Town of Brookhaven

On the final day of the New York State Assembly’s 2025 session, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s bill A8560A, the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act,” passed. The justification section of the bill reads as follows:
The expansion and modernization of public rail infrastructure in Suffolk County is essential to addressing the region’s long-term transportation needs. This legislation facilitates such development by directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to grant a permanent access and construction easement to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The easement will allow the MTA to and utilize a portion of DOT-owned land currently designated as the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway for the potential development of a railyard, thereby enhancing the capacity, efficiency, and connectivity of public transit in the region. The easement is also necessary to further New York State’s green transit goals, better allowing for the electrification of the LIRR’s Port Jefferson branch.To ensure that this easement does not interfere with existing transportation priorities, the bill expressly preserves the DOT’s retained rights to carry out any future realignment of New York State Route 25A, including through the construction of a bridge over the Greenway. It further mandates cooperation between the DOT and the MTA to enable both projects to proceed concurrently without operational conflict. By establishing clear terms for coexistence and requiring timely execution of the easement agreement, the legislation provides a structured legal framework that advances public transit objectives while maintaining the integrity of state infrastructure planning.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “I became aware of the importance of this project when I was serving as a Port Jefferson Village Trustee. I was compelled to serve from a higher office in part to help overcome bureaucratic stalemates like this one. The economic, environmental, and community benefits of this project can not be understated and I am very proud to have introduced, sponsored, and passed this legislation that delivers a key solution to moving forward with the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line.”

In 2023, the Suffolk County Landbank Corporation and the MTA entered into a contract to transfer a portion of the site to the MTA for $10—a strategic move to support LIRR modernization. In early June 2025, Assemblywoman Kassay gathered with elected officials at all levels of government, government agencies, and community organizations to call upon New York State to resolve the ongoing bureaucratic impasse. A disagreement between these two state agencies threatened to derail a critical component of the community-backed redevelopment plan.

Following this press conference, the DOT reached out to Assemblywoman Kassay to discuss the “Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act”. In a race against the clock, with the Assembly and Senate session concluding mid-June, Assemblywoman Kassay worked swiftly to move the bill along with the DOT, MTA, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Governor Hochul’s staff, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Senator Monica Martinez, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and county staff.

This bipartisan coalition is driven by the regional and state-wide significance of the redevelopment of the Lawrence Aviation site. The Port Jefferson Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which serves approximately 30% of Suffolk County’s population—including faculty and students at SUNY Stony Brook, the county’s largest employer—has long needed modernization. According to the American Public Transportation Association, every $1 invested in public transportation yields a $5 economic return.

In Albany, various legislation and policies have been adopted in an effort to reduce carbon emissions throughout New York. Since taking office in January, Assemblywoman Kassay has highlighted the importance of this local opportunity to ensure future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch, shifting its trains off of diesel fuel. transformative investments in regional transit infrastructure, improvements to service on one of Suffolk County’s most heavily used diesel rail lines, and relief from traffic congestion by offering better commuter rail options for residents.

Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “As a freshman member in the New York State legislature, I applaud the groups and individuals who have worked tirelessly for over a decade to clean up the former Lawrence Aviation Industries (LAI) site in Port Jefferson Station and engage the community in a vision and plan for its future. I  join Suffolk County government officials and the county’s Department of Economic Development and Planning in their work to prioritize public input over profit in the reimagining of the former superfund site.”

“For many years two state agencies ─ the Department of Transportation and the Long Island Rail Road ─ have not been able to agree to accept Suffolk County’s generous offer of land that would eliminate the dangerous at-grade rail crossing on New York State Route 25A in Upper Port and eliminate unhealthy locomotive fumes by relocating the terminus of the railroad and ultimately enabling its electrification. Although this inaction has paralyzed regional transportation planning and suppressed the economic vitality of every community served by the North Line, Assemblywoman Kassay’s legislation appears to have turned the corner on this morass. Her problem-solving skill is a breakthrough that has profound positive potential to improve the quality of life and health of everyone who lives here.” Suffolk County Legislator Steven C. Englebright (D-Setauket)

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo said, “The passage of this legislation is critically important for Suffolk County residents and would remove an obstacle in our efforts to make Lawrence Aviation a transportation hub for our region. The redevelopment of this site is the key to electrifying lines to eastern Suffolk and will ensure a more reliable and cleaner transportation system, helping to reduce traffic congestion, especially in the busy summer months. I am proud of our work in getting this bill through the legislature and the continued efforts of the local community to move this project forward.”

“This legislation is a significant public victory,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This is the best $10 the government has ever spent. The easement will allow us to modernize the LIRR, reduce truck traffic, and reduce harmful air pollution. We are extremely appreciative of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Senator Anthony Palumbo for their hard work and dedication in getting it through the legislature. Now, we need the Governor to sign the bill so we can meet our transportation challenges for the future.”

Carmine Inserra, President of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce shared, “The Furthering Rail Transit in Suffolk County Act (A8560A) passing is a huge win for the north shore of Long Island! It paves the way for cleaner, more frequent transportation for all communities along the MTA’s Port Jefferson Branch. It will also offer better public access to the Three Village Historic area and New York State’s flagship university, SUNY Stony Brook (which is also the largest employer on Long Island). Thank you to all the local governmental officials and both business & civic leaders for your support!  We appreciate everyone working together on something that benefits us all!”

Assemblywoman Kassay will continue working with fellow stakeholders and her colleagues in Albany to finalize the easement agreement, and clear the path for the modernization and electrification of the Port Jefferson LIRR line—ensuring that the full potential of the former Lawrence Aviation site can be realized in the service of public benefit and regional progress.

The redesigned and fully stocked food pantry. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On June 7, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined community members, volunteers, and local faith leaders to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry at St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church in Shoreham. 

The event began with a special blessing of the newly renovated space by the Rev. Jenn Pilat, followed by the pantry’s first official “self-shop” session, marking a significant milestone in the church’s mission to combat food insecurity with dignity and compassion, according to a press release.

Pictured from left are the Rev. Jenn Pilat, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Deacon Richard Ohlsen. Photo from Councilwoman Bonner’s office

Councilwoman Bonner presented Rev. Pilat and the St. Anselm’s community with an official Certificate of Congratulations from the Town of Brookhaven, honoring their commitment to service “The re-opening of this pantry represents the best of what can happen when a community comes together to lift each other up,” said Bonner. “This is a space built on generosity, respect, and a shared dedication to ensuring that no one goes hungry.”

The food pantry, located at 4 Woodville Road in the lower parking lot of the church, has been redesigned into a spacious and welcoming “self-shop” model. With new refrigeration and freezer units, the pantry can now offer fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats, and shelf-stable items, giving clients the opportunity to shop for food with greater autonomy. 

The transformation was made possible through generous grant funding from Episcopal Ministries of Long Island and the dedicated work of volunteers who collectively contributed over 700 hours annually to keep the pantry running. Lay leaders Michael Solomito, Chuck and Donna LaSalla, Deacon Rich Ohlsen, and the Rev. Jenn Pilat were instrumental in reimagining the space, inspired by visits to other local food pantries.

The pantry serves residents from Shoreham, Wading River, Rocky Point, and Longwood, and currently operates every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.stanselmsofshoreham.org/ or call 631-744-7730.

. Pictured above, from left to right: Tim Heidrich, Brian Heidrich Jr., Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Brian Heidrich Sr. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

On Saturday, June 7th, Councilwoman Jane Bonner proudly joined the Coram Fire Department at their annual Installation Dinner to recognize the outstanding dedication and service of its members. The evening celebrated decades of commitment to public safety and welcomed the department’s newest rising stars.

Recognized during the ceremony was Brian Heidrich Jr., who earned the distinguished title of “Probie of the Year”. Councilwoman Bonner was photographed with Brian, his father Brian Heidrich Sr., and his uncle Tim Heidrich, both of which are fellow firefighters. This represents the proud tradition of service carried on through generations. Pictured above, from left to right: Tim Heidrich, Brian Heidrich Jr., Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Brian Heidrich Sr.

Councilwoman Bonner presented official Town of Brookhaven certificates to two long-serving and highly respected members of the department. Patti Ann Ankum was honored for 28 years of service as an emergency service dispatcher, and Commissioner Tom Lyon was recognized for an incredible milestone—50 years of service to the Coram Fire Department.

“These individuals have dedicated so much of their lives to protecting and supporting our community,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “It’s an honor to recognize their commitment and to thank them for the selfless work they’ve done over the years.”

The Coram Fire Department Installation Dinner served as a reminder of the strength and unity within the fire service community, and Councilwoman Bonner expressed her continued gratitude for their courage, professionalism, and dedication.

Pictured above in the group photo taken at the event, Councilwoman Bonner can be seen fourth from the left, standing next to Commander Joe Cognitore, other VFW members, and the community. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office
On May 31, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined local veterans, families, and community members for the VFW Post 6249 Joseph P. Dwyer 5K Run, a community event honoring the bravery and sacrifice of U.S. veterans.
Hosted by VFW Post 6249, the event drew a strong turnout from across the region, with participants running or walking the 5K route in tribute to the men and women who have served our country. The race has become a tradition in the Rocky Point area, uniting people of all ages to support a vital cause.
The run supports the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program, which was named in honor of Private First Class Joseph P. Dwyer, a Suffolk County native and Army combat medic in Iraq. During a mission in Baghdad, PFC Dwyer was famously photographed carrying an injured Iraqi boy to safety, which was soon featured in newspapers nationwide. After returning home, he was honorably discharged but struggled with post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse. Sadly, he passed away in July 2008 at the age of 31.
Since its launch in late 2012, the Dwyer Program has become a model of success in providing peer-to-peer support for veterans experiencing similar challenges. Its continued growth and impact serve as a powerful reminder of PFC Dwyer’s legacy and the importance of supporting those who have served.
“This run is a beautiful example of how our community comes together to honor and remember our veterans,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “It’s a privilege to support the VFW and to stand with those who have given so much for our country.”
After the race, attendees gathered at the post for refreshments, music, and a special ceremony recognizing veterans and event organizers. Proceeds from the event go toward supporting veteran services and outreach programs through VFW Post 6249.
Councilwoman Bonner extended her gratitude to the VFW for their continued leadership and dedication to veteran advocacy.

Pictured above from left to right is Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Anders Dalberg, Nicholas Comito, Aidan Elder, and Jeremy Westerlund. Photo courtesy of Councilwoman Bonner's office

Councilwoman Jane Bonner proudly joined families, friends, and community members on May 31 to honor four outstanding young men who achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments of Anders Dalberg, Nicholas Comito, Aidan Elder, and Jeremy Westerlund, each of whom completed a service project that significantly improved a local community space.

Councilwoman Bonner presented each Eagle Scout with an official proclamation from the Town of Brookhaven, recognizing their leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions to the community.

“The Eagle Scout rank represents the highest level of achievement in Scouting, and these young men have truly earned it through their incredible service and commitment,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “They have made meaningful improvements in our community, and we are so proud to recognize them for their achievements.”

Anders Dalberg contributed his skills and hard work to enhance the facilities at the Warrior Ranch Foundation, an organization dedicated to the healing and well-being of veterans, first responders, and rescued horses. Anders fabricated and installed fly traps to protect the horses, built sturdy frames for hanging tarps to provide shade, and installed swing boom arms to aid in training sessions for the horses—all efforts that will help the foundation continue its important mission.

Nicholas Comito focused his project on improving the Greenway Trail in Port Jefferson – Setauket, a popular local path used by residents for walking, biking, and running. Nicholas installed reflectors along the full 3-mile trail and at all intersections to improve visibility and safety. He also poured two concrete pads in front of benches to provide easier access for individuals using wheelchairs and cleaned up trash along the trail to help preserve its natural beauty.

Aidan Elder chose to serve St. Anthony of Padua Church CYO Fields in Rocky Point, where he designed and built a new information kiosk to help visitors navigate the space. In addition, he installed new handicap parking signs to improve accessibility, refreshed and replanted old planter boxes, and restored two statues on the property—bringing renewed life and charm to the grounds.

Jeremy Westerlund completed his project at Trinity Lutheran Church, where he created a more inclusive and engaging outdoor space for the church’s nursery school. Jeremy designed and built a handicap-accessible picnic area, constructing two ADA-compliant picnic tables along with two standard ones. He also built a colorful and interactive music wall for the playground, enriching the play experience for young children of all abilities.

Councilwoman Bonner emphasized the value of encouraging leadership and community involvement in young people, and praised the scouts for their initiative and service.

Pictured from left, Gail Powell, Lil Nociforo, St Jude Representative Stacy Bakker, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Kathy Senatore, Ellen Fisher, and Donna Bram. Photo from Leg. Bonner's office

On June 2, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner attended a special presentation at Leisure
Village, where the Leisure Village Senior Club proudly donated $11,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital.

In recognition of the club’s outstanding fundraising efforts and generous contribution, Councilwoman Bonner
presented the group with an official Town Certificate of Appreciation. The donation reflects months of
dedication, teamwork, and compassion from the senior residents who were determined to make a meaningful
impact on the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

“It’s incredibly heartwarming to see the Leisure Village Senior Club come together for such an important
cause,” said Councilwoman Bonner. “Their selflessness, community spirit, and generosity are truly inspiring,
and I was honored to recognize their efforts on behalf of the Town of Brookhaven.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continues to lead the way in treating and defeating childhood cancer and other serious diseases. Contributions like this help ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food—because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

By William Stieglitz

On Monday, June 9, the Brookhaven Landfill Action and Remediation Group (BLARG) rallied outside the Brookhaven Town Hall in Farmingville to call for the closure of the Brookhaven landfill and the development of “zero -waste” solutions. Pollution from the landfill, activists argued, has endangered the health and safety of those in North Bellport, where the landfill is located, and that its closure would provide both environmental and economic benefits.

“This landfill has been with our community for fifty plus years,” said BLARG co-founder Monique Fitzgerald. She introduced herself as a proud descendant of the Setalcott Nation, which originally occupied Brookhaven’s land, and described the landfill in the minority community as “a monument to environmental racism.” The closure of the landfill, she said, had been repeatedly promised since the 1980s, but each time the landfill had been expanded instead. “It is 270 feet tall. It’s one of the tallest structures in Suffolk County.” According to Fitzgerald, Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio (R, Ridge) had previously said the landfill would close in 2024.

Loguercio said, “The landfill is forecasted to close sometime in 2028, consistent with our plan” and argued activists were spreading the false impression it could be closed sooner. He also said that as a Gold Star Family member, he objected to the setting of the rally, a memorial for fallen soldiers outside the town hall, being used for what he considered a “fanciful charade.”

William Kokell, however, who spoke at the rally as a veteran and as a member of the South Country Peace Group, said the landfill had become too large, and swift action needed to be taken to protect children’s lives. “I’ve been all over the Pacific Ocean, all over a lot of Southeast Asia. I have never ever, ever seen anything even close to that.” He said his son went to school with three young men from North Bellport who developed cancer, attributing the disease to air and water pollution in the area. 

John McNamara, who spoke as a coordinator from Christians Against Racism in the Apostolic Spirit (CARITAS), said solutions could be reached through a four-step plan toward zero waste. 

Step 1, he said, is to adopt a Save Money and Reduce Trash, or SMART, program, where instead of a set fee, “you just pay money for the amount of trash that you dispose of.” Step 2 is to implement both the “Bigger, Better Bottle Bill” and the “Manufacturer’s Responsibility Bill” in the state senate and assembly. The first, he explained, would allow more kinds of bottles to be covered for recycling, while the second would incentivize manufacturers to rely more on recyclable materials and limit the use of toxic chemicals. Step 3 would be a townwide composting program for Brookhaven, and Step 4 would be establishing “reuse and repair” centers for people to bring no longer wanted items where others could come to pick them up.

In terms of economic benefits, McNamara argued zero-waste policies would save taxpayer money he says is currently used to ship a portion of Brookhaven’s waste off the island to landfills in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and upstate New York. Fitzgerald also argued that the landfill, by bringing in industries like warehouses and truck terminals, and that this comes at the expense of funding needed to keep teachers employed at South Country district schools. 

Loguercio, responding to the topic, said, “We would love to reach a point of zero waste, so would everyone else in America, but it doesn’t work because the strength of the markets for recycling just don’t exist.” Fitzgerald, however, reading a statement from Zero Waste USA, argued that “communities across the US” using zero-waste policies have “cut their waste stream in half within a few short years: achieving 60%, 70% and 80% reductions.”

“We are looking for a partnership for zero waste,” said Fitzgerald. “We are looking to create, procreate, co-design, and get our hands dirty right along with the council and the town supervisor Dan Panico [R], so this is on all of us to do.”

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.

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.

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.