Councilwoman Bonner (third from right) stands with crews from the Arrow Metal & E-Waste Recycling crew
Councilwoman Jane Bonner (center) with Correction Officer Investigator, Dominick Verni (left) and Deputy Sheriff, Dylan Hever (right).
Councilwoman Bonner (second from left) with the paper recycler Data-Struction staff
On October 5, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner was at the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizen Cultural & Wellness Center in Mount Sinai for her Fall Paper Shredding, Electronic and Prescription Drug Take Back recycling event. It was a good opportunity for residents to safely dispose of unused electronic devices, have their old paper documents securely shredded and safely dispose of old prescription drugs.
Environmentally conscious residents in 517 vehicles, dropped off 7260 lbs. of electronic waste, 16,600 lbs. of paper for shredding and 12 boxes of prescription drugs for proper disposal.
The following are the remaining 2024 recycling events in the Town of Brookhaven:
Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig
Saturday, October 14 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches
Council District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, October 26 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket
Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, November 2 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
South Country Public Library, 22 Station Road, Bellport
Small businesses from across Suffolk County were recognized for their critical role as the backbone of the local economy.Each of the 18 members of the Suffolk County Legislature introduced an honoree from their district at Oct. 1’s General Meeting of the Legislature in the Rose Caracappa Auditorium of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building in Hauppauge.
With this ceremony, the lawmakers honored individual businesses – with fewer than 25 employees—and noted the unique contributions to the community that these businesses and their owners make every day.The businesses — ranging from restaurants, including pizzerias and delis, to insurance agencies, to local newspapers and salons – were each chosen for their standing within their community and were often cited for their civic and charitable endeavors.
“Our small businesses deserve to be recognized for their part in making Suffolk a thriving and desirable place to live,” said Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey.“From my district, I am pleased to be able to honor Peter Buccino, the proud owner of Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst since 2015. He started with the company, then named Cardwell Condenser Corporation, just a week after graduating from Copiague High School in 1979. Peter then worked his way up the ladder all the way to taking ownership in 2015.”
“Peter is an active member of the business community locally and across the county. He is the First Vice President of the Copiague Chamber of Commerce, an Executive Board Member of the Lindenhurst Chamber, and a member of the North Babylon and Montauk Chambers. Peter Buccino’s smiling face can be seen at many events in the district. He is a truly a small business success and embodies the spirit of this award,” said McCaffrey.
Across the United States, small businesses employ nearly half the American workforce, representing 43.5% of America’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the US Chamber of Commerce. Suffolk County itself is home to many thousands of small businesses. As a partial measure of the number and variety of small businesses, the Suffolk County Department Labor, Licensing, and Consumer Affairs notes that there are over 15,800 active licenses and registrations for businesses. The wide range of businesses encompasses, for example, appliance repair, painters, electricians, plumbers, sign hangers, precious metal dealers, dry cleaners, and more.
HONOREES by LD:
LD Legislator Small Business Honoree Business Location
1. Catherine Stark — Wendy’s Deli in Mattituck
2. Ann Welker West— Robins Oysters in Southampton
3. Jim Mazzarella — TJs Hero Shop in Mastic Beach
4. Nick Caracappa — Team Rita (Tsoukaris) in Centereach
5. Steve Englebright— Bagel Express in Setauket
6. Chad Lennon — Personal Fitness in Rocky Point
7. Dominick Thorne — Greg Mehrhoff State Farm Agency in Bellport
8. Anthony Piccirillo — Joe’s Pizza and Pasta in Holbrook
9. Sam Gonzalez— Gala Foods in Brentwood
10. Trish Bergin — Bellina’s Pizza & Restaurant in East Islip
11. Steve Flotteron — Our Little Italy in West Islip
12. Leslie Kennedy — Maureen’s Kitchen in Smithtown
13. Rob Trotta — The Smithtown News in Smithtown
14. Kevin McCaffrey, PO — Viking Solutions in Lindenhurst
15. Jason Richberg — Valde Ice Cream in Wyandanch
16. Rebecca Sanin — Zaro’s Café in Huntington Station
17. Tom Donnelly — Soto Appearance Enhancement Salon in Deer Park
18. Stephanie Bontempi — Twisted Cow Distillery in East Northport
Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office
Each of the 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored a small business from their district at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
Caption: Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office
When tasked with choosing a small business that has made unique contributions to the community, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) knew Bagel Express in Setauket was the perfect choice. At the Oct. 1 presentation, Englebright described co-owner David Prestia as “a wonderful man.”
“For many years, I have had the pleasure of knowing David Prestia,” the legislator said. “Bagel Express is known for its delicious bagels and catering in the Three Village Area, and Dave is recognized as a businessman who wholeheartedly embraces the community.”
For 30 years, Prestia has been a constant and welcoming presence in the Three Village community. His generosity with food donations and volunteering his time has been unwavering since he opened his first business in the area, Fratelli’s Market Place, with his business partners, Eric Keller and his brother, Michael Prestia.
Three Village residents can find him and his employees preparing food and engaging with their neighbors at countless community events, including the Chicken Hill Barbecue and Culper Spy Day 5K. Prestia is also known for his festive spirit, handing out free hot chocolate and cookies at the Three Village Electric Holiday Parade. He donates food to local trail cleanups, and during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prestia and his team delivered heroes to Stony Brook University Hospital workers.
Bagel Express has also sponsored the Staller Center for the Arts at SBU receptions and is a proud supporter of SBU Athletics. In addition to donating time and food, Prestia offers valuable business and community knowledge as a trustee on the Three Village Community Trust board and as a director of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.
“David Prestia and Bagel Express are more than just an owner and a business; they are staples in the community,” Englebright said. “Under David Prestia’s inspired leadership, Bagel Express has become a crossroads in our community, where goodwill intersects with and reinforces the Three Village’s indelible sense of place. Thank you, Dave, for all you do and all you have done. You honor us every day and are a vital part of the fabric of our community.”
From left, Councilman Foley and Highway Superintendent Losquadro. Photo from TOB
Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Councilman Neil Foley have announced the completion of two paving projects in Ronkonkoma/Holbrook. In the first paving project, crews inspected and installed drains and repaired and replaced damaged concrete curbing and aprons prior to resurfacing Ackerly Lane from Portion Road in Ronkonkoma to Patchogue Holbrook Road in Holbrook. The total cost for this paving project was $221,000.
The second paving project involved seven roadways in a neighborhood just south of Portion Road, off of Warren Avenue, in Ronkonkoma. Prior to paving, crews inspected and repaired drains and replaced damaged concrete aprons and cobblestone curbing. Roadways resurfaced in this project include: Berwyn Drive, Borman Court, Cara Drive, Cedar Creek Hollow, Croydon Avenue, Monte Court, and Sweetbriar Court. The total cost for this paving project was approximately $272,000.
“Ackerly Lane is a main artery in Ronkonkoma and Holbrook,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “Along with the neighborhood roadways off of Warren Avenue, Ackerly is now safer and smoother for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.”
Councilman Foley said, “We are pleased to announce the completion of these paving projects, which will greatly improve the safety and quality of our roadways in Ronkonkoma and Holbrook. Thanks to the hard work of our crews and collaboration with Highway Superintendent Losquadro, these upgrades will benefit residents for years to come.”
Supervisor Dan Panico (center) thanked Brookhaven’s crew before they began clearing a blighted Middle Island property, for open space preservation. Courtesy TOB Public Information Ofiice
On Sept. 24, Supervisor Dan Panico was on site to thank the Town of Brookhaven’s demolition crew as they prepared to take down a blighted house and cottage in Middle Island. This effort clears the way for the preservation of 3.5 acres of critical open space. The Town acquired the parcel along East Bartlett Road to protect it from future development and to preserve its natural state. The land is located on the boundary between the Core of the Central Pine Barrens and the Compatible Growth Area.
This heavily wooded parcel features a quarter-acre pond, rolling topography and old-growth woodlands, making it a vital component of the local ecosystem. “In Brookhaven, we have proven that a government can be effective at preservation and the protection of our environment. This latest accomplishment is in a truly beautiful and serene part of our town, containing substantial preserved open space acreage and pine barrens,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
This area serves as a natural wildlife sanctuary, home to a myriad of species. It is particularly important for migratory frogs including spring peepers, gray tree frogs and wood frogs which utilize the pond for breeding in the spring months. “In Brookhaven, our mission is to preserve where it makes sense and redevelop where appropriate. We have struck a wonderful balance and continue to achieve for our environment and economy on a daily basis,” commented Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio.
In recent years, the Town has made significant strides in wildlife conservation. A wildlife tunnel was installed to connect the subject property to a wetland complex on the east side of the road. This tunnel is regularly used by various wildlife species including amphibians, mammals and birds, allowing them to safely cross the roadway. This initiative has virtually eliminated most roadkill in the area, demonstrating the Town’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The removal of structures on the parcel will enable disturbed areas to return to their natural habitat while preserving the serene setting for future generations to enjoy.
Legislator Sanin with the owner of Zaro's Café, Edmund Zarou
At the October General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, Legislator Rebecca Sanin proudly recognized Zaro’s Café, a beloved Greek-Italian family-owned and operated eatery in the heart of Huntington Station, as the 16th Legislative District’s “Small Business Month” honoree.
Established by the Suffolk County Legislature in 2023, “Small Business Month” provides a dedicated time to recognize the critical contributions of Suffolk County’s small business entrepreneurs and to further encourage awareness and appreciation.
For over 30 years, Zaro’s Café has been a cornerstone of the Huntington Station community, providing not only delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine but also demonstrating a deep commitment to the well-being of Suffolk County residents. The leadership of owner Edmund Zarou and his team has been instrumental in setting an example of resilience, innovation, and compassion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the pandemic gripped the nation in 2020, Zaro’s Café saw an urgent need in the community for protective face shields for frontline healthcare workers. In response, Zaro’s transformed its dining room into a production space and began manufacturing nearly 1,000 face shields using 3D printers. Over two months, the café distributed these vital supplies to local fire departments, nursing homes, and EMS teams.
“Zaro’s Café is more than just a place to enjoy incredible food—it’s a symbol of what makes our community strong. From their longstanding commitment to providing great service to their selfless efforts during the pandemic, Zaro’s Café embodies the spirit of giving back and stepping up when it matters most. I’m honored to recognize their exceptional leadership, resilience, and dedication to Suffolk County,” said Legislator Sanin.
To this day, Zaro’s Café continues to serve as a community gathering place, offering a warm and welcoming environment for all. This recognition is a testament to the lasting contributions Edmund Zarou and his team have made to Huntington Station, and Legislator Sanin is proud to honor them as District 16’s ‘Small Business Month” honoree.
New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown (R-Northport) announced that five public libraries from the Suffolk Cooperative Library System in Assembly District 12 have been allocated approximately $226,385 in state aid for library construction funds. These libraries include the Commack Public Library, which was allocated $3,750; Deer Park Public Library, which was allocated $100,000; Harborfields Public Library, which was allocated $22,635; Northport Public Library, which was allocated $78,000; and the East Northport branch of the Northport Public Library, which was allocated $22,000.
New York State Assemblyman Keith P. Brown
The funds were obtained from $34 million in capital funds for public library construction and broadband infrastructure projects provided in the fiscal year 2023-2024 state budget. They will help with projects such as roof replacement, the purchase and installation of alternative energy resources, new HVAC systems, windows, doors, lighting systems, electrical upgrades, electric vehicle charging stations, standby generators, and the new construction or replacement of parking lots. Broadband infrastructure projects are also eligible for this funding.
“I am proud to see these five very deserving public libraries in our community receive funding from the state for renovation projects,” Brown said. “These funds will make a tremendous difference in transforming these libraries into more energy-efficient, accessible, and welcoming public spaces for reading and learning.”
A recent survey showed a documented need for public library construction and renovation projects totaling more than $1.75 billion in New York state. More than half of the 1,000-plus public library buildings in communities across New York are more than 60 years old. Another third are more than three decades old. Many of New York’s local public libraries are unable to accommodate users with disabilities, are energy inefficient, and cannot provide internet, computers, and other electronic technologies to users because of outdated and inadequate electrical wiring. Many do not have sufficient space to house the library’s ever-expanding collection, address the need for adequate meeting spaces, or provide public access computers.
“The allocation of these funds for library construction projects will help breathe life back into our public libraries statewide. I am very excited to see the planned renovation projects completed,” Brown concluded.
In the fiscal year 2024-2025 state budget, the Legislature provided $44 million for projects that will be announced in the summer of 2025. This increase of $10 million from the previous fiscal year recognizes the continued need for support for libraries statewide to provide vital services to New Yorkers.
On Sept. 19, the Smithtown Town Board met to discuss a variety of matters.
Key highlights included the appointment of a new town historian, preparations for a November 5K charity event and a number of transfers and bids aimed at improving town services.
The meeting opened with the appointment of Richard Smith as town historian, along with the establishment of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 5K. The event will take place on Nov. 9 with a rain date of Nov. 23.
The board also advertised a hearing to be held on Nov. 5 to discuss amendments to the zoning portion of the town code.
The bulk of the meeting focused on several resolutions involving the town’s budget and financial management. The board approved a variety of transfers between accounts involving work in the Recreation, Highways, and Public Works departments. One notable resolution, RES-2024-887, involved the transfer of more than $20,000 stemming from several accounts, for recreational services, specifically, with regards to public pools.
The board then moved to approve a number of bids. After announcing open bidding for urban-forestry services, bids for animal shelter supplies and screened sand for ice and snow control were awarded to local contractors. Additionally, the TOS accepted a bid of $42,800 for repairs to the Smithtown Boat Ramp, and a purchase order for $115,795, to repair the town hall elevator.
Moreover, the Highway Superintendent was authorized to work with National Grid regarding the Commack Gas Replacement Project, involving the replacement of gas pipelines.
The meeting concluded with a number of appointments and reappointments.
Three-dimensional rendering of the proposed redevelopment project at Jefferson Plaza. Graphic courtesy Valentin Staller
By Sabrina Artusa
Brookhaven Town Board approved the long-contested Staller Associates rezoning application for the Jefferson Plaza property in Port Jefferson Station Sept. 26. It was a crucial step signifying the progression of Staller’s plan to repurpose the plaza into a residential property along with commercial usage.
Staller Associates is an Islandia-based privately-held real estate company engaged in the development, ownership and management of commercial and residential real estate on Long Island.
Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) announced the approval of the zone change from J2 Business to Commercial Redevelopment District, thus allowing Staller to begin planning for the apartments building.
Jefferson Plaza in its current state. File photo
Brookhaven residents have been divided over the prospect of this project. Some are unhappy with certain details, such as design, and desire more deliberation before making what they view as a hasty decision to rezone.
“We are not saying this project won’t be good for the community … that’s a blighted shopping center,” said Lou Antoniello, treasurer of Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, during the public hearing. “This project is not ready to be approved tonight. I don’t understand the rush to push this thing through.”
Others stand wholly against developing more housing complexes and rezoning, while some are ardent proponents of revitalizing the largely unused plaza.
Joseph Stallone spoke on behalf of the Long Island Builders Institute. “We have some of the best schools in the country and we are sending our young minds to North Carolina and Florida and Virginia,” he said. “As someone who grew up here, I would like to stay here and I would love to stay at a development like the one Staller has proposed.”
Ira Costell, president of PJSTCA, had hoped that the developer would have involved the public more throughout the process, instead of just on a rudimentary level in the early phases of the process. He said that, in the beginning, he and his organization met with Staller, but then went almost two years without direct contact.
“We want to find a way to get behind this proposal, but we find that the process really failed us,” he said.
The CRD zoning code was amended in 2020, and this new version is at the root of resident apprehension. CRD zones are “designed to achieve economically beneficial and socially desirable redevelopment which is more creative and imaginative in its land use,” the Brookhaven Town Code reads.
The CRD label dictates that “civic space and recreational areas, including squares, private plaza, greens and public parks, shall be intermixed throughout the development for social activity, recreation and visual enjoyment.”
Indeed, Staller Associates intends to integrate a public plaza, a health club and a restaurant into the plaza in addition to the residential complex in this corridor off Route 112.
Staller has previously announced that 20% of the units will be used only for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Kornreich said that Staller will likely enter into a form of partnership with a special-needs housing advocacy group to do so. The realty business has a property in Farmingdale, where it administer the same policy.
Aesthetic cohesion is a major area of concern for Brookhaven residents who say that the influx of apartment buildings will make Port Jefferson Station lack a consistent architectural theme. To many, this rezoning increases the threat of overdevelopment.
Kornreich assured those present that the appearance of the buildings is not set in stone. “A lot of these issues that were brought up by people at the [PJS/T] civic association — things related to the density, things related to the site, layout things related to the architecture — all these things will be worked out later in planning,” he said.
“The site plan has not been drawn up yet in that level of detail” he said in regard to concerns over fire safety, which he said will be worked out later in the process.
In a significant step towards recovery from the record rainfall and flooding that devastated the region on August 18t and the 19, an intergovernmental partnership between the Village of Head of the Harbor and the Town of Smithtown has resulted in the successful construction of a temporary access road off Emmet Drive. The first major recovery project completed in the aftermath of the storm, will allow previously stranded residents to return to a semblance of normalcy at home.
“We are incredibly grateful to Town Supervisor Wehrheim and Highway Superintendent Murphy for their quick action, partnership and commitment to building the road in such a short time… Village Chief of Police Chuck Lohmann and Building Inspector Bob O’Shea, out of concern for the seven vulnerable families who had been served by Mill Creek Road, have been strong advocates throughout this process, ensuring the Village does everything possible to allow those families to remain in their homes. We are now thrilled to be able to rescind the emergency evacuation order that had been previously served,” said Village Mayor Michael Utevsky, Head of the Harbor
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, together with Councilman Tom Lohmann, and Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy worked in lockstep with Head of the Harbor Village Mayor, Michael Utevsky, Chief of Police Chuck Lohmann, Building Inspector Bob O’Shea, and Village Engineer Dan Falasco to construct a temporary road restoring access for seven homeowners along Mill Creek Road. The privately owned road suffered catastrophic damage in addition to a large chunk of Harbor Road which was also washed away by the storm.
“We come together in times of need and today is an illustration of our unflinching commitment to our neighbors, some of whom can now rest easy, safely in their homes tonight. The Town of Smithtown administration, together with our Highway Department led by Robert Murphy, immediately offered assistance to the Village in the aftermath of record rainfall. We committed our full support in doing everything possible in partnership with our neighboring Head of the Harbor Village. With the completion of this temporary access road, the Village is now able to rescind the emergency evacuation order, allowing residents to remain in their homes safely and as we approach colder weather. I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Utevsky, Chief of Police Lohmann, our Highway Department and most of all the Residents who all came together to help their neighbors through a time of crisis,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The Smithtown Department of Highways began work last Wednesday, to build a 1,000-foot temporary access road from nearby Emmet Drive, crossing neighbors’ property to ensure the seven vulnerable families served by Mill Creek Road could access their homes. Village Engineer Dan Falasco assisted in the designing the road, ensuring it met emergency access requirements while respecting the wishes of the neighboring property owners who provided access. Construction was approved to move forward just one week after the decision was made, with work commencing on Wednesday, September 25.
“This is the job… and it’s why we all get up and go to work in the morning. This project is symbolic of our steadfast commitment to the community at large, that we will rebuild and emerge stronger and more resilient. We will complete each storm recovery and infrastructure initiative until the very last sump is clear, the last storm drain is inspected and our ecological restoration is sound,” added Robert Murphy, Town of Smithtown Superintendent of Highways.
The successful collaboration between Head of the Harbor and the Town of Smithtown demonstrates the strength of intergovernmental partnerships in times of crisis. The temporary road will allow the affected families to access their properties while a more permanent solution is planned, and serves as a testament to the resilience of the community.
