civic Association with their plans. At the civic’s May 6 meeting, New Leaf Energy prepared a presentation and answered questions. The meeting, according to the association’s president Brad Arrington, lasted two-and-a-half hours. 

Arrington estimated that of those who attended, 70-80% were opposed. 

“I think most people are concerned about the safety around BESS. They are worried about proximity to lithium and they are worried about fires,” Arrington said. “People are rightly concerned about that.”

A petition against the development listed safety concerns as a major reason why the facility should not be approved. While fires are a reasonable concern, New Leaf Energy’s systems have several safety measures to ensure any fires stay contained. 

However, the property is not zoned as a residential area, but as transitional business. The application from New Leaf Energy proposes a change to light industrial. 

According to their presentation, toxic gases are not a risk and precautions have been taken to limit the likelihood of fires. The units are spread out, have a thermal management system and on-site and remote monitoring systems. 

The civic expanded the conversation to include Mount Sinai School District and Mount Sinai Fire Department. Arrington said that the fire department seems “satisfied with the information they were provided” and have not “expressed significant concerns around safety.”

New Leaf Energy, in a PowerPoint presentation available on the civic website, has indicated there will be a community benefit agreement “in place of school district PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes),” which is estimated at “approx. $10,000 per year per project.”

The civic association is still gathering information and has not yet formed an opinion on the proposal. Arrington said the vote will likely take place in the fall. 

“We really try to represent the interests of our community to our elected officials and provide meaningful and balanced opinions to our officials,” he said.

Operation of the facility is estimated for summer 2027 if approved. 

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Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner presents civic president Bea Ruberto with the Sound Beach Day proclamation. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

The past was alive as the Sound Beach Civic Association gathered with members, friends, family and neighbors at the Heritage Center in Mount Sinai Sunday, May 5, to celebrate 50 years of serving the community. Students from the Rocky Point High School band played as eventgoers gathered.

 Bea Ruberto, the civic’s current president, organized the event, which included a silent auction of almost 50 baskets and a 50/50 raffle. After taking the audience on a tour along New York Avenue of the projects that have made Sound Beach what it is today, she announced that the civic is launching a new revitalization initiative. Under this initiative, the proceeds from the auction — almost $1,000 was raised — are earmarked for the children’s park on New York Avenue.

The Sound Beach civic filed a certificate of incorporation in 1974 with the purposes of promoting the civic and general welfare of Sound Beach, disseminating information on ordinances affecting the area and promoting a more friendly relationship among the hamlet’s residents. Ruberto said, “It didn’t take long for the association to start making waves on several fronts.”

Vilma Rodriguez, who was an officer of the association in its early days, shared what life was like back then in giving an account of the many improvements identified and advocated by the association. Ruberto, who wrote a book on the history of Sound Beach — “Sound Beach: Our Town, Our Story” — said that over the years she learned a lot from Rodriguez. 

Several local elected officials presented the civic with proclamations acknowledging the service it has provided Sound Beach: Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R), U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY1) through Peter Ganley, his director of operations, and New York State Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk). Councilwoman Jane Bonner (R-Rocky Point) presented a proclamation deeming May 5 Sound Beach Civic Association Day in the Town of Brookhaven. District 1 congressional candidate, Nancy Goroff (D-Stony Brook), and District 1 state Senate candidate, Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai), were also in attendance. 

Ruberto ended the program with the message, “not with the past but with the future.” She said the civic has been committed to engaging young people in public service as it helps grow the next generation of the civically-minded local population. So, the present will become the future for all in Sound Beach. 

Ernestine Franco contributed to this story.

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File photo by Samantha Rutt
Three Village and Port Jefferson civic associations in support

By Samantha Rutt

With increased development pressure from the likes of the Staller proposal for the Jefferson Plaza in Port Jefferson Station, as well as many other potential projects like the Malkmes property on Oakland Avenue and Brook Meadows on Sheep Pasture Road — the potential of an alternative norm exists within the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville hamlet.

With these pressures and their potential impacts on traffic, the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association is taking proactive steps to address the impact of rapid development in their community. On April 10, the civic association sent a letter addressed to Highway Superintendent Dan Losquadro (R), Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and members of the Town Board, urging them to consider an impartial formal generic cumulative traffic study for their respective region. 

“I think an overall planning review of the entire region of Port Jefferson Station/Terryville, the Upper Port area, through Lawrence Aviation is needed. There is so much coming and proposed and potential charges down the corridor that it’s incumbent upon us to do a good job of forward thinking,” Ira Costell, president of the civic association said in an interview. 

The civic association’s request for a traffic study aims to assess the cumulative impact of these developments on road capacity, traffic flow and public safety. The study would provide insights into the existing traffic conditions on State Route 112 and Terryville Road, both of which are already strained according to NYS Department of Transportation rankings.

“By doing a comprehensive assessment we can help answer questions like where do we go? How do we absorb this growth? What do we want to see? What can we do to work with the town and developers to bring something that helps the community and minimizes how it can be impacted negatively,” Costell explained.

The association’s document outlines the need for a comprehensive planning effort to address the challenges posed by development. By securing funding for an impartial entity to conduct the study, the association hopes to identify traffic calming measures, road improvements and other mitigation strategies to alleviate the negative impacts on public health and safety.

The initiative has garnered support from neighboring civic associations as well as local stakeholders, including town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook),who has in the past expressed backing for the effort.

“We support a traffic study commissioned by the town to give a truly independent assessment of how infrastructure is handling both existing and projected density,” said president of the Port Jefferson Civic Association, Ana Hozyainova.

“We would support that since we feel planning should always take a comprehensive approach,” said Charles Tramontana, president of the Three Village Civic Association. “Everyone knows that traffic on Long Island is a major concern, so a traffic study makes sense to see the impacts on the community and what, if anything, can be done to mitigate those impacts.”

However, despite the association’s proactive approach, there has been no formal response from town officials thus far. To get more information, visit www.pjstca.org.

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The Port Jefferson Civic Association meets inside the Port Jefferson Free Library on April 8. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

At the Monday, April 8, Port Jefferson civic meeting, residents congregated to tackle one of the community’s most pressing issues: the fate of the Port Jefferson power plant. As the world pivots toward renewable energy and sustainable practices, the discussion revolved around embracing new energy sources while addressing the environmental and financial concerns associated with the current plant.

Xena Ugrinsky, a member of the Village of Port Jefferson Budget and Finance Committee, urged the need for a collective community conversation stating, “Everything is in motion. All we can do is ensure that we’re a part of the conversation and do our best to guide them to the right decisions.”

The conversation highlighted two essential work streams: Exploring new energy possibilities and navigating the political landscape in order to best incorporate the voice of the civic and community more broadly. Residents recognized the political sensitivity surrounding the issue and emphasized the importance of engaging local leaders to facilitate meaningful dialogue and action.

Ugrinsky and other affiliates have organized a committee to gather thoughts, concerns and invite further conversation on this issue.

“This is kind of a second run at this problem,” Ugrinsky remarked about the formation of the committee. “We’re going to do a bunch of research and we’re going to engage all the stakeholders. We’re not solutioning — we’re trying to gather the data, create a common conversation about what’s going to happen to the power plant and ensure that Port Jeff village has a voice in that conversation.”

“We’ve got the right people on board and we’re gathering more people. If you know of anybody who has either the background or the willingness to roll up their sleeves and participate let me know and we’ll get them engaged,” Ugrinsky said of the committee. “Our charter is to explore forward-looking and innovative possibilities for the future of the power plant, be a catalyst for positive change, while fostering a transparent and inclusive decision-making process.”

During the previous civic meeting, on March 11, Bob Nicols, a resident, shed light on the financial implications, emphasizing the need for strategic decision-making. With potential tax increases looming, residents expressed concerns about the economic impact on the community and the desirability of living in Port Jefferson.

As discussions delved deeper, the focus shifted toward finding productive solutions that align with the community’s values. In conversation, residents explored the possibility of repurposing the existing infrastructure to support new energy endeavors, such as hydrogen or battery storage, thereby maintaining the plant’s value to the community.

The urgency of the matter was brought to light by the recognition that delaying action could lead to missed opportunities and increased financial burdens. As Ugrinsky remarked, “If we don’t do this now, 20 years from now, tons of places will have done it, and we’ll think, ‘You should have done something about that when you had the opportunity.’”

The meeting also served as a platform to address broader community concerns, such as waste collection costs and upcoming events like the village’s first Arbor Day celebration. 

The Arbor Day event will take place on Wednesday, April 24, at 5 p.m. in the parking lot behind Old Fields, Billie’s and The Pie where county Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) will hold ceremonial plantings of two trees.

Looking ahead, the path forward for Port Jefferson’s power plant remains uncertain, but the commitment to engagement and collaboration remains. At the next meeting, the civic plans to invite candidates for the Port Jefferson school board. 

“The next meeting will be May 13 and we hope that we will be able to invite the school board candidates to come and present their platforms, and have a discussion about their vision for their role,” said civic President Ana Hozyainova.

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Port Jefferson Station/Terryville civic association with Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

At the March 26 Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting, civic members elected a new civic board and engaged directly with elected officials from the Town of Brookhaven, namely Supervisor Dan Panico (R) and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). 

As a result of the election, Ira Costell and Carolyn Sagliocca will remain in their roles as president and vice president, respectively. Sheila Granito will serve as the temporary recording secretary, Lou Antoniello as treasurer and Jerry Maxim as corresponding secretary.

Following the election, the floor was opened up between the civic association and elected officials. Costell led the discussion dealing with issues the civic has addressed in recent meetings.

Community beautification projects and Sheep Pasture Road bridge

One of the key topics discussed was community beautification projects, with residents expressing interest in initiatives aimed at enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Port Jefferson Station and Terryville. From antique lighting additions to increased landscaping efforts and an addition of a community park, there was a seemingly shared enthusiasm for projects that would foster a sense of pride and belonging within the community.

Another key mention was that of the dilapidated Sheep Pasture Road bridge. Panico assured the civic that the highway superintendent would be tasked with the bridge construction. 

“The highway superintendent is going to be working on that project almost exclusively in the design, and is supposed to be moving forward in design to take away some of the angles and make it easier for vehicles like buses and oil trucks to traverse the bridge in a manner without starting at the nearly 90 degree angles,” he said.

“That’s the information we have on that bridge … it is over 100 years old. Everyone knows it needs to be replaced, the weight limit was taken down from 5 tons to 3 tons. Hopefully soon you’ll invite the highway superintendent to come here so he can show you the design,” Panico assured.

Following mention of the decaying bridge, Costell brought up the proposed train car park as well as the Kunz property — two locations of community interest. About the Kunz property, formerly a greenhouse business, the supervisor assured the community that the town has an appraisal out for the property.

“Our town attorney has that property out for appraisal. We hope to get back an appraisal that is fair and we hope to acquire that property for the community,” Panico said.

In addition, to efforts to beautify the community, Sagliocca has contacted the town Highway Department regarding the posting of illegal signage and banners along the roadways with a goal to eliminate some of the roadside distraction the signs create.

“We’ve made a priority of getting out there because we’ve been aggressively cracking down on illegal housing and things of that nature to have those same individuals out serving tickets, and serving summonses,” Panico said on the issue.

“We just hired another individual who’s going to be helping along the same lines to clean up the signs along the roadway. All those signs of litter, whether they be feathered flags or Coroplast signs, we just unilaterally, we sweep them up, we take them and the ones that can be recycled, get recycled, the other ones just go in the trash,” Panico added. 

Zoning and development

Proposed developments were also a focal point of discussion, with residents eager to learn more about upcoming projects and their potential impact on the local landscape. 

Concerns were raised regarding issues such as traffic congestion, environmental sustainability and preserving the character of the neighborhood. Kornreich offered insights into the development process and assured residents that their input would be taken into consideration during decision-making.

“Nothing formal has happened yet. There was a public hearing that I and most of you were at, and I think that I’m representing the community correctly by saying we’re not opposed to the project, we think that the area is in need of some redevelopment, but the scale of it is more than what we want,” Kornreich said about the proposed Staller development.

Ultimately, those in attendance were looking for open communication between the developers and the community to best incorporate an accepted plan for the space going forward.

“I think one of the concerns we had in the public hearing was that a decision not be made before some site plan — that might be acceptable to the community — was an issue that we could talk about,” Costell said.

Panico explained further that the site plan still needs to be approved by the Planning Board, now the regular Town Board, which will allow for more direct representation from elected representatives and will create a space for the community to meet before the Town Board as well. 

“This entire community will be back, either here or before the Town Board for ultimately the site plan. They [the developers] still have to go through the entire site buying process before the Town Board, which is different than an appointed Planning Board. So you have more direct representation from your elected representatives,” Panico explained. 

The next civic meeting will be held on April 16.

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Three Village Civic Association emblem. Photo courtesy Three Village Civic Association Facebook page

Group also hears pros and cons of village incorporation, LIPA advocacy

By Mallie Jane Kim

Three Village Civic Association leaders have “serious concerns” about the proposed development of the Northville property in East Setauket, according to the association’s land use chair Herb Mones. 

At the April 1 meeting, Mones said he and other civic association leaders had expressed their reservations to Northville in a few conversations at Brookhaven Town Hall — but that the community’s impact was key. 

“I want to congratulate everybody,” Mones said of those who showed up to a March 25 meeting Northville hosted to share their dual proposals of building warehouses or multifamily rental units alongside their petroleum storage tanks. That meeting had to be canceled because an overabundance of attendees created a fire hazard in the rented hotel meeting room. 

“I think that was pivotal in any further discussions in regards to the development at Northville,” he said.

Mones added that in his 30-plus years on the civic board, he has never seen a developer go directly to the community to air such ideas. Rather, he said, they usually go through the local civic association to invite input from local residents. 

He also expressed confidence in the area’s elected officials for their representation of community concerns over the development. But he believes the overcapacity meeting sent a strong message. 

“Without that participation, I think we would start to see different outcomes,” Mones said. “I think it made it very clear that this community is very involved in any development.”

When canceling the March meeting, a lawyer for Northville said the company would find a larger venue to accommodate citizens for the rescheduled meeting and expressed a strong desire to hear any community concerns about the proposals.

Village incorporation explained

The civic association also heard about the benefits of village incorporation, which include local control over zoning, site plan approvals and traffic safety. 

“Every day, decisions are being made that have a direct impact on us and our families,” explained municipal lawyer and longtime Three Village resident Joseph Prokop in his presentation. “When you have a village, the people making those decisions are people that live in your community and are being affected the same way that you are.”

Prokop explained there are ways to predict whether and how taxes would change under incorporation, but that varies from village to village, depending on what services the village opts to provide.

He mentioned nearby incorporated villages included Port Jefferson, Belle Terre, Poquott, Old Field, Lake Grove and Head of the Harbor. 

Civic association board member George Hoffman said after the meeting that Three Village currently has a good relationship with the Town of Brookhaven, but there’s something appealing about incorporating. “I like the idea that it’s your own neighbors you go to in making the decisions,” he said.

Hoffman and other board members stressed that incorporation is just a hypothetical at this point. If there was a significant push or reason to explore it seriously, the next step would be to form an exploratory committee. 

A big question in incorporating the Three Village area, according to Prokop, might be what exactly to name it.

Ronald McDonald House update

In another presentation of community interest, Sam Ostler, capital campaign manager of Ronald McDonald House Charities, announced the group is planning to break ground on its facility near Stony Brook University Children’s Hospital on April 30. He said it will be a 30-room Ronald McDonald House and will serve about 300,000 people over the next 10 years. 

“Not one person has ever regretted staying at a Ronald McDonald House,” Ostler said. “They may look back on it as a very traumatic time — we have many heartbreaking stories — but they always look back on a place that was a home for them.”

Ostler said the charity had already raised 80% of the $30 million necessary to build the facility, and it will be working to complete the fundraising in coming months.

LIPA advocates speak

Area residents JoAnne Doesschate and Jane Fasullo asked citizens to consider making Long Island Power Authority its own public utility, rather than continuing to contract out to PSEG Long Island, a change proponents estimate would save $80 million per year.

Lawmakers in Albany are currently examining an option to end its relationship with the for-profit power provider when its contract expires in 2025, allowing LIPA to run the grid itself — essentially changing leadership, as the contracted union workers would remain on the job. 

“PSEG lobbyists are pushing to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Doesschate said. “And so we need all of you to make sure it does happen.”

Doesschate and Fasullo, who said they have been involved in advocacy organization Reimagine LIPA for several years, pointed to the fact that Long Island electricity rates are among the highest in the nation. In addition to saving money, they said, it would be better to keep money spent on power local. 

“You’re giving all this money to a for-profit company in New Jersey, and we could keep it here,” Doesschate said.

Not everyone at the meeting agreed. One attendee said he had experience as an electrician interacting with the power company and questioned whether a public agency would do a better job at setting the standards for responsiveness to citizens. 

“They’ve been doing a really good job the past years,” he said of PSEGLI. “Some people may not agree with me, but I can tell you from experience, they’ve been working really hard.”

Civic association president Charles Tramontana welcomed the lively discussion and said community-interest presentations are what the association is all about.

“Whether you agree or disagree, at least you get information here and you can decide for yourself,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons we like to facilitate different speakers coming in.”

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Prospective local officeholders participate in a Meet the Candidates forum hosted by the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association in 2023. Photo courtesy Joan Nickeson

In the heart of every thriving community lies a network of voices, opinions and ideas that form the very essence of its identity. These voices, when united through platforms such as civic associations and other civic groups, become a powerful force for positive change and progress. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is essential to recognize and emphasize the invaluable role that community forums play in representing the unified voice of residents.

Civic associations and similar groups serve as the lifeblood of local democracy, providing a platform where residents can come together to discuss issues that matter most to them. These forums offer a space for open dialogue, collaboration and problem-solving, allowing community members to actively engage in shaping the future of their neighborhoods and cities.

One of the primary benefits of community forums is their ability to amplify the collective voice of residents. In a world where individual voices can often feel drowned out by larger forces, these forums empower individuals to come together and advocate for common goals and interests. 

It is necessary for these groups to facilitate ongoing and productive dialogue rather than drown one another out with differences of opinions. The goal of such associations is to gather together and advocate together. Whether it’s for improved public services, addressing community concerns or promoting initiatives for positive change, the unified voice of residents carries significant weight in decision-making processes. 

Community forums foster a sense of belonging and solidarity among residents. By bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, these forums bridge gaps and foster understanding, strengthening the social fabric of our communities. They provide opportunities for residents to connect, build relationships and work toward common objectives, creating a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the well-being of their community.

Civic groups can serve as a vital link between residents and local government authorities. By acting as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, these forums enable residents to communicate their needs and priorities to decision-makers. This direct engagement not only ensures that the voices of residents are heard but also facilitates more informed and inclusive decision-making processes that reflect the genuine needs and aspirations of the community.

In today’s rapidly changing world, the importance of community forums cannot be overstated. As we face various challenges, ranging from urban development and environmental sustainability to affordability and changing public school landscapes, it is crucial to harness the collective wisdom and energy of our communities. 

By actively participating in civic associations and other civic groups, residents can contribute to the creation of vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities that reflect their values and aspirations.

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