Pictured (left to right) are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Neil Manzella; Salvatore Campo (Ms. Fogal’s father); Theresa Fogal; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilman Neil Foley; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Michael Loguercio and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle. Photo from Town of Brookhaven
At the February 13 Town of Brookhaven Board Meeting, Councilwoman Jane Bonner recognized Rocky Point School District bus driver, Theresa Fogal, for safely maneuvering her bus full of students as it was sliding downhill during a recent snowstorm. By staying calm, Ms. Fogal guided the bus down the steep, icy hill and kept it upright and moving forward. No one was injured during the incident and all the children arrived home, safe and sound.
Councilwoman Bonner praised Ms. Fogal for her heroism and presented her with a Town Board Proclamation. To watch the video of the incident, please go to https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XqJh_YPrans.
Pictured from left, are Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Councilman Neil Manzella; Salvatore Campo (Ms. Fogal’s father); Theresa Fogal; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilman Neil Foley; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig; Councilman Michael Loguercio and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle.
Town of Huntington council members voted 4-1 to eliminate discretionary legislative staff appointments. Photo courtesy of Town of Huntington website.
By Peter Sloniewsky
The Town of Huntington Town Board met Feb. 11 to discuss a variety of resolutions and matters, highlighted by an allegedly last-minute resolution to dismiss each individual legislator’s staffers.
In a 4-1 decision, the members of the board adopted a resolution which eliminated each of its members’ two discretionary legislative staff appointments in favor of a unified call center. This resolution was passed with the understanding that the affected staffers would be able to reapply for positions in the call center or for other civil service positions.
Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci
Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci (R) was the lone no vote. In the meeting, Lupinacci argued that she had been left in the dark on the details of the resolution prior to the meeting and “elected officials having legislative staff that are appointed of their choosing is commonplace.” She claimed that she was the only council member with “no knowledge” that the staffers were fired and she was not consulted prior to the resolution.
Lupinacci continued to describe the vote as “a grotesque display of an attempt to crush my ability to do my job,” before motioning that it be tabled and concluding that she could not “support a resolution that would be firing my staff.” No other council members spoke on the resolution before it was passed.
Additionally, the Town Board dedicated time to appoint and reappoint a number of civil servants. These included a member of the Board of Assessment Review, which responds to claims of misvalued property for taxation, members of the town’s Conservation Board, a director of the Public Safety Department and a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
The board also passed resolutions to develop public spaces. They passed a resolution requesting the New York State Legislature to discontinue the use of parklands to build a Huntington African American Museum. They also moved to dedicate some town property to build a Cold Spring Hills park.
Lastly, the board settled some ongoing litigation and authorized applications for program and grant funding from a variety of governmental and nongovernmental sources.
Smithtown Resident Susan Buroker, who helped to spearhead the Task Force together with Support from Madlyn Makboulian; Director at Smithtown Horizons, addresses the Town Board after the unanimous decision to approve the formation of the Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
The Town of Smithtown Town Board unanimously approved the establishment of its Opioid and Addiction Task Force, a community-driven initiative aimed at combating the opioid epidemic and supporting individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. The resolution to form the task force was approved during the February 4th Town Board meeting, marking a significant step forward in addressing this ongoing crisis through compassion, resources, and education.
“We cannot turn a blind eye to the opioid crisis, mental health struggles, and substance abuse that impact our community. Furthermore, we must also hold those liable for this crisis accountable. The stigma surrounding addiction often creates a sense of shame and judgment that prevents individuals from seeking the help they desperately need. We all know someone—a friend, a family member, coworker, or a neighbor—who has been affected by this crisis. It is our responsibility to foster a culture of compassion, understanding, and support. Everyone deserves a chance at living a healthy, rewarding life, and together, we can break down barriers to recovery and build a stronger, healthier community,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The task force was formed in response to the growing need for a unified approach to addiction and mental health challenges within the community. With support from local Senator Mario Mattera, Horizons Counseling and Education Center, healthcare professionals, law enforcement, and key community stakeholders, such as Susan Buroker who presented the concept alongside Madlyn Makboulian, the Director of Horizons, the initiative will focus on prevention, education, resource accessibility, and reducing the stigma surrounding addiction. The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force will be committed to addressing the substance use crisis through a proactive, community-driven approach.
“After meeting Susan Buroker and her team in my office, I knew Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board would take immediate action to help protect Smithtown residents. Along with his colleagues, Supervisor Wehrheim quickly put the issue on their agenda to help raise awareness and save lives. This, along with their decision to ban legal cannabis dispensaries, shows their commitment to protecting our residents from drug abuse. That is greatly appreciated and I look forward to continuing to work with all involved to increase the conversation around this somewhat whispered topic,” said NY State Senator Mario Mattera.
“The formation of the new Smithtown anti-drug and opiate task force represents a critical step in our fight against substance abuse. By bringing together law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and community leaders, we are committed to preventing addiction, providing support for those in recovery, and holding those who fuel this crisis accountable. Together, we will work toward a safer, healthier future for our community,” stated Madlyn Makboulian, ADV-CASAC, CPP, Director of Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services, Horizons Counseling and Education Center.
The town board will appoint a dedicated team of local leaders, first responders, hospital professionals, and key stakeholders to lead efforts in combating opioid addiction and supporting individuals in recovery in the coming months. A core mission of the task force will be to educate and inform the community by providing individuals and families with essential resources on prevention strategies, treatment options, and the realities of substance use. Additionally, the task force seeks to reduce stigma by fostering open discussions and creating a supportive environment that challenges misconceptions about addiction and mental health.
“Together as a community we created this task force because addiction isn’t just an individual struggle- it affects us all. Through awareness, support, and conversation we can create real change together,” said Susan Buroker, Community Advocate and Founding Member of the Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force
By strengthening community connections, the task force will work collaboratively with local organizations, healthcare providers, schools, first responders and law enforcement to create a united front against substance use disorders. It will also focus on raising awareness of available resources, ensuring residents have access to treatment, prevention measures and recovery services through targeted outreach and community engagement.
The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force plans to host a Community Event in partnership with Horizons Counseling and Education Center, slated for May 17, 2025. The first task force event will provide critical resources, and services including Narcan Training, a Prescription Medication Disposal (Give-Back Initiative) and guest speakers. Additionally resources from the community such as Phoenix House, Thrive, Long Island Center for Recovery, Diagnostic, Assessment, and Stabilization Services, New Horizons, AA/NA, St. Catherine’s Hospital, Sun River Detox, and LICR will be invited to participate with interactive booths providing information and resources to attendees. This event is expected to serve as a launchpad for ongoing efforts to connect, support, and empower the Smithtown community in its fight against opioid addiction and substance use disorders.
Background:
The Smithtown Opioid and Addiction Task Force was originally initiated by Susan Buroker, whose experience in the addiction recovery community, combined with listening to the community’s outcry, led to the realization that Smithtown needed a proactive, united approach. Buroker collaborated with NY State Senator Mario Mattera, Madlyn Makboulian (Smithtown Horizons), Barbara Posillico (Wellness Center), Sharon Richmond (Huntington Opioid and Addiction Task Force), Glen Williams, Linda Cherney, Ron Rotham, and Dave Lewis (Smithtown Rotary) before presenting the proposal to Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. Their collective efforts resulted in the town’s official commitment to establishing this critical task force.
About Horizons Horizons Counseling and Education Center:
Horizons is an OASAS-licensed not-for-profit agency funded to provide adolescent and adult treatment, prevention and education services for drug and alcohol related problems. Services include assessments, counseling groups, individual sessions, and an array of specialized treatment and prevention programming. Additionally, Horizons offers services for parents, significant others, and other family members of individuals struggling with addiction. In addition to the adult services provided, Horizons specializes in treatment, education and prevention services to address the specific needs of the adolescents and young adults within the community and surrounding area.
If you are an adult, youth or parent of a youth who is struggling, please call Horizons to explore the next steps to recovery during challenging times at 631-360-7578 or email: [email protected]
A proposed 48-unit apartment complex in Port Jefferson Station, Brook Meadows, has sparked a potential boundary restructuring between Brookhaven Town and Port Jefferson Village. Developer Northwind Group wants to annex the project site on Baylis Avenue to Port Jefferson Village.
This unusual move comes after Northwind’s initial attempt to secure a zoning change from Brookhaven Town for the 5.6-acre parcel at 16 Baylis Ave. failed amid community and official opposition.
Baylis Avenue, a dead-end street with only 6 properties, presents a unique situation. While physically located within the Town of Brookhaven, its sole access point is via Sheep Pasture Road, which lies within Port Jefferson Village.
If both the town and village consent to the annexation, Brook Meadows would be assessed by Port Jefferson’s land-use boards instead of those of Brookhaven’s.
However, Ira Costell, president of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association, said in a recent Newsday article that he thinks the annexation “has the feel of a backdoor move to circumvent both the town and the residents of Port Jefferson Station” to bypass town zoning laws.
“If this was a constant process and policy now, we are eating away at the margins of what’s been long-term, long-established as the governmental jurisdiction. It still remains part of our school district. Everybody around that parcel will be Port Jeff Station residents. I mean, what’s the logic behind this,” Costell said.
There is a public hearing, scheduled for March 6 at Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville, is poised to be pivotal in determining the fate of the Brook Meadows development and its implications for municipal boundary adjustments.
Ultimately, the fate of the annexation and the Brook Meadows project will hinge on a joint decision by Brookhaven Town and Port Jefferson Village.
Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023
By Peter Sloniewsky
In the new year, the Port Jefferson Country Club’s governorship has remained an issue among the trustees and the public.
Prior to the Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 29, Mayor Lauren Sheprow wrote to the membership of the country club that she was planning to introduce a resolution that would solicit a Request for Expression of Interestto create a 10-year strategic plan for the club at a cost of no more than $50,000. An EOI is a competitive process used to get information from potential consultants about interest in a project and does not require any actual investment.
Tom Natola. Photo courtesy of portjeffcc.com
This plan would include both capital and operations planning for the course and the campus and comes after a number of controversies stalled last year’s planning efforts. Debates over junior membership, initiation fees and other components of the membership package stretched across the month of December before being cut short by a surprise announcement by General Manager Tom Natola that rates, playing and access policies would not change between 2024 and 2025.
At the Jan. 29 meeting, the trustees both debated Sheprow’s proposal and engaged with one another about resolving the current controversy of junior membership rates. After a recommendation from the town attorney, Sheprow removed the $50,000 number.
Trustee Robert Juliano questioned why the club’s Board of Governorsor Country Club Management Advisory Council were not just asked to develop such a strategic plan. The town attorney stopped this discussion, stating that it was a non-public matter of “job performance.”Sheprow later told TBR News Media that she “first requested that [Natola] develop a strategic plan in October of 2023” before coming “to the conclusion that professional assistance may be needed.”
Trustee Kyle Hill also moved to push this job to the BOG and CCMAC and showed a reluctance to spend money on such a plan whether that was the intention of the resolution or not. He also argued that the membership of the club had not been adequately consulted, and that there was a risk for “reputational damage” to the board of trustees as a result. Regardless, the EOI was passed 3-2 among the trustees, with trustee Stan Louks (who previously served as liaison to the country club) and Hill opposed.
CCMAC Chair Lisa Perry told TBR News Media that CCMAC had not met to discuss the proposal of a consultant-driven strategic plan, but that Sheprow had mentioned her intention to take this approach. Sheprow also defended this approach to TBR News Media: “With the complexities of all the moving parts surrounding the property … I consider it my direct responsibility, for the best interests of all our residents/taxpayers, to take lead on this, and soliciting expressions of interest was the first step to help educate the Board of Governors and the CCMAC on what services are available.”
However, later public comment showed some discontent with this strategy. Resident Matt Franco called to disband the BOG and implement bylaws. Looking ahead, he also argued that the $50,000 for a strategic plan would have to come from a rainy-day fund, and that the goal of a general manager at the club should be to take lead on designing that 10-year plan.
The trustees also unanimously certified a set of rules for the club for 2025 identical to the 2024 rules (as Natola’s announcement had promised) with the change of moving juniors start times from 2 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Just two days later, in a surprise to the club’s members, Sheprow announced the resignation of Natola. Rather than immediately seeking a replacement, she wrote that a combination of the BOG, CCMAC and the return of Louks as liaison to the club would lead its governance. Sheprow told TBR News Media that it is “a best practice for any country club to have a general manager” but stated faith in Louks to assist in managing the club for the time being. Perry also asserted to TBR News Media that, while the CCMAC had not yet met, she had faith in the club’s other management along with Louks to keep things running smoothly.
In hindsight, Sheprow told TBR News Media “a bylaws document for the BOG is essential to define the makeup and roles and responsibilities of the BOG,” but also that this was “another long outstanding deliverable anticipated from the GM.” She also reflected that the BOG had done well in 2023 (when it was re-formed) but that, once controversies arose, “it became evident that a resident majority is important.” Alternatively, Perry claimed that she would “personally be in favor of the BOG having an equal number of residents to nonresidents,” but noted that it does currently have a resident majority.
The Port Jefferson Board of Trustees will meet again on Feb. 26.
From left, Town Clerk Andrew Raia with bride Elizabeth Westman and groom Richard Jones. Photo from Town of Huntington
Bride Elizabeth Westman is walked down the aisle to groom Richard Jones. Photo from Town of Huntington
Town Clerk Andrew Raia with bride Meghan Gallagher and groom Josh Jimenez. Photo courtesy of Town of Huntington
Bride Meghan Gallagher and groom Josh Jimenez with their family. Photo courtesy of Town of Huntington
Participants enjoyed a piece of cake after the wedding ceremonies. Photo from Town of Huntington
It was a day to celebrate love as Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia carried on the now 30 -year tradition of officiating over the Valentine’s Day Wedding Marathon at Huntington Town Hall on Feb. 14.
First initiated in 1995 by then Town Clerk Jo-Ann Raia, the Annual Huntington Town Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon has always been well received by all the participating couples and guests. Town Clerk Andrew Raia was honored to continue this special event initiated by his predecessor and mother, Jo- Ann Raia.
“Huntington’s Valentine’s Day Marriages has not only been a family tradition for my mother, Jo-Ann Raia and I, but it has become a family tradition for many of the brides and grooms,” said Town Clerk Raia.
“For many of them are following in the footsteps of their parents, who also took their marriage vows on Valentine’s Day at Huntington Town Hall. I am thrilled to be continuing the tradition established by my mother. This event has always been received enthusiastically by the couples that have participated and everyone here at Town Hall. It is truly a special day,” he added.
At this year’s Valentine’s Day Marathon, Raia officiated 11 marriages in the Huntington Town Board Room, which was beautifully transformed into a wedding chapel filled with a wedding arch, flowers and candles, a setting fit for the most discerning bride and groom.
“This event would not be what it is without the support of so many local merchants,” said Raia. “They have always been very generous and supportive of this event.”
The following merchants — consisting of bakeries, restaurants, florists, supermarkets/food stores, and pharmacies — donated special gifts and sweet treats for this year’s celebration.
Stop and Shop – Huntington
Buttercooky Bakery – Huntington
Cactus Salon Spa – Huntington
Copenhagen Bakery – Northport
Fiorello Dolce Patisserie – Huntington
Flowerdale by Patty – Huntington Station
Hengstenberg Florist – Northport
Bon Bons – Huntington
The Market Place at Southdown – Huntington
Good2Go – Huntington
La Piazza Cucina Italiana & Wine Bar – Melville
Hometown Bake Shop – Centerport
Sweetie Pies – Cold Spring Harbor
Hummel Hummel Bakery – East Northport
Main Street Nursery – Huntington
Rite Aid – Huntington
Stella Blue Bistro – Huntington
Bagel Biz Platter – Melville
Laura’s Floral Elegance – East Northport
A Tisket – A Tasket – Huntington
Dortoni’s – Huntington
Value Drugs – Huntington
Wild by Nature – Huntington
And, for the first time, the Town offered complimentary photography services to the event. Local photographer, Michelle Bogdanowich, donated her services and photographed each wedding ceremony. The bride and groom will receive a complimentary portrait of their special day on behalf of the town of Huntington and Bogdanowich’s company, Ciao Bella Photography, located in Greenlawn and can be contacted at cbellaphoto.com.
On February 4, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right) was at the Fischer VFW Post 6249 in Rocky Point where she led the swearing-in of the new Rocky Point Civic Association board members.
Pictured left to right are Dean Gandley (Treasurer); Quentin Palifka (Trustee); Alicia Palifka (Trustee); Kathleen Weber (Membership Secretary); Jennifer Hald (President); Tina Bogart (Sergeant at Arms); Thomas Buttacavoli (Vice President); Leah Buttacavoli (Trustee) and Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right).
“The Rocky Point Civic Association has worked for many years to help make the community a better place to live,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “I congratulate the incoming officers and look forward to working with them in the future.”
The Rocky Point Civic Association was founded to promote the welfare and quality of life in Rocky Point and the surrounding community. Regular meetings are on the first Tuesday of the month. For more information, go to www.RPCivic.org or email [email protected].
PJ Country Club prior to collapse of gazebo and edge of tennis courts, undated photograph. Courtesy of PJ Village website
Phase 1 of the East Beach Bluff Stabilization was the first part of a $10 million initiative aimed at arresting bluff erosion and preventing the Village of Port Jefferson-owned country club from sliding down the slope.
This first phase of the project was completed in June 2023. By any official accounts of the time, Phase 1 was a success. But within months of completion a series of storms in late 2023 and early 2024 damaged the site, undoing costly work, setting back progress and hampering the goals of the project.
According to the May 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report covering the period from September 2023 to February 2024, conducted by GEI Consultants of Huntington Station (the engineering firm that designed Phase 1), the village had not implemented recommended repairs, increasing the risk of more complicated and expensive upkeep and repair in the future.
The report stated that “no maintenance or repairs to date were undertaken by the village following the storms,” further suggesting that the village implements “necessary repair to the project as soon as possible.”
The report’s findings have raised questions among residents and officials about the long-term viability of the stabilization efforts and financial resources needed for continued upkeep and repairs.
TBR News Media reviewed GEI’s 2024 Bluff Monitoring Report — required under the Department of Environmental Conservation permit for Phase 1 — and spoke to experts, village officials and residents, exploring the report’s recommendations and the obstacles confronting the village in completing its requirements.
Costs of phases 1 and 2
At the completion of Phase 1, a 358-foot wall of steel and cement was constructed at the base of a steep bluff, about 100-feet-tall, situated on East Beach, facing north toward the Long Island Sound.
As part of the project, the severely eroded bluff face — scoured and denuded by years of storms — underwent restoration. Native vegetation was planted and secured with eight rows of timber terraces, and coir logs (interwoven coconut fibers) at the lower section and, toward the crest, with burlap netting.
The total cost of the Phase 1 project according to village treasurer, Stephen Gaffga, is “$6,024,443 million, of which $677,791 is related to design/engineering/permitting/ surveying, and $5,346,652 was spent on construction.”
At the crest of the bluff, approximately 30 feet beyond the precipice, sits the country club. Phase 2 involves the installation of a 545-foot long, 47-foot-deep steel barrier driven into the bluff’s crest, just a few feet seaward of the country club. The barrier is designed to stabilize the area landward of the bluff and prevent erosion, further reducing the risk of the building collapsing.
The cost of Phase 2 will be partially funded by federal taxpayer dollars as a $3.75 million FEMA grant, the final approval recently completed this past week, allowing for the village to receive bids for the work in the coming months for the construction of the upper wall. Local taxpayer dollars will fund the remaining Phase 2 expenses.
According to Gaffga, the Phase 2 “complete expenses are yet to be determined,” he explained in an email. The total cost will be better understood once the village receives bids for constructing the upper wall
The stabilization project, since its inception in 2017 has been presented by village officials as an urgent necessity. With this imperative in mind, the trustees approved a $10 million bond resolution, without a community referendum, in 2021 to fund the project’s two phases.
In a January 2023 statement by former Mayor Garant, after permitting and plans had been finalized, she warned, “If immediate measures to combat and stop the erosion are not implemented, the building foundation will get exposed, will lose structural support, and slowly but surely will fail — causing significant structural damage first, followed by complete collapse of the [country club] building.”
2024 GEI report findings
Heavy rainstorms swept across Long Island in the early fall of 2023, beginning with Hurricane Lee on Sept. 12 followed by another severe storm on Sept. 23.
According to the GEI report, these storms caused “post-storm stress” to the new vegetation leading to plant die off, shifting sands and forming a small ravine — also referred to as a gully — past the western edge of the wall at the base of the bluff.
To prevent further damage, GEI recommended that the village “replant beachgrass in stressed areas of the bluff face and protect the western edge of the wall by adding a filter fabric and stone.”
Photograph of East Beach Bluff Phase 1 taken as part of the GEI post-storm inspection after Hurricane Lee on Sept. 12, 2023. Courtesy of PJ Village website
However, two additional major storms in December 2023 and February 2024 brought strong winds and heavy rainfall expanding the damage started in September. A GEI post-storm inspection in the days following the storms found that a large ravine had formed on the eastern edge of the bluff face, further damaging the vegetation, matting and terracing within the ravine.
Photograph taken as part of the GEI inspection report Feb. 22, 2024 showing extensive damage to the bluff in the vicinity of stressed growth identified in September 2023. Courtesy of PJ Village website
In total, the May 2024 report outlined detailed recommendations involving improved drainage, repairs to terracing, laying down of erosion control fabric and replacement of beachgrass. The report’s recommendations concluded with concerns about utilizing honeycomb grids by Coastal Technologies Corp. under consideration by village officials, namely: “GEI has expressed concern that such an installation may not be effective at East Beach due to the types of soils present and the steepness of the East Beach Bluff.”
Despite these concerns, the Board of Trustees at the Oct. 23 public meeting approved a resolution to use American Rescue Plan Act funds at the total cost of $33,920 to pilot test Coastal Technologies stabilizing devices, pending a revised permit from the DEC.
In response to GEI concerns, George Thatos, Coastal Technologies co-founder and head of design, said, “Our Cliff Stabilizer system stabilizes near-vertical slopes with vegetation, unlike terracing which requires major regrading and cliff-top land loss.” He added, “Our solution naturally reforests bluffs.”
According to DEC representative, Jeff Wernick, if a permit holder “cannot follow a report recommendations due to environmental conditions, DEC works with them to modify the permit to correct the issues. If the recommendations are not followed due to negligence, it could result in a violation of the permit and enforcement action.”
Port Jeff Citizens Commission on Erosion
This reporter attended a recent meeting of the Port Jefferson Citizens Commission on Erosion. Their mission, in summary, is to act as a volunteer resident advisory group to the village on matters of erosion confronting the village. So far, much of the group’s focus, chaired by village resident David Knauf, has been on the East Beach Bluff Stabilization project.
On Jan. 20, the committee submitted detailed written questions to Mayor Lauren Sheprow expressing concerns about the overall status of the stabilization project. It questioned plans to proceed with Phase 2 before implementing drainage recommendations and before updating the land survey of the upper bluff that is about three years old. The commission urged these steps be completed before soliciting bids for the construction of Phase 2.
”There was damage that occurred since the Phase 1 was completed that hasn’t been addressed, meaning that it keeps getting more pronounced. There were ongoing reports that were done during the past year,” Knauf said at the Jan. 23 commission meeting.
He added that repairs “should have been done up to now so that whatever was occurring [with Phase 1] didn’t get worse.”
The commission, to date, has not received a comprehensive update on maintenance done on the bluff/wall as recommended in the May 2024 report, according to Knauf.
According to village trustee Robert Juliano, any maintenance and repair done during the time frame of the 2024 report “was minor, such as grooming the beach by village employees.”
Other concerns brought up at the meeting included a request to review a retreat plan allegedly completed under former Mayor Garant and actively participating in vetting of contract bids.
Sheprow, present at the meeting, told TBR News Media her responses to the written questions from the commission, reviewed at the Jan. 23 meeting, would be posted on the village website.
“The village will look to enlist the Citizens Commission on Erosion to help facilitate an open forum where GEI will present the Phase 2 project design and a path forward for Phase 1 remediation and restoration,” the mayor said in an email to TBR News Media.
The 2023 Annual Post-Construction Bluff Monitoring Report dated May 2024 and related items can be viewed at the Port Jefferson Village website at: www.portjeff.com/ 206/East-Beach-Bluff.
For earlier reporting by TBR News Media, visit tbrnewsmedia.com and key in “East Beach Bluff Stabilization project.”
Clockwise from left, Town of Brookhaven Legislative Aide for Councilmember Kornreich, Amani Khan; Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich; Supervisor Dan Panico; Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, Councilman Neil Manzella; Councilwoman Jane Bonner; co-host Hon. Valerie Cartright Lorraine Mazza Kuehn; Cheryl Felice; Assemblywoman Rebbeca Kassay; and Town Clerk Kevin LaValle.
A special “Day of Service” luncheon was held January 20 at the Bellport Golf Club to honor the life and memory of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico presided over the annual holiday luncheon, and he thanked co-hosts Hon. Valerie Cartright, a Supreme Court Justice and Marvin Colson, of the Brookhaven Town Branch of the NAACP for their help, as well as Faith Baptist Church and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.
Town Supervisor Dan Panico (center) with guests at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. annual luncheon.
Special thanks went to the Community Sponsor “Dare to Dream Community Outreach” in connection with the community service project, and Rho Omega Zeta Chapter for organizing the program, entitled “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365. Entertainment was provided by the Faith Baptist Church Choir led by Rev. Diane Jones.
The event was attended by more than 350 children, teens and adults. There were inspiring readings and liturgical dance performances, as well as musical selections to recognize the vision, courage and unwavering commitment to nonviolence and justice by Dr. King. In partnership with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, the Town of Brookhaven Supervisor and Town Council members assembled care packages for those in need, honoring Dr. King’s belief in the power of service to uplift communities.
A slide displaying some proposed improvements (right). Photo by Sabrina Artusa
By Sabrina Artusa
The Smithtown Town Board held the last public hearing Jan. 23 on the Kings Park Downtown Revitalization Plan before the window for public comments closes and it can be voted on for approval by the town board.
The plan includes pedestrian-focused amenities and infrastructure, updated parking and wider sidewalks. It has been developed over the course of nine years. In 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul (D) awarded Kings Park and Smithtown a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant. Further, updated and expanded sewer systems were necessary to make the plan possible.
“Communities like St. James, Commack and Smithtown can’t afford to stand still,” Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Smithtown) said. “I have no problem with below ground parking…we are not going to turn Smithtown into Queens,” he said, responding to the common worry among critics that the increased floor maximum and below-ground parking represent a step toward further urbanization.
Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) addresses the Smithtown Town Board. Photo by Sabrina Artusa
The maximum height of 3 floors and 40 feet in the core downtown district, an increase, and the permittance of apartment buildings in the area were causes for criticism among some, including Legislator Rob Trotta (R-Fort Salonga).
“I am not against building…I do not want overdevelopment of the town,” Trotta said. “When I think of underground parking, I think of Queens. We are setting a precedent.”
State Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) said, “What this board has done is commendable…Kings Park is in dire straits for development, for the right development.”
The majority of residents and business owners who spoke were in support of the “long overdue” plan. Kevin Smith, a member of the Kings Park Chamber of Commerce, had a store front in Kings Park. “I was living my dream. It was the American dream. I had a shop front on Main Street and I had to close down,” he said.
Smith reminisced on his own youth spent in Kings Park and how to have fun he would often visit other towns such as Patchogue or Babylon. He hoped that the return of a bustling downtown would keep the younger generation in Kings Park.
Some speakers, including Trotta, used their time before the board to protest the proposed 50-unit apartment building at the corner of Meadow Road and Indian Head Road. The adoption of the Kings Park revitalization plan would change the zoning of the area to transit-oriented development.
Mike Rosato of Kings Park said, “Building height should be limited to no more than 2.5 stories to preserve the historical and suburban character of the community…this project along with others, if allowed to proceed, significantly alters the character of Kings Park, overwhelms local infrastructure, and negatively impacts our residential quality of life.”
Another speaker said, “I think you guys should go forward with this project. It will give these young people an opportunity to afford a home.”
For more information, visit the Smithtown website: www.smithtownny.gov.
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