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A picture of the property Tsunis proposed to be annexed. The upper gray portion indicates the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson. File photo.

By Sabrina Artusa

The property owned by Northwind Group will remain under Brookhaven jurisdiction. The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees and the Brookhaven Town Board voted against the annexation proposed by the developer. 

Developer Jim Tsunis and his son Demetrius petitioned for Brookhaven to annex the property to the Village of Port Jefferson, which would enable him to develop a 48-unit apartment complex. After Brookhaven rejected the zoning change that would authorize the project, Tsunis initiated the annexation request. 

In March, Tsunis, his son and his attorney addressed both the Town of Brookhaven and the Village of Port Jefferson in a joint hearing, where he and his attorney Michael Towey argued that the annexation would prevent the village from being impacted by any future development decisions the town would make. His 5.6-acre property off Baylis Avenue and Sheep Pasture Road is only accessible through the village.

The elder Tsunis addressed the board one final time on May 28 at a trustee meeting, prior to their vote. He urged the board to vote in support of the annexation. 

Brookhaven voted against the petition on May 22. The resolution findings state that the property and village lack “requisite unity of purpose and facilities to constitute a community.” This conclusion rests on the feedback from civic groups, concerns from the Terryville Fire Department and the disunity annexation would create for children who would live in the Village of Port Jefferson but attend Comsewogue School District. 

Further, the analysis states that “constructing additional residential dwelling units immediately adjacent to an active rail yard, where trains idle even when they are not moving, is not in the overall public interest.” The Baylis property sits next to the Lawrence Aviation site, where a new rail yard is set to be built, pending the MTA’s completion of purchase. 

“A vote against this annexation will burden the residents of the Sheep Pasture Road with the future of industrial buildings, trucks and traffic,” Tsunis said. “Don’t yield to the political pressure of the town of Brookhaven.” 

Other residents reiterated opposing arguments, warning the board that a yes vote would set a “dangerous precedent” of “municipality-shopping” when a proposal is rejected. Kathleen McLane, a member of the Port Jefferson Civic Association, said Tsunis is “presenting a false choice” in implying the land will be used for industrial purposes if the annexation does not take place. 

Tsunis has said that his motivation for the annexation is unrelated to Brookhaven’s rejection and solely for the best interest of the village where he resides. 

At the public hearing in March, Tsunis received over 50 letters of support. Supporters had mentioned that additional housing will help revitalize the community.

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Local leaders speak at the Lawrence Aviation Site on June 2. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Local leaders at the Lawrence Aviation Site on June 2. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
Local leaders at the Lawrence Aviation Site on June 2. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa 

While the Lawrence Aviation Industries site in Port Jefferson Station is clean and cleared from the superfund registry, the atmosphere around the prospective rail yard is murkier than ever. 

The MTA has yet to secure the 40 acres allocated to the rail yard, which would be crucial to electrifying the Port Jefferson line. As the June 30 deadline approaches, local officials and environmental leaders met at the site on June 2 to urge the MTA to sign and for Governor Kathy Hochul to apply further pressure. Brookhaven bought 40 acres to preserve as open space and the county bought the other 40 acres to use as a solar farm. 

“This is a community grafted and supported plan that elected officials from all levels of government have worked very hard on for 15 years now,” said Adrienne Esposito of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “And we are in the last few days to make it successful and get the job done.” 

The Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway will have to be rerouted in order for the MTA to proceed with the rail yard. Since the DOT owns that land, they have to sign an agreement with the MTA and work out an easement between them. 

Romaine said the DOT is hesitating in giving the MTA the go-ahead. “Let’s not pass this up because the DOT is blocking this,” Romaine said. “Let’s everybody row in the same direction…let’s electrify this line.” 

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay is pushing legislation to advance an easement agreement between the DOT and MTA. 

The bill, currently being reviewed by committee, ensures the DOT will not be prevented from rerouting the Greenway. Further, it states that if the DOT intends to expand Route 25A, as they originally intended,  the easement would not impede that move as a bridge could connect the Greenway instead.

“The DOT is authorized and directed to work with the MTA and other interested particles and/or owners of real property surrounding the Greenway to negotiate and execute the…easement within six months after the effective date of this act,” the bill reads. 

After the event at the Lawrence Aviation Site, Kassay said the DOT reached out to her with suggested amendments. 

“New York State has lofty green energy goals, lofty goals for decarbonization and I can not do enough to press upon them how vital this opportunity is to make more green the MTA,” said Kassay, who has been pushing for assistance at the state level. “This is not an opportunity we can lose.” 

 An updated, electrified line is something residents from Port Jefferson to Smithtown can benefit from: fewer breakdowns, cleaner air and a smoother ride. The train can be used by Stony Brook University students and can provide redevelopment opportunities.

“In order to build housing, and to put that housing where it makes sense for rail service, this could only help. For the economic development that is needed, this could only help,” said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico.  

The Suffolk County Landbank is selling the land to the MTA for $10. Sarah Lansdale, the Suffolk County commissioner of economic development and planning, said the MTA cut off communication with the landbank last September. 

Further,  she said that the landbank submitted two FOIL requests asking for records specifying any plans of potential development for the area. The DOT declined possessing such records.

“The Department has no plans or designs for the reconstruction of NY25A from its current location to the property that was acquired where a section of the Setauket–Port Jefferson Greenway trail exits near Sheep Pasture Road and where Suffolk County and the LIRR are proposing to create a rail yard,” a March 24 letter from Department of Transportation Deputy Counsel Norman W. Kee to Suffolk County reads. 

After not receiving the requested records, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning submitted an appeal.

The June 30 deadline is about a year from the first deadline in 2024. Two extensions later, if the MTA and DOT do not reach an agreement and the MTA does not purchase the property, the project cannot move forward. 

“We are going to show her how it’s done,” Esposito said as she held up red tape for Romaine to cut. 

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Scene from the Town of Brookhaven’s annual “Sticker Shock” Campaign on May 30. Photo from TOB
Scene from the Town of Brookhaven’s annual “Sticker Shock” Campaign on May 30. Photo from TOB
Scene from the Town of Brookhaven’s annual “Sticker Shock” Campaign on May 30. Photo from TOB
Scene from the Town of Brookhaven’s annual “Sticker Shock” Campaign on May 30. Photo from TOB

On Friday, May 30, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich joined Ward Melville High School students at several locations across the community for the Town of Brookhaven’s annual “Sticker Shock” Campaign, an outreach effort organized by the Drug Prevention Coalition, according to a press release.

As part of the campaign, all health students at Ward Melville High School participated in a sticker design competition to raise awareness about the dangers of adults purchasing alcohol or vape products for minors. The top three designs, selected by the Drug Prevention Coalition, were printed and distributed at local businesses with the support of the student designers and their classmates.
Throughout the morning, students visited several community locations—7-Eleven in Port Jefferson Station, Setauket Beer and Beverage, and Luigi’s Pizzeria—placing the warning stickers on alcoholic beverage cases, takeout bags, and pizza boxes to deliver an important public health message to local residents.
Supervisor Panico and Councilmember Kornreich joined the students on-site, showing support for their efforts and recognizing the positive impact of this student-driven initiative. The event was made possible through a partnership between the Town, the Three Village Central School District, Suffolk County Police Department, and local business owners.
“The Town of Brookhaven thanks all participating students, educators, business owners, and coalition partners for their collaboration in this meaningful initiative,” read the release.

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From left, Civic President Brad Arrington, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Membership Secretary Jennifer Roth, and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary Monica Stone. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Monday, June 2, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner had the honor of swearing in the returning Board of Directors of the Mount Sinai Civic Association during the Civic Association’s monthly meeting.

The board, led by President Brad Arrington, includes Vice President and Recording Secretary Steve Koepper,
Membership Secretary Jennifer Roth, and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary Monica Stone. Their
reappointment reflects the community’s strong support and appreciation for their ongoing commitment and
effective leadership.

“I’m honored to join the Mount Sinai Civic Association in celebrating this outstanding team,” said
Councilwoman Bonner. “Their hard work and dedication have made a meaningful impact in the community,
and I look forward to continuing our partnership as they build on their successes.”

Established in 1916, the Mount Sinai Civic Association has been a pillar of advocacy and action in the
community for over a century. The Association plays a vital role in working with officials to address zoning
issues, land preservation, traffic calming, public safety, and community education. From engaging residents in
local political, educational, and social matters to preserving the character of the area, the Civic has remained a consistent and effective voice for the people of Mount Sinai.

For more information about the Mount Sinai Civic Association, please visit https://mountsinaicivic.org/

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David Ansel, vice president for the Center for Water Protection, presenting the report’s results at a press conference on May 20. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

On May 20, Save the Sound, an environmental organization that analyzes the water quality of the Long Island Sound, compiled data revealing updated scores of beaches along Long Island’s coastline. The biennial report focuses on beach water quality, bacteria levels and swimming safety. 

The report was launched at a conference at Centerport Beach, with Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth (R) and Cornell Cooperative representatives present as Save the Sound Vice President of the Center for Water Protection David Ansel presented the grades, challenges and solutions for the Long Island Sound water quality. 

Using data collected by the departments of health that conduct the beach monitoring,  the beach report department of health, the beach report revealed an increase in wet weather that led to a decline in water quality. Consistently, samples collected within 48 hours of a quarter-inch or more of rainfall revealed diminished water quality. Indeed, there was an overall increase in samples that failed to meet state standards for bacteria concentration (including beaches in Connecticut). 

The grades, ranging from an F to an A+, are determined based on the presence of enterococcus bacteria. Swimmers can become sick if they swim in waters with unsafe concentrations of this fecal indicator bacteria. A failing sample contains 104 colony forming units per 100 ml. 

New York City and other areas surrounding the part of the Long Island Sound known as “the narrows” continue to receive low grades as the water is less often flushed out as opposed to beaches in eastern Suffolk County. 

Samples taken after precipitation contained higher levels of the bacteria suggest that pollutants are getting washed into the water. Ansel said “green infrastructure” can help. Paved areas do not allow for storm water absorption, instead leading runoff, and all the pollutants like oil and debris it picks up on the way, to run straight to the water. 

“We have seen high incidents of wet weather in the last number of years and we believe it is having a negative effect on the scores for the beaches. In our last beach report 78% of the beaches received As and Bs. In this year’s report 72% of the beaches are receiving As and Bs,” Ansel said, adding that we are coming off the wettest two-year stretch with 44 inches of rain. 

Animal waste is a big contributor to the presence of the bacteria in the water. Cleaning garbage, maintaining sewers and planting native plants can help minimize fecal-bacteria contamination. 

Ansel is active in advocating for solutions that would improve the Sound. The same day of the conference, he traveled to Albany to testify that more data is needed regarding algal blooms in saline water. 

“We are hopeful that there will be a conversion of Rikers Island to a water treatment facility that would have a materially positive impact on the Western Narrows of New York City and New York Sound.”

Smyth said the town began harvesting sugar kelp in 2022 and implemented a program for spawning oysters, which help filter the water. Huntington even supplies other municipalities with oysters shell stock to grow. 

“The sugar kelp is native to Long Island and requires little to no effort to grow in Long Island’s bays and harbors. The benefit is it improves water quality by removing harmful nitrogen which causes algae blooms,” Smyth said. 

Deputy Supervisor John McCarron said they harvest the kelp and grind it to a powder, which is then used as fertilizer. 

Although the town has only been harvesting sugar kelp for three years, McCarron said he has noticed  positive growth with marine wildlife diversity, with various species of fish dwelling by the kelp. The presence of wildlife seemed like a good sign. “This means it is doing something to clean up the area,” he said. 

High scoring beaches include Port Jefferson beach and Cedar Beach West, which had an A- and A+ respectively. 

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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
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2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown
2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception. Photo from Town of Smithtown

Eight exceptional senior volunteers were recognized at the 2025 Suffolk County Senior of the Year Reception on Thursday, May 15th, at 2:00 p.m. in the lobby of the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. The annual event, hosted by Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, recognizes senior residents who have made a meaningful impact on the lives of older adults throughout the County.

 
“The volunteers at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department truly represent the best of who we are as a community. Their work – whether it’s delivering meals to homebound neighbors, crafting heartfelt gifts for veterans and those in need, or bringing joy through activities and fundraising – creates an impact that ripples far beyond the walls of the senior center. I am deeply proud to celebrate these selfless individuals and all the nominees for their extraordinary service and commitment to others. I especially want to thank Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and the New York State Office for the Aging for recognizing the outstanding contributions our local seniors make every day in our community.” – Supervisor Edward Wehrheim
 
Smithtown’s esteemed honorees recognized at the 2025 ceremony were Madeline Johanson, Nick Arettines, William Caulfield, William Maynard, Peter Ruh, Norman Scheff, Stephen Sutich, and Joann Magri. These remarkable individuals were nominated by Doreen Perrino, Program Director of the Smithtown Senior Citizens Department, and her staff.
 
“These honorees are a lifeline for the senior community of Smithtown. They may create and donate quilts and cards to local care facilities or deliver meals to a homebound senior who looks forward to their smiling face each day; their kindness and dedication are instrumental in uplifting the senior community and strengthening the fabric of Smithtown itself.” – Doreen Perrino, Program Director.
Each Suffolk County nominee is also recognized for their contributions by the New York State Office for the Aging.
 
From organizing community favorites like the Tender Years Treasury to donating quilts and handmade gifts to institutions such as Brooksite MultiCare, St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, the Long Island State Veterans Home, and the Northport VA Medical Center, Smithtown’s senior volunteers are a lifeline of kindness throughout the region. Their dedication not only uplifts the senior community but strengthens the fabric of Smithtown itself.
 
Each Suffolk County honoree is also recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging for their contributions.
 
For further information regarding the programs available at the Smithtown Senior Citizens Center or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, call the Senior Center at 631-360-7616.

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Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine
Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine
Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine
Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine
Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine
Scene from Long Island Veterans Home Memorial Day ceremony 2025. Photo courtesy Stony Brook Medicine

Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University honored our fallen heroes at their annual Memorial Day ceremony on May 23.

New York State Assemblyman Steve Stern (AD-10), Chairman of the NYS Assembly Veterans’ Affairs Committee, gave the Memorial Day keynote address to veterans and residents and then joined other elected officials in honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces with the laying of a memorial wreath. The ceremony included a color guard, firing detail, taps memorial, wreath laying ceremony and “tolling of the bells” memorial service.
The event was also attended by New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, New York State Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick, New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy, Suffolk County Legislator Chad Lennon, Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa,  Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Fred S. Sganga, Executive Director of the Long Island State Veterans Home, Joseph Cognitore representing VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point, other local elected officials, LISVH veterans and residents, and many veteran service organization members.
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The Long Island State Veterans Home at Stony Brook University is a 350 bed skilled nursing facility that also operates a 40-registrant medical model Adult Day Health Care program to care for honorably discharged veterans. Operated under the auspices of Stony Brook Medicine, the LI State Veterans Home is one of a few nursing homes in the country that is fully integrated into the health and educational mission of an academic medical center. Since opening its doors in October 1991, the Long Island State Veterans Home has provided care to more than 15,000 of Long Island’s veterans.  For more information,  call (631) 444-VETS.

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From left, (standing) Chief of Department Sean Martin, Third Assistant Chief Ken Kowalchuk, Commissioner John Buchner, Commissioner Ken Staufer, Commissioner Hank Strong, Second Assistant Chief Jeremy Freund, (sitting) Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Commissioner Debra Handel, and New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Town of Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio joined local leaders, first responders, and residents in honoring the members of the Rocky Point Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner held on Saturday, May 17th at Majestic Gardens in Rocky Point. The event marked the formal installation of the department’s 2025 officers and celebrated the continued dedication and service of the department’s firefighters and volunteers.
“It’s always a privilege to be with the brave men and women of the Rocky Point Fire Department,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selfless commitment to protecting our community is truly inspiring, and this evening is a well-deserved recognition of their hard work.”
The Installation Dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings together the Rocky Point community in support of its fire and emergency medical services. The evening featured speeches, acknowledgments of years of service, and the swearing-in of newly appointed leadership within the department. Councilwoman Bonner expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the department for their ongoing efforts to ensure public safety and for the sacrifices they make every day in service to the community.

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The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office
The Smithtown Patriots (red) playing the Brookhaven Bluejays. Photo courtesy Supervisor Wehrheim’s office

The Town of Smithtown Senior Softball Team, Smithtown Patriots, kicked off their Opening Day game for the 2025 season on Thursday, May 8th. The Smithtown Patriots played the Brookhaven Bluejays at Flynn Memorial Park. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and Councilman Tom Lohmann were in attendance to wish both teams good luck, a great season, and a memorable opening day. 

“It was a beautiful day for a ball game as the Smithtown Patriots took the field, bringing their skill, sportsmanship and unbeatable spirit to kick off a brand-new season. Flynn Memorial Park was filled with energy, laughter and the kind of camaraderie that makes our community so special. We were proud to host the Brookhaven Bluejays and even prouder to celebrate a game that  is timeless, much like our incredible senior leagues.”  said Wehrheim. 

Opening ceremonies began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for Patriot’s long-time teammate and dear friend, Christopher Revere Sr., who passed away on March 26. Richard Claxton, the Patriot’s team manager and player, referred to Revere as “the heart and soul of the team.” Just before the Patriots took the field for the top of the first inning, Supervisor Wehrheim threw out the ceremonial first pitch, enthusiastically declaring, “Play ball!”

The battle between the Patriots and Blujays ultimately ended in a draw, as each team won one of the two games played. The Smithtown Patriots Senior Softball Team is sponsored by the Smithtown Senior Citizens’ Department.

Interested in joining?

Eligible players must be at least 59 by the year’s end (2025) to join the team. The team plays doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The season starts in May and ends in August. Any interested participants should contact the Smithtown Senior Center at (631) 360-7616.

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GSA Troop 833 during a recent clean-up of the PJS/Setauket Greenway Trail. Photo from Herb Mones

KEEP BROOKHAVEN BEAUTIFUL and Keep America Beautiful, Inc., in cooperation with Supervisor Panico and the Town of Brookhaven, invite you to join the Great American CleanupTM. Every spring, individuals and groups join the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest organized cleanup, beautification, and community improvement program.

The facts on litter are sobering. According to the most recent litter study there are more than 50 billion pieces of litter on the ground. That’s 152 pieces of litter for every American. But there is good news. In the past ten years, littering along US roadways is down 54%! Last year alone, over 64,000 clean-up events were held in the US, resulting in over 146,600 ACRES of parks, public lands, waterways, trails and playgrounds cleaned up by volunteers like YOU!

So, don’t wait for someone else to do it…pick a location…and volunteer for this year’s Great Brookhaven Cleanup! Join thousands of Brookhaven residents to help make Brookhaven … a cleaner, greener, more beautiful Town!

  • Identify a specific site that you would like to improve.
  • Visit the site to plan your event and get permission from the property owner if necessary.
  • Possible activities:
    • Litter cleanups on streets, parks, playgrounds
    • River, lake and seashore cleanups
    • Nature trails, woodland trails and field cleanups
    • School cleanups
    • Commercial Site / Shopping Center cleanups
    • Beautification / community improvement projects
  • Recruit family members, friends or neighbors to help.

Several organized events will be taking part in this year’s clean up including:

Farmingville

Farmingvile Residents Association will hold its 19th annual Spring Clean-Up at Triangle Park, corner of Woodycrest Drive and Horseblock Road, Farmingville from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies will be provided. 631-260-7411

Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group hosts a clean-up of Lake Ronkonkoma on May 17 at 10 a.m. Meet at Michael Murphy Park. Call 631-451-6222 for more info.

Port Jefferson Station

— The Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce is  teaming up with the Port Jefferson Rotary Club and Old Town Blooms for a clean up of at the PJST Chamber Train Car, corner of Route 112 and Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson on Saturday, May 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jayne Blvd, behind D & D from 10 a.m. to noon; and any area along Old Town Road, Crowley, School St, Block Blvd or Yale Street Parks from noon to 5 p.m. (on your own). 631-821-1313

— Three Village Community Trust’s Friends of the Greenway will hold a Setauket to Port Jeff. Station Greenway clean-up on Saturday, May 17 at 9 a.m. It will start at the Port Jefferson Station trailhead at NYSDOT parking lot by Routes 112 & 25A.  www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org

*If any organization would like to add their event to this list, please email [email protected]

 

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