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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.

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METRO photo

Program Assists First Time Homebuyers Achieve the ‘American Dream’

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced on Jan. 27 that the County is accepting applications for the Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides eligible first-time homebuyers up to $30,000 on a purchase of a single-family residence under the condition that they live in the home for at least 10 years. Applications are being accepted through April 1, 2025.

“We are committed to making Suffolk County more affordable by offering young professionals and first-time buyers the assistance to achieve their dreams of home ownership,” said Romaine. “By offering our residents further assistance and financial relief, we will be able to build a brighter future for our communities.”

The program, which was launched in 1993, provides eligible, first-time homebuyers with a conditional grant of up to $30,000 to use towards their down payment.  The buyer is responsible for the balance of the down payment and all the closing costs. Last year, the program assisted in six closings, totaling $162,000 in assistance.

All applicants are required to attend housing counseling prior to submitting an application. The property must be a single-family residence with no rental units and may be a pre-existing or newly constructed single-family residence, condominium, co-operative apartment (Co-op) or manufactured home. The maximum appraised value cannot exceed $551,000.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be a first-time homebuyer, defined by HUD as a person who has not owned a home during the three year period immediately prior to the purchase of a residence with HOME funding.
  • Have an adjusted gross household income must be within the HUD guidelines (listed in the application).
  • Occupy the property as their principal residence for 10 years.
  • Attend homebuyer counseling at a HUD certified not-for-profit housing agency in person.
  • Not have entered a Contract of Sale to purchase a home prior to being awarded a Purchaser Certificate from the Suffolk County Community Development Office.
  • Have minimum of $3,000 of their own funds at the time of application in their savings, checking or investment accounts.

Residents are advised to visit SCDownpayment.com to download the application and guidelines as well as the program’s Quick Reference Guide in English and Spanish.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Suffolk County Office of Community Development at 631-853-5705 or [email protected].

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine announced that the Suffolk County Veterans Emergency Assistance Commission is now accepting applications from veterans in need of home heating assistance. Consideration is given to all home heating options and to minor home heating system repairs.

“With all the pressures facing our heroic veterans, staying warm at night should not be one of their concerns,” said Romaine.

The Commission has $100,000 at its disposal for 2025. Members of prominent veterans’ organizations determine eligibility and sit on the commission.

“Suffolk County serves the largest population of veterans in New York State. Our office has identified there is a need for veterans, especially those on a fixed income, with assistance paying the high cost of heating their homes. These heroes that served our country in times of peace and during war deserve the help that the Suffolk County Legislature has provided through the Veterans Emergency Home Heating Assistance Program,” said Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency Director Marcelle Leis.

If you are interested in learning more and/or applying for the Veterans Emergency Home Heating Assistance Program, please contact the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency at (631) 853-8387 or email at veteransinfo@suffolkcountyny.gov.

Recipient Criteria:

•           Completed Application

•           DD Form 214 with Character of Discharge Honorable or General Under Honorable Conditions

•           Household Income (W-2, Disability Rating, Social Security, etc.)

•           Proof of Heating Expenses (oil, electricity, gas) or Boiler/Pluming Estimate

•           Narrative letter describing need for assistance

All above information must be submitted with application to:

Keith O’Reilly, VSO

Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency

100 Veterans Memorial Hwy.

P.O. Box 6100

Hauppauge, NY 11788-0099

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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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Legislator Sanin at the 2025 Inauguration of the Suffolk County Legislature

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin has been elected as Whip for the Democratic Caucus of the Suffolk County Legislature. The announcement was made in a press release on Jan. 30. “This leadership role comes just one year after Legislator Sanin’s election to the Legislature, reflecting her hard work, dedication, and effectiveness in delivering results for Suffolk County residents,” read the release.

As Democratic Whip, Legislator Sanin will play a critical role in advancing the caucus’s legislative agenda and building consensus on key issues. Her leadership will focus on continuing her efforts to reduce costs and make Suffolk County more affordable for working families, enhance public safety, and create good-paying jobs to support families across the county.

“It is an honor to be selected by my colleagues to serve as the Democratic Whip,” said Legislator Sanin. “I am proud of the progress we’ve made in my first year on the Legislature, and I look forward to working closely with our caucus to build a safer, stronger, and more affordable Suffolk County for all. This new role allows me to amplify the voices of our communities and to continue advocating for the policies that matter most to our residents.”

Democratic Caucus Leader, Legislator Jason Richberg, praised Sanin’s leadership and tireless commitment to her constituents: “Rebecca has demonstrated incredible dedication and vision since joining the Legislature. Her ability to connect with residents, her thoughtful approach to policymaking, and her passion for public service make her the perfect choice for Democratic Whip. I am confident she will continue to make a significant impact in this role.”

Suffolk County Democratic Committee Chairman Rich Schaffer also expressed his support: “Legislator Sanin has proven herself to be a dynamic and effective leader in just her first year on the Legislature. Her election as Democratic Whip is a testament to her hard work, her ability to bring people together, and her commitment to improving the lives of Suffolk County families. I look forward to seeing her continued success in this new leadership role.”

“Legislator Sanin has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for her district and a champion for policies that strengthen Suffolk County’s economy, enhance public safety, and improve quality of life for all residents. As the Democratic Whip, she will work closely with her colleagues to advance initiatives that address the county’s most pressing challenges and create new opportunities for families across Suffolk,” read the release.

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New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Rebecca Kassay is sworn into office by NYS Attorney General Letitia James. Photo by Juliane Mosher
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright presents Rebecca Kassay with a flower bouquet. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright speaks at the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Attorney General Letitia James at inauguration ceremony for Rebecca Kassay. Photo by Julianne Mosher
Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich spoke at the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Julianne Mosher
New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay with Lillie Crowder. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Julianne Mosher

The seats of Theatre Three in Port Jefferson were completely filled on Sunday, Jan. 26 to witness the swearing in and inauguration of Rebecca Kassay to the New York State Assembly for District 4.

A local business owner and former deputy mayor of the Village of Port Jefferson, Kassay beat incumbent Ed Flood (R) last year in a tight race for the seat. District 4 covers several communities including Stony Brook, Setauket, Port Jefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Mount Sinai and Coram. 

The event featured guest speakers including Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) and Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket). Administration of Oath of Office was provided by New York State Attorney General Letitia James and a special poem was read by civil rights activist and community organizer Lillie Crowder.

During her final remarks, Kassay thanked her supporters and all of the public servants before her. 

“I know that I carry on work that has been done so long before I was born and I’m working for the people who’ve not yet been born,” she told the crowd. “I’m working for the people who will never hear my name, but hopefully will feel the impact that I had along with these incredible leaders in our community and be better off from it.”

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Pictured with family and friends are (back row, starting fifth from right) Supervisor Dan Panico, Councilman Neil Manzella and Councilman Neil Foley. Photo courtesy of Town of Brookhaven

On January 27, Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico, Councilman Neil Manzella and Councilman Neil Foley joined hundreds of Sachem North High School students and faculty, family and friends to honor Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano, who succumbed to Stage 4 Kidney Cancer in 2020 at the age of 42 years old.

They gathered to rename the intersection at Smith Road and Manor Road as Matthew “Dezy” DiStefano Way. The location is directly across from Sachem North High School where “Dezy” was an admired teacher and coach for 19 years. He was inducted into the Sachem High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017, the College of Mount Saint Vincent Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018, and the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Diagnosed in early 2019, he organized the “Dezy Strong Foundation” to help other cancer patients live a fuller life.

The renaming ceremony included heartfelt words from “Dezy’s” family, Supervisor Panico, Councilman Manzella and Councilman Foley, as well as a stirring vocal performance of the Maroon 5 song, “Memories,” sung by Sachem North High School students.

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Some of the hats knitted by Sue Harrison for children and adults. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta's office

For several years, Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta has been working with Smithtown based SMM Advertising and the Retired Senior Volunteer Programs (RSVP) to conduct a winter coat drive to benefit the residents of Suffolk County who need warm winter clothing.

Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta with some of the coats residents dropped off at his office in Smithtown. Photo courtesy of Leg. Trotta’s office

“The response was phenomenal. We received numerous donations from so many residents,” said Legislator Trotta. “In addition, for the third year in a row, Sue Harrison knitted hats for the children and adults,” added Trotta.

“Every donated coat and warm garment represent a message of hope and care from one human being to another. Thank you to RSVP and Legislator Rob Trotta for all your support and enthusiasm each year to make our Coat Drive a success,” said Tricia Folliero, Vice President, SMM Advertising.

The donated winter wear was distributed to the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, St, Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry at St. Jospeh’s Church in Kings Park, St. Gerard of Majella Outreach, Infant Jesus Outreach, Church of the Resurrection Outreach, Echo Arms Adult Home, Lighthouse Mission and Pax Christi Men’s Shelter.

“The Friends of the Retired and Senior Volunteer program is overwhelmed by the response of our RSVP volunteers and our community members to take this opportunity to care for our community. The number of blankets and coats that they provided was incredible and so often the donation came with a willingness to continue to help. We are grateful to be working with Leg. Trotta and SMM Advertising.,” said Maryflorence Brennan, Executive Director of RSVP.

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023

By Peter SLoniewsky

Guidelines surrounding membership rates and a junior golfers program at the Port Jefferson Country Club is a recent topic of contention. 

Because the country club is owned by the Village of Port Jefferson, the rates it charges to members require approval by the Port Jefferson Board of Trustees after they have been discussed by the club’s Board of Governors and approved by the club’s general manager and Country Club Management Advisory Council. 

December 4 meeting

This year, the club introduced a membership rate proposal to the entire Board of Trustees at their Dec. 4 work session. This proposal contained two major differences: it gradually eliminated the junior members program for children 12-18 and proposed a new initiation fee. The website also states that members must be 19-29 on Apr. 1 to play golf. Junior members are not permitted as guests.

At the meeting, the club’s general manager, Tom Natola, advocated for removing the junior membership option on the basis that many members with junior memberships had parents who were members. Natola said that it made more sense to sell family memberships and eliminating the junior program would incentivize this. 

He also said that there was a liability concern for juniors on the courses. At this meeting, both Mayor Lauren Sheprow and trustee Xena Ugrinsky discussed eliminating the junior program straightaway due to liability although they did not directly advocate for it. 

Both at the meeting and afterward, parents provided significant blowback. Port Jefferson parent Nicole Connolly, whose son and daughter are both junior golfers, said there has been a pattern of policymaking that has eroded the program over the past several years. According to Connolly, negotiations two years ago included significant parent resistance against a CCMAC proposal to disproportionately increase junior membership rates. 

CCMAC Chair Lisa Perry told TBR News Media that “the country club has always supported junior golfers and their families.”

She added that the Port Jefferson High School golf teams play for free at the club. 

As a result of these controversies, the Board of Trustees requested that Natola prepare another proposal for their Dec. 18 public meeting. 

Questions of CCMAC involvement

Complicating this, the process that led to the Dec. 4 proposal is unclear.  Sheprow said, “[the Board of Governors] made recommendations to the country club manager, who reviewed the recommendations with the Country Club Management Advisory Council, also volunteers, after which the country club manager developed the recommendations he deemed appropriate.” 

Perry said “The CCMAC reviewed the rates that were proposed by their general manager and agreed to recommend the rates to the board of trustees for their Dec. 18 meeting.’

CCMAC’s involvement in the process is enforced by Chapter 25 of the Village of Port Jefferson code. If it was not included in the process prior to the Dec. 4 rejection, the sourcing of that proposal is unclear. 

CCMAC voted on a proposal on Dec. 17 that was then presented to the trustees at their Dec. 18 meeting. At this meeting, Sheprow expressed some regret for a lack of consideration of families and junior members throughout the processes that led to the Dec. 4 proposal, although she encouraged stakeholders to get involved earlier in the process. She also attributed a lack of communication to an effort to balance the budget, despite the requirement in the village code of CCMAC input. 

The Dec. 18 proposal was largely similar to the Dec. 4 proposal but would further restrict juniors to times after 2 p.m. and increase the juniors’ fees by $1,000 — an increase that trustee Kyle Hill described as “insanity.” 

The trustees voted to table the matter of junior membership and new limitations that it would place on junior members’ play times. 

Resolution

This debate was cut short on Dec. 24 with a surprise announcement from Natola that “junior rates and playing and access policies will stay the same in 2025 as they were in 2024” and  “there will be no further discussion at the Board of Trustees level related to the Junior Membership package.” 

While this announcement was a win for the juniors, it brings back some questions about power in this process. 

Natola requires approval from the CCMAC and the Board of Trustees to approve rates. His declaration in this memo that there would be no further discussion is not supported by the club’s governing rules. 

Trustee Stan Loucks, who served as a liaison between the trustees and the club for eight years, told TBR News Media that he had no insights as to why the message was sent. He added that “[Natola’s decision] should most likely go back to the trustees for approval.

Whether a vote will be called is unclear, although Hill told TBR News Media that “it’s inappropriate for any village employee to say that a discussion among trustees is over” and “any Board of Trustee member can bring it up for discussion at a meeting.” He also noted that the Christmas Eve send date had stood in the way of discussion throughout the holiday season.

Future plans

For the future, Loucks emphasized a more stringent relationship between the club and the trustees and said he would support the appointment of a liaison to the club to guide the process in the future. 

Additionally, in an email to TBR News Media, Sheprow wrote that “it is imperative that rate structure considerations support a long-term strategic plan” and work on such a plan would begin “immediately” while reinforcing the roles of the Board of Governors, CCMAC and the trustees alongside concerns about the club’s budgeting. 

The resolution of this situation is still unclear. The specifics of the junior membership plan are still unspecified and the trustees have not yet considered it. The Board of Trustees will meet next for a public meeting on Jan. 29.

For more information go to the Port Jefferson Country Club website: www.portjeffcc.com.

 

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Huntington Town Clerk Andrew Raia will perform multiple marriage ceremonies on Valentine's Day. Photo from Town of Huntington
Photo from Town of Huntington
Photo from Town of Huntington

Planning on getting married? Why not get married on love’s greatest holiday! Huntington Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia will be performing his annual Valentine’s Day Marriage Marathon as the Town’s Marriage Officer on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at Huntington Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington.

“Love is in the air once again at Huntington Town Hall this Valentine’s Day,” said Town Clerk Andrew Raia. “It is an honor and a privilege to join two people in a lifetime of love and commitment and it’s the part of my job that is the most heartwarming.”

Mr. Raia will perform ceremonies from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Town Board Room by appointment; there is no charge to the couple for the ceremony and their guests are welcome to attend the reception. Complimentary refreshments will be served with surprise gifts for the bridal couple.

Please note:

• Marriage Ceremonies: A marriage ceremony may only take place 24 hours after the issuance of a marriage license (more information); vow renewals do not require a waiting period.

• Domestic Partnership Registry: Find more information on requirements for a Domestic Partnership Registry by visiting www.huntingtonny.gov/domestic-partnership. 

To make an appointment, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at 631-351-3216 or email [email protected].

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