By Sabrina Artusa
After the Aug. 19 storm, the lower level of the Smithtown Library’s main branch at 1 North Country Road had to be cleaned and gutted. The stairwell has been repainted and all electriclal equipment has been removed. Now, the floor is a blank slate. Smithtown Library Director Robert Lusak views this as an opportunity to re-situate the floor to make it a better, nicer area.
–Photos by Robert Lusak
By Sabrina Artusa
Six months after the Aug. 19 storm that damaged infrastructure, washed away the dams at Stony Brook Mill Pond and Blydenburgh County Park’s Stump Pond and upturned Harbor Road in Stony Brook, community pillars such as the Smithtown Library and Stony Brook University are on the mend.
The storm, which unleashed 9.4 inches of rain in only 24 hours, flooded the lower level of the Smithtown Library, bursting one of the windows and completely filling the area with water. Since the library sits at a lower grade, the water from higher grades flowed to the building and down the staircases on either side, overwhelming the sump pump and clogging it with leaves; therefore, it was not only 9 inches of water that flooded the library, but 8 feet.
However, walking through the Smithtown Library today, it would be difficult to discern evidence of the storm on the first floor or the mezzanine. The bookshelves and tables look relatively untouched; it seems that at any moment a library page might round the corner with a cart of books or a high school student will settle down at one of the tables. In a few months — April, possibly, according to Library Director Robert Lusak — the library could open again.
“In order to bring people back into the building, first we need power obviously, we need HVAC, we need heat and air-conditioning functioning, we need to have the elevator working, we need to have fire sprinklers operational … so there are a lot of factors that need to come into play before we can open the building,” Lusak said. The library’s architect, in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, has put together “a two- to three-inch book” detailing the steps to reopening.
Temporary power has been restored. “Everything is moving along pretty well,” Lusak said.
Lusak and the rest of the library staff have been working with FEMA to account for damages to potentially get up to 75% of eligible costs reimbursed. The staff listed every item that was destroyed. One of the main obstacles, however, is the time-consuming process of ordering the necessary materials and the months it takes to ship.
“It is really the equipment that we need to reinstall that is keeping us from moving forward,” Lusak said. “When we have to wait for materials we have to wait 6 to 8 weeks in some cases. That is what we need in order to open the building up.”
Next month, Lusak and other staff members are flying to Michigan to evaluate the archive renovation progress done by Prism Specialties. The Richard H. Handley Collection, which features centuries-old documents and maps, was situated on the lower level. On the day of the storm, however, the water detection system failed and water infiltrated the room.
Lusak will have to determine which archives should be restored, such as precious original copies, and which would not be worth the expense, perhaps second copies. The cost of archival restoration already amounts to over $700,000. The archives will be considered by FEMA for reimbursement.
Lusak said that the designers will begin to redesign the lower floor this week. Since the first floor and mezzanine are nearly ready to be opened to the public — after the elevator, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system and electricity are restored — Lusak plans to open the upper levels and have construction on the lower floor occur simultaneously.
In addition, the storm has exposed issues in the grading and stairwells. “We are looking at ways of safeguarding the building to make sure a situation like that never happens again … we are going to change the grading there [and] we are going to address the stairwells.”
At Stony Brook University, the rainfall affected 61 buildings, according to university officials; the Ammann and Gray residence halls were hit the hardest, and students residing there had to be reassigned to other buildings.
Vice President for Facilities and Services Bill Hermann wrote in an email, “In response to the flooding of our residence halls, we advocated for and will be relocating core facilities infrastructure (boilers, electrical equipment, IT and fire alarms) to upper floors.”
The university paid for a comprehensive storm infrastructure study which, according to Hermann, “revealed that our campus growth over the years had not been matched by adequate increases in storm infrastructure capacity.”
The university already addressed some of the weak spots dictated by the study, such as collapsed sections, but still has stormwater maintenance plans in the horizon, one being a plan to implement a stormwater detention and retention system under the athletic stadium surface lot to manage runoff.
“This mitigation is needed to upgrade and modernize the campus storm infrastructure to meet the current demands,” Hermann wrote.
At this time, Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, was unable to comment on the damage to Harbor Road, the ownership of which is debated as it crosses into Head of the Harbor.
Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utevsky said that discussions are progressing.
According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm watch will go into effect Saturday, Feb. 8 at approximately 7 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 9 ending at 11 a.m.
A heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations are expected to be between three and five inches and a light glaze of ice accumulations is possible. Travel conditions may become difficult during the storm, especially as temperatures fluctuate causing slick roads. If possible motorists should avoid driving during the storm. If travel is absolutely necessary, drive with extreme caution, warns Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrhreim.
The Town Smithtown Highway Department Fleet will begin working Friday evening on prep, applying a beet juice brine to the roads and sidewalks to prevent dangerous black ice conditions. Snow removal crews will continue to work through the duration of the storm.
Park Vehicles in the Driveway: Residents are encouraged to keep vehicles off the curbside as plows clear the residential areas in an expeditious manner. Smithtown’s highway fleet began work overnight applying a beet juice brine to the roads and sidewalks to prevent icing.
Parks & Beaches Will Be Closed During the Storm: In an effort to keep residents safe and allow for Parks, Buildings & Grounds to remove snow from parking lots efficiently, gates and other access to the parks and beaches will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Stay Informed: Residents can stay informed about the storm and get up to the minute updates via the Town of Smithtown Mobile App, which is free to download on Google Play and the App Store.
The Town of Smithtown has compiled a list of tips, resources and information regarding the storm, the cleanup process, reporting power outages and the proper contact information for those in need of further assistance.
PUBLIC SAFETY:
The Department of Public Safety has activated the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and is coordinating efforts with Suffolk County and PSEG in the event of power outages. Public Safety is urging residents to stay off of the roads, which lessens the potential for accidents. Use extreme caution and if you must travel, please do so with a winter survival kit. In the event, you become stranded, stay with your vehicle and call authorities. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the department of public safety by calling (631) 360-7553.
Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: Please check on your neighbors with disabilities, special needs or senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and blankets. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency. If further intervention is required please contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642.
Animals & Family Pets: All domestic animals should remain indoors in below freezing temperatures, with the exception of allowing dogs to venture out briefly to go to the bathroom. Make sure to check the yard for broken fences or open gates and if possible keep an eye on your pets while outdoors to avoid escape, and injuries.
Please Note: It is against the law to leave pets outside in freezing conditions such as these! If you witness cruel conditions, please report it. Farm animals should be sheltered indoors for the duration of this storm. To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals please call the Smithtown Animal Shelter (631) 360-7575.
Post Storm Safety: When plowing driveways please be cognizant not to block fire hydrants with snow mounds. Public Safety Fire Marshals ask that residents using generators be cognizant to place the exhaust facing outwards and at least 20’ away from a building. This can protect loved ones from CO poisoning and can prevent fires caused by generators incorrectly positioned.
Power Outages – PSEG Information: View PSEG Long Island’s outage map Click Here
To report and receive status updates on an outage Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online visit www.psegliny.com
To register, have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454)
Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.
Road Preparations and Snow Cleanup:
Superintendent of Highways, Robert Murphy reports that the full fleet has been deployed for the duration of the storm. As a reminder, please remove any waste bins, brush or leaf bags from the curbside and park vehicles in driveways so the roads can be plowed efficiently during and after snow accumulation. This also prevents damage to curb cuts, mailboxes and driveways.
To report icing, and other issues related to conditions along the roads, please contact the highway department at (631) 360-7500.
USEFUL NUMBERS:
Stranded Vehicles: If there is an emergency, please dial 9-11 immediately. All non life-threatening calls can be directed to the Department of Public Safety by calling 631-360-7553
Local Fire & Police Phone Numbers: In an emergency dial 9-1-1
Report Power Outages to PSEG: Text OUT to PSEGLI (773454), report it online at MyAccount.psegliny.com, through the PSEG app, or call1-800-490-0075
Report Gas Outages or Emergencies: If you smell gas anywhere, including in your home, go outside and call National Grid 24 hour hotline at 1-800-490-0045 or dial 911 immediately.
LIRR Commuter Travel Information: For information regarding delays or travel questions, contact the LIRR 24 hour travel information center at 718-217-5477
Suffolk 311: Suffolk County 311 is a central call center available to residents who do not know which number to call for any non-emergency. Residents can reach the 311 line Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or leave messages after hours.
Elderly Neighbors & Special Needs individuals: For assistance with elderly or special needs individuals, contact the Office for People with Disabilities at (631) 360-7642
Animals & Family Pets: To report animals in distress, strays or other loose/lost domestic or wild animals please call (631) 360-7575. To Report Animal Abuse, or Neglect contact the Suffolk County SPCA at (631) 382-7722 or Suffolk County Police at (631) 854-8200.
Winter pet safety tips – can be found online at the Suffolk County SPCA by visiting suffolkspca.org/information/
By Kurt Johnsen
On August 19, 2024, a “thousand-year” rain event breached Harbor Road and drained the Stony Brook Mill Pond. TBR News Media published my memoir of my personal relationship with the pond and my deep sorrow of its loss on Aug. 29.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina and on September 28, I awoke to a Natural Disaster that was beyond my comprehension. Tropical storm Helene had scourged our beloved Western North Carolina. I’ll first note that my wife and I were fine, and our home only suffered minor damage. I stepped outside and began to witness what was soon to be apparent destruction of “biblical” proportion.
Overnight, 40 to 100 miles-per-hour winds had ravaged our region. Asheville received 14 inches of rain, much of Western North Carolina received two feet of rain and even up to 30 inches, all in the previous two days. Trees were downed everywhere and with them thousands of power lines cutting off electricity and making even simple travel down the road impossible. Soon, the magnitude of the destruction started to become evident.
Close to 900,000 acres of forest were downed or damaged, thousands of homes were destroyed and 150,000 people were displaced. If you haven’t yet, you can go on YouTube and watch the hundreds of videos showing events that, before this, we only witnessed from afar often in third world countries. Two miles from our house Biltmore Village was flooded and EVERY business was gutted or ripped down. Eighty percent of our beloved River Arts District was destroyed. The torrents caused massive mudslides. Across the region, houses were torn apart and floated like balsa wood along powerful rivers that, two days prior, were small streams and brooks.
There are 104 verified storm-related deaths. It is Incredulous this number isn’t higher. Vehicles, homes, businesses were piled like matchsticks. People’s lives were upended and, for many, will never be the same. Even now, as you drive out to smaller towns that were virtually destroyed, you proceed through a “tunnel” of the hulks of demolished cars, trucks, houses and other flotsam.
The main Pipeline from the reservoir that supplies most of Asheville with water was shattered and under 28 feet of thick muck! Water immediately ceased flowing out of the tap for, in most cases, months and even longer to become potable. Asheville’s unemployment rate jumped from three to 9 percent overnight. The lack of affordable housing, already a crisis for service industry employees in our tourist-based economy, was extraordinarily exacerbated overnight.
Stop reading for a minute and imagine the all-too-real picture I have painted above. Now, let me put this in perspective. The Mill Pond is approximately 11 acres in size. That is 0.001 percent of the area that was impacted in WNC from Helene. And now, much of Los Angeles looks like Dresden after the firebombing. I will not go far out on a limb to say we have reached the “tipping point”; climate change is now ravaging our planet. James Taylor sang “I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain.” He had no idea how prophetic his prose would become.
Author Kurt Johnsen, who grew up in idyllic Stony Brook, now resides in Asheville, North Carolina.
By Rita J. Egan
Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s 45th Annual Holiday Festival on Dec. 8 filled the Stony Brook Village Center with holiday spirit as entertainers played music, a short parade featuring large puppets weaved through the center and Santa visited with children.
It was hard to believe that diagonally across the street from the Village Center laid the remnants of a summer storm that brought down several inches of rain during a short time in the late evening hours and early morning hours of Aug. 18 and 19, altering a landmark in its wake. The deluge of rain left the historic Stony Brook Grist Mill’s dam breached and the Stony Brook Mill Pond drained. Harbor Road running along the pond and Mill Creek Road were destroyed, and part of a home and its backyard fell into the Mill Pond.
Heading up the charge to keep the Stony Brook Village Center, which WMHO owns, running smoothly despite the devastation and working to restore the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former glory has been Gloria Rocchio, WMHO’s president.
Regarding the aftermath, Rocchio said it was the worst weather-related damage she knows of since she became WMHO president more than 40 years ago. Despite the tragedy, Stony Brook Village Center businesses remained open, and events such as the holiday and Halloween festivals have continued. For her leadership and stewardship skills in keeping continuity and order, TBR News Media has named Rocchio one of its People of the Year for 2024.
Rocchio said when the news of the dam breaching awakened her, she didn’t sleep for the rest of the day. The WMHO president has had to balance environmental, historical preservation, commerce and tourism concerns in the following months.
Regarding juggling all the responsibilities, she said, “I have a very good staff but inevitably I have to be involved.”
She also has been grateful for volunteers (see sidebar) who have offered assistance. Among them, joining WMHO employees, were more than 70 nearby residents who cleaned debris and dead fish in Stony Brook Mill Creek on Aug. 22. Some debris came from the home that partially fell into the pond. Among the items found were suitcases, furniture and apparel. Some larger items, such as a lawn mower, couldn’t be removed immediately.
Rocchio said WMHO was grateful for the help they have received. Reflecting on the last few months, she was reminded that Stony Brook’s hamlet gets its name from the stony mill creek. “This is the heart of Stony Brook.”
Richard Rugen, WMHO chairman, said Rocchio has been working 24/7.
“It is a job for three people, and the reason she’s able to handle it is that she not only has been doing it for a very long time, but she has worn so many hats on Long Island relative to civic things, that she’s got an inventory, a mental inventory, that is like none other.”
Rugen added that Rocchio began her journey with WMHO during a time when she was able to get to know philanthropist and developer of Stony Brook Village Center Ward Melville, as well as his wife, Dorothy, and other notable WMHO board members. To this day, Rugen said, Rocchio respects their vision of the Stony Brook Village Center and WMHO’s other properties.
“I don’t think a board meeting goes by — and if it does, it’s a short one — where the Melville mantra is not brought up: What would Dorothy and Ward think of this idea?” Rugen said. “So, they are still there in that respect.”
Since the storm, Rocchio has been in constant contact with elected officials, including Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket). The legislator has worked on various projects with WMHO and secured grants for the nonprofit during his former role as a New York State assemblyman.
Englebright said Rocchio tremendously respects the architectural and overall vision of Ward Melville and Richard Haviland Smythe, the Village Center’s architect. The legislator has seen Rocchio at work, most recently restoring the historic eagle on the center’s post office.
“It’s a fragile entity that needs constant attention and care, and in this case, repair, and she’s the right person,” Englebright said. “She’s doing almost curatorial-quality care for that architectural treasure that is the village, but it’s not a static exhibit. It’s a community. It’s where people live and shop.”
Englebright said that during the last few months after the storm, Rocchio has continued making the Village Center a welcoming place and kept it “vibrant and economically viable,” adding that such a task is important but not easy.
“She’s not just passively overseeing the Ward Melville Heritage Organization,” the legislator said. “She’s making sure that it remains a part of our living experience and our consciousness.”
WMHO board grateful for community’s help
Ward Melville Heritage Organization President Gloria Rocchio and Chairman Richard Rugen said they appreciated the assistance Long Island residents offered after the August storm that left Stony Brook Mill Pond drained.
Rae Marie Renna, general manager of the Three Village Inn, drove from the South Shore immediately after hearing about the dam breach and offered rooms to occupants of five homes that were evacuated near the dam.
Rocchio said Avalon Nature Preserve offered to patrol by the Stony Brook Grist Mill after people were walking into the drained pond, which is dangerous as the mud acts like quicksand. Residents have also called animal rescuers such as Sweetbriar Nature Center and Frankie Floridia, of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, when they have spotted fish and wildlife in distress. Both Rocchio and Rugen said the animal rescuers who have saved fish, turtles and more were risking their own safety when walking in the drained pond.
Rocchio added that some of the animals were confused after the storm. Canada Geese have been sitting on a sandbar when the tide goes up and then swim with whatever water is there. One goose adopted TEB North Country Car Care service station after the pond drained and was named Scooter. Owner Brian Barton and his staff gave the goose cracked corn and water. When it was too hot, they bought the goose a kiddie pool to swim in.
Olivia Ross, of Port Jefferson, has been selling bracelets inscribed with Stony Brook Strong and Save the Mill Pond for $2 each where all proceeds are going to WMHO. Rocchio said, “She has worked tirelessly with us.”
The WMHO president and chairman said among the volunteers, especially during the Aug. 22 cleanup, were Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook), New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) and Lois Reboli of the Reboli Center for Art and History. Local businesses such as Crazy Beans Restaurant, Sweet Mama’s Restaurant and Premiere Pastry Shop contributed food and beverages, while Stony Brook Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals, along with Lessing’s Hospitality Group and the Three Village Dads, also took part in the cleanup. Stony Brook Fire Department was on standby to assist in an emergency, and the Town of Brookhaven Highway Department delivered dumpsters.
Rugen said they were grateful for everyone who had volunteerism “in their hearts.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) announced the opening of two U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) to assist New York businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding which took place this past August 18–19.
The centers, located at the Rose Caracappa Senior Center in Mount Sinai and in the Village of Head of the Harbor in Saint James, will help residents and business owners recover from disaster-related losses.
Loan Details:
● Businesses and Nonprofits: Eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate, equipment, inventory and other assets.
● Small Businesses, Agricultural Cooperatives, Aquaculture Businesses and Most Private Nonprofits:: Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available to help with working capital needs even if no physical property damage occurred.
● Homeowners: Loans up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate.
● Renters and Homeowners: Loans up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged personal property.
The SBA Customer Service Representatives at the centers can assist with disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications and provide status updates. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments can be scheduled.
DLOC Locations and Hours:
Rose Caracappa Senior Center
● 739 NY-25A, Mount Sinai
● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday
Village of Head of the Harbor
● 500 N. Country Rd., Saint James
● Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; Closed Sunday
The disaster declaration includes Suffolk County and neighboring Nassau County. Residents affected by the storms are encouraged to visit the centers for assistance. For more information on this program visit www.sba.gov.
By Lynn Hallarman
The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied requests from Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Nov. 14 to provide funding assistance for Suffolk County homeowners impacted by the severe flooding this past August.
Hochul requested disaster assistance from FEMA’s Public and Individual Assistance programs for Suffolk County in September in the wake of a relentless six-hour downpour in the early hours of Aug. 19.
Floodwaters from almost 11 inches of rain destroyed roads and damaged numerous residences and businesses across the North Shore of Suffolk County. Multiple swift water rescues occurred in the Town of Brookhaven, and flooding caused a breach of the Mill Pond Dam in Stony Brook Village causing six families to be displaced.
“Over 2,000 residents and business owners experienced flood damage in some capacity, and Stony Brook University had to relocate and/or shelter hundreds of students,” according to the statement released by the governor’s office shortly after the storm.
President Joe Biden (D), in October, approved a major disaster declaration for New York State for recovery efforts. The federal funding supports emergency work and repair by local governments and eligible private nonprofit organizations.
However, this aid funding does not include flood damage repair for individual households.
The November FEMA declaration denied Hochul’s request for aid to homeowners.
“It was determined that the damage was not of severity and magnitude to warrant a Federal Declaration for Individual Assistance,” said a statement from FEMA.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY1) sent a letter to the governor on Nov. 20 urging her to appeal the decision to deny Individual Assistance to Suffolk County residents.
“Suffolk County families devastated by the August 18 flooding, cannot be left to shoulder the burden alone,” he said in the letter.
“While the federal denial [for individual homeowners] was disappointing, we plan to appeal and will continue fighting to ensure storm-impacted residents have access to recovery resources,” said Gordon Tepper, Long Island press secretary for Hochul, in an email statement to TBR.
A local flood ordeal
Kellie Coppi, an East Setauket homeowner, describes a harrowing ordeal when her basement was rapidly flooded with six feet of stormwater the night of the storm. As she tried to soak up the water
with towels, a sudden surge trapped her, her father and her dog in the basement. If not for her husband breaking down the basement door, they might have drowned.
Coppi’s father, who lives with her and her family, is recovering from recent cancer chemotherapy. In the flood, he lost his life-long belongings stored in the basement.
“Everything in the entire finished basement had to go, and everything from my deceased mother, who passed away right before the flood,” she said.
Coppi thought she would receive funding aid after FEMA officials made a visit to her house, but she has yet to hear back from them.
“I thought that was a really good sign, because it was a whole team with jackets and everything, wow!” she said. She added, “They took pictures and checked the property. It seemed totally legit and that something was going to happen,” she said to TBR News Media.
As a backup, Coppi applied for a $ 50,000 grant to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Agency’s Resilient & Ready Home Repair Program available to affected homeowners.
“But that’s been even more challenging than FEMA,” she said. “They asked for every document under the sun.”
Coppi made it to the second round but still has not heard any news from HCR. She does not know anyone in her community who received this funding, only those who were denied.
The application deadline was Nov. 8.
According to Shachar Roloson, assistant director of communication for HCR, “a large number of applicants are still gathering documents or working with contractors to get repair estimates” in an email to TBR.
“Over 600 applications were received on Long Island. Of those, 80 applications have been fully or conditionally approved to date,” said Roloson.
TBR spoke with Brookhaven Town District 1 Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) about his efforts to advocate for local homeowners affected by flooding damage.
After speaking with residents, Kornreich estimates that at least 30 households in the Stony Brook area alone have tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage to their homes.
“There are people in our community who are suffering, and that is what I am focused on,” he said.
Hochul has 30 days to appeal FEMA’s decision.
By Toni-Elena Gallo
On Wednesday, Nov. 20, construction began on Mill Creek Rd. in Stony Brook Village, following August’s catastrophic flooding. The storm not only collapsed the road, but emptied Stony Brook’s Mill Pond, caused destruction to surrounding homes and displaced the area’s wildlife.
According to Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, it is a bit of poetic justice that construction began on Wednesday, as it was “exactly 90 days” since the flood hit. However, the rebuilding of Stony Brook is far from complete.
“The Town of Brookhaven will be doing the road and they’re in the design stage at this point. As for tomorrow, they’ll probably start taking down trees,” said Rocchio. “They’re going to start clearing what’s in the creek, because right now, there’s pieces of cesspool down by the grist mill. There’s also a white film on some of the muck, which I heard is detergent, meaning every time the tide goes in and out, the water is taking it to different places,” she continued. The Grist Mill, a Stony Brook staple since 1751, may have up to eight feet of “sand and muck” impacting its turning capabilities, Rocchio said.
Rocchio described the aftermath of August’s storm as “all-consuming” but said she is focused on rectifying the situation and restoring the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former state.
The WMHO president also stressed the importance of avoiding the collapsed area on Harbor and Main streets as well as the drained Mill Pond itself. She explained that curious passersby have been found standing in the creek, Mill Pond and mud near Harbor Rd. “When we did a cleanup with volunteers, someone got very badly stuck in there. It is like quicksand,” Rocchio said.
In light of the federal government’s response to Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday that Suffolk County’s flood damage is “not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of Individual Assistance,” Rocchio said many homeowners, including Ron Borgese—a man who lost a portion of his home on the corner of Main St. and Harbor Rd.—have been left reeling.
“Apparently, the area is not devastated enough, but I don’t know how much more devastated you need to be,” Borgese said in a phone interview.
“The house is condemned and the property is shot. So far, I got nothing from anybody.”
Borgese is currently staying with family while awaiting word on assistance. He does not have flood insurance.
Rocchio said the community’s support during this time has deeply touched her, noting that people have donated amounts ranging from $50 to “thousands.”
In the coming weeks, WMHO will host a Christmas auction to raise money for storm damage relief.
For more information on FEMA’s decision, visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com.
In a significant step towards recovery from the record rainfall and flooding that devastated the region on August 18t and the 19, an intergovernmental partnership between the Village of Head of the Harbor and the Town of Smithtown has resulted in the successful construction of a temporary access road off Emmet Drive. The first major recovery project completed in the aftermath of the storm, will allow previously stranded residents to return to a semblance of normalcy at home.
“We are incredibly grateful to Town Supervisor Wehrheim and Highway Superintendent Murphy for their quick action, partnership and commitment to building the road in such a short time… Village Chief of Police Chuck Lohmann and Building Inspector Bob O’Shea, out of concern for the seven vulnerable families who had been served by Mill Creek Road, have been strong advocates throughout this process, ensuring the Village does everything possible to allow those families to remain in their homes. We are now thrilled to be able to rescind the emergency evacuation order that had been previously served,” said Village Mayor Michael Utevsky, Head of the Harbor
Town of Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, together with Councilman Tom Lohmann, and Superintendent of Highways Robert Murphy worked in lockstep with Head of the Harbor Village Mayor, Michael Utevsky, Chief of Police Chuck Lohmann, Building Inspector Bob O’Shea, and Village Engineer Dan Falasco to construct a temporary road restoring access for seven homeowners along Mill Creek Road. The privately owned road suffered catastrophic damage in addition to a large chunk of Harbor Road which was also washed away by the storm.
“We come together in times of need and today is an illustration of our unflinching commitment to our neighbors, some of whom can now rest easy, safely in their homes tonight. The Town of Smithtown administration, together with our Highway Department led by Robert Murphy, immediately offered assistance to the Village in the aftermath of record rainfall. We committed our full support in doing everything possible in partnership with our neighboring Head of the Harbor Village. With the completion of this temporary access road, the Village is now able to rescind the emergency evacuation order, allowing residents to remain in their homes safely and as we approach colder weather. I’m deeply grateful to Mayor Utevsky, Chief of Police Lohmann, our Highway Department and most of all the Residents who all came together to help their neighbors through a time of crisis,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.
The Smithtown Department of Highways began work last Wednesday, to build a 1,000-foot temporary access road from nearby Emmet Drive, crossing neighbors’ property to ensure the seven vulnerable families served by Mill Creek Road could access their homes. Village Engineer Dan Falasco assisted in the designing the road, ensuring it met emergency access requirements while respecting the wishes of the neighboring property owners who provided access. Construction was approved to move forward just one week after the decision was made, with work commencing on Wednesday, September 25.
“This is the job… and it’s why we all get up and go to work in the morning. This project is symbolic of our steadfast commitment to the community at large, that we will rebuild and emerge stronger and more resilient. We will complete each storm recovery and infrastructure initiative until the very last sump is clear, the last storm drain is inspected and our ecological restoration is sound,” added Robert Murphy, Town of Smithtown Superintendent of Highways.
The successful collaboration between Head of the Harbor and the Town of Smithtown demonstrates the strength of intergovernmental partnerships in times of crisis. The temporary road will allow the affected families to access their properties while a more permanent solution is planned, and serves as a testament to the resilience of the community.
By Aramis Khosronejad
Blydenburgh County Park in Smithtown has been one of Long Island’s shining gems. Its endless outdoors activities for nature lovers and the beautiful scenery of Stump Pond have made it a favorite of Long Island residents.
However, the North Shore flooding Aug. 18-19 dramatically changed the county park’s immediate future. The park, like the Mill Pond in Stony Brook, is suffering the repercussions of the flash flood.
Blydenburgh Park is situated at the headwaters of Nissequogue River and is 627 acres of preserved land. Blydenburgh Lake, otherwise known as Stump Pond due to the stumps of the various trees that were cut down to create the lake, has an additional history which adds to its charm.
The lake was created by a dam constructed by Isaac Blydenburgh and his cousins all the way back in 1798. Over 200 years later, the original dam would be breached by a once-in-a-thousand-years flash flooding for Long Island, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D) website description. The Weather Network said there was almost 12 inches of rainfall in Smithtown alone.
The destruction of the dam was a catastrophe for Blydenburgh Lake. The water poured into the Nissequogue River, turning the remains of the famous lake into a dry mud land with only a few meager ponds here and there.
There are various consequences of this kind of colossal drainage, one of which is the effect it will have on wildlife in the area. Blydenburgh was a favorite spot for locals to fish, according to On The Water magazine. The drainage of the lake resulted in a “popular fishery being wiped out overnight,” according to On The Water’s Nick Cancelliere.
Residents who enjoy other outdoor water activities such as kayaking and canoeing are pushing for a quick restoration of the Blydenburgh dam.
A month ago, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R) made a public statement affirming the local sentiment about the reconstruction of the dam. “We will be restoring [the dam] as soon as possible,” he said.
The question remains: How will the county manage this immense repair and how long will it take?
Peter Scully is director of business development for Hayduk Engineering of Ronkonkoma and former deputy county executive, and has an extensive history working for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. In an interview with TBR, he underscored the rarity of such an event as the one witnessed by Long Islanders in August.
He continued on, saying how recovery for any park greatly affected by the flash flood, such as Smithtown’s Blydenburgh Park, would take a long time.
Financial support for this size of repair will have to come from the state and federal government.
All that locals are able to do is wait and see how the reconstruction of the treasured Blydenburgh Park will play out, how long it will be and what it will take.
