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From left, Deputy Sheriff Shannon Smith, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Deputy Sheriff Christopher Holfester, and Deputy Sheriff Melfi. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
Arrow Metal & E-Waste Recycling crew and Councilwoman Bonner. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office
From left, a local resident, an employee from paper recycler Data-Struction, and Councilwoman Jane Bonner. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Saturday, May 31, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner hosted a Special Recycling Event at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai, drawing a record-breaking turnout of residents committed to environmentally responsible disposal practices.

The event ran from 9. a.m. to 1 p.m. and offered residents a convenient, one-stop drop-off for paper, cardboard, electronics, and unwanted or expired medications. With 615 vehicles participating, this marked the highest attendance Councilwoman Bonner has ever had at one of her recycling events.
By the close of the event, residents had shredded 16,300 pounds of paper. They also recycled 11,280 pounds of electronic waste and turned in 15 boxes of unused or expired medications for safe disposal.
Councilwoman Bonner extends her heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and partner agencies who made the event possible. “I’m so proud of how our residents came together to make this event such a success,” said Bonner. “These efforts not only help protect our environment, but also show how strong our community is when we work together toward a common goal.”
Suffolk County Sheriff’s deputies were on site to assist with medication disposal and to help manage the steady flow of traffic entering from Route 25A. Their support helped ensure the event ran safely and efficiently.
Below are the remaining 2025 recycling events in the Town of Brookhaven: 
Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig
Saturday, June 7 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Center Moriches Free Public Library, 235 Montauk Highway, Center Moriches
Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, June 14 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Middle Island Fire Department, 31 Arnold Drive, Middle Island
Supervisor Daniel J. Panico
Friday, July 25 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Brookhaven Town Hall South Parking Lot, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville
Council District 5 Councilman Neil Foley
Saturday, September 13 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bayport-Blue Point Public Library, 186 Middle Road, Blue Point
Council District 3 Councilman Neil Manzella
Saturday, September 27 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Middle Country Public Library, 101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach
Council District 2 Councilwoman Jane Bonner
Saturday, October 4 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Rose Caracappa Senior Center, 739 Route 25A, Mt Sinai
Council District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich
Saturday, October 18 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Setauket Fire Department, 394 Nicolls Road, Setauket
Council District 6 Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig
Saturday, October 25 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
William Floyd High School South Parking Lot, 240 Mastic Beach Rd, Mastic Beach
Council District 4 Councilman Michael Loguercio
Saturday, November 1 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
South Country Library, 22 Station Rd, Bellport
For more information,visit BrookhavenNY.gov/recycle.

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Photo courtesy Mastic Beach Fire Department

A message from Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright:

At approximately 2 a.m. on June 4, a fire broke out at the Crown Recycling Facility in Calverton. Thirty-five fire departments across Suffolk County acted swiftly and were able to contain the fire after more than nine hours.  

These efforts are a testament to their rapid response and unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property and the surrounding community. Thank you to the Suffolk County fire departments, emergency medical services and all supporting agencies for their rapid response, professionalism and dedication.  

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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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METRO photo

By Lisa Scott

The New York State Board of Elections (BOE) is committed to fulfilling its responsibility to the citizens of New York State by providing fair, accurate, and accessible elections. This responsibility, and the credit associated with it, must be shared with the many dedicated poll workers who help make elections successful.

The Suffolk County BOE hires Election Inspectors for Primary Elections, General Elections and Special Elections. Each inspector must be a registered voter in Suffolk County. You will be assigned to a polling site within your Township and are  paid for training and each day you work. If you are 17 years old, you may be eligible if your school district participates in a program under Education Law Section 3207-a.

In 2025, Primary Election Day is Tuesday June 24, with early voting June 14 to 22. Only voters registered in a political party before Feb. 14 of that calendar year may vote in their party’s primary election. Tuesday Nov. 4 is the General Election, with early voting Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, in which voters may vote for any candidate of their choice regardless of political affiliation. Special Elections could be held any time of the year, and are held if an elected position unexpectedly becomes vacant; the jurisdiction may set an election to fill the position. 

Polling places are open long hours (6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Days, and 8 hour variable times during early voting days). Inspectors are expected to arrive early to prepare the polling place under the direction of the polling place Coordinators. Inspectors always work in bipartisan pairs- thus providing a backup and witness to all polling place work. Inspectors must stay until the entire polling site has been shut down and every inspector is ready to leave for the evening.

Inspectors may work a variety of jobs at the polling place. They may be greeters and line managers, they staff the poll pads to check the voters (the voters identify themselves, sign in on the poll pads, and receive a printed receipt), they staff the ballot station (voters are asked for their receipt and highlight it, receive their ballot, and offered a privacy sleeve) and they monitor the tabulators (monitor and verify receipts, and assist as needed). 

Voting inspectors report any issues or problems to their Coordinators, who are responsible for handling these. Problems might include voter not being found on the poll pad, spoiled ballots, absentee and early mail ballot issues, affidavit ballot issues, court ordered ballots and ICE BMD machine/accessible voting. 

Upon their arrival, poll watchers, who are volunteers appointed by political parties or candidates to observe the election day procedures (and are not Board of Elections employees) are directed to the Coordinators. Poll watchers may be present for observation at the polls from 15 minutes before the unlocking and examination of any voting device or ballot box at the opening of the polls until after the close of the polls; may challenge persons who they believe are not qualified to vote, and observe the canvass of the vote after closing. 

Electioneering (the process of convincing voters to vote for or against a particular candidate, party or issue) is prohibited by NYS law – it is illegal within 100 feet from the entrance to the polling place that the public will access. Voters may not carry signs or wear clothing which explicitly conveys their support of named candidates on election day, and the Board of Elections has a zero tolerance policy for electioneering by Inspectors.

The right to vote is one of our nation’s oldest and most important entitlements, and with this right comes responsibility. Free and open elections are the basis on which this country was formed and you can make a difference by becoming a poll worker to help protect those freedoms. Election Inspectors are an essential participant in the process that enables our citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote. If you serve as a poll worker your interactions with the voters are what they will remember and are what will influence their confidence in the integrity and fairness of our elections. 

If you live in Suffolk County and are interested in becoming an inspector in 2025, call 631-852-4533, 631-852-4536, email [email protected], or text APPLY to 631-400-5991.

Additional links:

■ elections.ny.gov/become-poll-worker

■ Helpamericavote.gov

■ www.eac.gov/help-america-vote

Lisa Scott is president of the League of Women Voters of Suffolk County a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, visit https//my.lwv.org/new-york/suffolk-county.

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Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine

As summer begins and Suffolk County’s beaches, pools, and parks fill with residents and visitors, County Executive Ed Romaine is urging everyone to make water safety a top priority. With increased outdoor activity near oceans, bays, lakes, and swimming pools, Romaine is warning residents to remain vigilant and follow key precautions to avoid preventable tragedies.

“Summer in Suffolk County means enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches and waterways in the country,” said County Executive Ed Romaine. “But we must never let our guard down around water. One moment of inattention can lead to lifelong consequences. Whether you’re boating, swimming, or simply relaxing near water, safety must always come first.”

In 2024, there were 24 drownings in all bodies of water throughout Suffolk County.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable season, the County Executive is sharing important water safety tips for all residents:

Water Safety Tips

  • Never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy, and make sure someone on shore is keeping watch.
  • Swim in designated areas. Only swim at lifeguard-supervised beaches and pools.
  • Learn to swim. Enroll children and adults in swimming lessons through local programs.
  • Supervise children at all times. Drowning can happen silently and quickly—even in shallow water.
  • Wear life jackets. Boaters and non-swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Avoid alcohol around water. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time—especially dangerous in aquatic settings.
  • Heed warning flags and signs. Pay attention to local advisories about tides, rip currents, and water conditions.
  • Know CPR. Immediate response saves lives. Learn CPR and basic first aid.
  • Secure home pools. Install fencing, cover drains, and ensure gates are self-latching.

“With more people expected to visit our beaches and parks this summer, we want to ensure fun doesn’t turn into tragedy,” added Romaine. “My administration is committed to public safety, and that includes reminding families to take simple but critical precautions around water.”

The Suffolk County Department of Parks and Department of Health Services continue to work closely with lifeguards, first responders, and local municipalities to monitor conditions, enforce safety measures, and provide education to the public.

For more information on Suffolk County beach safety, swim programs, and water safety resources, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov.

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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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Photo from Assemblywoman Giglio's Facebook
Jodi Giglio

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead) extends her heartfelt gratitude to the brave firefighters, emergency medical personnel and mutual aid departments who responded to the massive fire at Crown Recycling on Youngs Avenue in Calverton early this morning. The fire, which broke out around 2 a.m., was declared under control at approximately 11:20 a.m. after more than nine hours of intense firefighting efforts involving nearly three dozen departments.

“I want to sincerely thank the firefighters and EMS personnel who worked through the night to contain the fire at the Crown Recycling facility,” said Giglio. “Their quick response and effort protected nearby homes, businesses and residents from what could have been a far worse situation. Given the nature of the materials involved—including construction debris and potential asbestos exposure—I’ve contacted Congressman Nick LaLota’s office to see if potential EPA air quality testing could be set into place.”

Residents in the vicinity are advised to keep windows closed and remain indoors as a precautionary measure. The Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management has issued alerts to residents within a four-mile radius of the site.

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Legislator Bontempi with Ann E. Ahlstrom-Saxer and her son, Michael Saxer, at the Suffolk County Legislature in Hauppauge with the Legislature’s Healthcare Hero Award. Photo from Leg. Bontempi's office

Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi (R-18th L.D.) recognized Ann E. Ahlstrom-Saxer as the 2025 Healthcare Hero Honoree for the 18th Legislative District, during the Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting on June 3 in Hauppauge. This event marked Suffolk County’s recognition of 18 Suffolk County “Healthcare Heroes,” chosen by each legislator, according to a press release.

A resident of Northport, Ahlstrom-Saxer has served 45 years in the Nursing Profession, holds a National Certification in Case Management, and has worked at the Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center since 2006. 

For the past ten years, she has served as the Northport VA Community Care Case Manager and as the Interfacility Transfer Coordinator. In her role as the Interfacility Transfer Coordinator, Ann facilitated the transfer to Northport VAMC of over 700 deserving Veterans spanning all clinical services including Psychiatry, Palliative Care, Extended Care, Acute Medicine, and ICU. Many of these transfers involved complex care coordination with local as well as national/international facilities. 

“Ahlstrom-Saxer goes above and beyond to help Veterans and their families navigate the complexities of Health Care, and serves as a resource for VA Services to Veterans hospitalized in the Community. She is well known and respected for her knowledge and commitment to Veterans Care,” read the release. 

“We appreciate Ann’s dedication to serving the healthcare needs of our local veterans in Northport, and her four decades in the Nursing profession is a testament to that,” said Legislator Bontempi. “She embodies what it means to be a true healthcare hero.” 

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Legislator Steve Englebright, left, congratulates Jim Crispino, second from left, along with Crispino’s family. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

Among the emergency services (EMS) personnel who were honored at the Suffolk County Legislature in Smithtown on Tuesday, May 20, was Jim Crispino, a full-time paramedic with the Setauket Fire Department.

Each legislator had the opportunity to recognize an EMS member for their efforts and achievements at an event hosted by Legislator Dominick Thorne (R-Patchogue), a member of the EMS community. After being highly recommended by SFD District Manager David Sterne and Fire Commissioner Sue Meyers, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) chose Crispino as District 5’s EMS honoree.  

“Crispino is the epitome of what an EMS professional should be,” Englebright said. “He is an excellent clinician and delivers the highest level of care to his patients.

Crispino, who has been with the district for 23 years, was also a full-time paramedic with the New York City Fire Department and was one of its first rescue paramedics. After 30 years of service, he retired from FDNY in 2022. In addition to his work in Setauket and New York City, Jim was an active member of the Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance for 30 years and one of its ex-chiefs. Known to share his knowledge, he has mentored several EMT and paramedic students.

“Throughout his career, Jim has been a pillar of support for countless Setauket Fire District and Port Jefferson Volunteer Ambulance District residents, providing crucial assistance during their worst medical emergencies. While he never seeks any accolades or recognition, his selfless dedication to his work has not gone unnoticed by his coworkers, district volunteers, community members and now the County of Suffolk.

 

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