By Mallie Jane Kim
In the thick mud of low tide at Setauket’s Shore Road Marina, volunteers and scientists in knee-high rubber boots dumped out a jumble of shells along the shoreline — each with larval oysters attached, ready to grow and help eventually filter the water.
This Nov. 25 “oyster planting” was part of a partnership between volunteer organization Setauket Harbor Task Force, which monitors area water quality, and the Cornell Cooperative Extension’s marine program. The planting of about 16,000 larval oysters was funded as part of an $80,000 water quality grant secured in 2022 through the effort of Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) during his time in the state assembly.
“We’re making the harbor clean today,” Englebright quipped during the event. “We’re taking the credit, but the oysters are doing all the work.”
Oysters filter feed, removing nitrogen and other harmful elements from the water, either consuming them or binding them into the mud. An adult oyster can filter as much as 50 gallons of water a day, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The larval oysters planted in Setauket Harbor are about six months old and were procured by researchers from the Cornell Cooperative. The hope is that the shellfish will grow and spawn, eventually creating an oyster reef with critical mass that can help improve water quality. Marina owners Seth Walker and Mallory Guerin, who opened their shoreline to welcome this project, are also allowing the group to set up an oyster garden on a floating dock in 2025.
“This is a really important educational thing for the community,” said Matt Sclafani, the Cornell Cooperative senior extension resource educator. “When you get a community invested in it, then that increases ownership, and you get more people lobbying for things. Then you can have a bigger plan to improve the water quality.”
But oysters are only one step in the process of cleaning water.
Sclafani explained that a comprehensive water quality improvement plan must include reducing stormwater runoff as well as improving sanitation systems over the currently prevalent cesspools.
“The oysters can’t do it on their own,” Sclafani said. “It’s a big picture, it’s a complex picture, but it starts here.”
New York voters in November approved a proposition to add a .125% sales tax increase toward funding new sewers and replacing aging cesspools. According to the proposition, there are currently 209,000 cesspools in “environmentally sensitive areas” of Suffolk County. Additionally, the Town of Brookhaven in 2023 installed a drainage system along Route 25A in Setauket to help decrease the stormwater that was previously running straight into the harbor.
The town was also instrumental in the oyster-planting process. Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) led the council in designating the area as a management district, allowing the initiative to move forward with minimal bureaucracy since the work is intended to improve environmental conditions.
Setauket Harbor has long been restricted from shellfish harvesting because of unhealthy water quality and bacteria.
“This is one piece of a bigger puzzle for us, basically just trying to be stewards of these waters,” Kornreich said at the event. “It’s a full spectrum approach to trying to improve water quality, and shellfish mariculture is a really important piece of it.”
The Comsewogue School District is excited to announce that Boyle Road Elementary School has been named a 2023-2025 School of Excellence by the National Parent-Teacher Association. Boyle Road is one of 10 schools on Long Island, 19 in New York and 319 nationwide to earn this designation, which spans two years. The School of Excellence program awards school PTAs that foster strong relationships within their communities to strengthen the educational experience and well-being of students and their families.
The Comsewogue community celebrated this achievement with a banner unveiling ceremony on Friday, Oct. 25, to kick off homecoming weekend. The event included a performance from a student orchestral quartet and speeches about the importance of the recognition. The district also received proclamations and words of congratulations from distinguished guests, including New York State Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson), Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Setauket), New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa (R-Selden).
“The Boyle Road community represents Comsewogue with pride in everything they do,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jennifer Quinn. “Earning this designation is a testament to the determination and passion of the Boyle Road PTA members and the work they put into bolstering their role and relationships in the community.”
The first step toward qualifying as a School of Excellence is to survey all parents/guardians and staff members for feedback on areas they feel the PTA and school could improve their child’s educational experience. The survey seeks to gauge satisfaction with topics including communication, cooperation, educational input, diversity and equity.
Responses revealed positive experiences from family members and faculty who saw Boyle Road as a welcoming, friendly environment. However, many responses also asked for the PTA to increase its communications about the services it offers to Comsewogue and Boyle Road.
“As the president of the Boyle Road PTA, I am committed to examining and boosting our PTA, and the relationship with our school and the overall community,” said Boyle Road PTA President Diane Enright. “These relationships are vital to the strength of our PTA and our community. We are excited to continue building these positive relationships within our school and the community to bring our students even more experiences to enrich their education and overall well-being.”
The PTA assessed its responses to develop action plans aimed at building positive relationships with the diverse families and local businesses that make up the Comsewogue community. One of the first steps the PTA took was to create a monthly newsletter in both English and Spanish, which highlights the PTA’s events, goals and efforts. The PTA is also rolling out its own website this year to expand its online presence beyond social media and the school’s website.
Another important component of the community-building effort involves establishing partnerships, sponsorships and programs between the school and local businesses, nonprofits and universities. This year, the PTA has built partnerships and began working with 4-Corners Produce, Zara’s Deli, Chick-fil-A, Duck Donuts, Comsewogue Public Library and Stony Brook University.
For more information about the Comsewogue School District, please visit the district’s website at www.comsewogue.k12.ny.us. Happenings in the district can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ComsewogueSD.
By Sabrina Artusa
Savion Energy representatives stood before the Three Village Civic Association membership Monday, Nov. 4, to present their proposed battery storage facilities in East Setauket. Savion is a Shell Group portfolio company that develops utility-scale solar and energy storage projects.
One project is proposed for a lot off Sheep Pasture Road, while another location would be between Parsonage Road and Old Town Road.
Environmental benefits
These proposals arrive in the midst of a statewide effort to increase green energy sources and transition away from fossil fuels. In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) doubled the state’s energy storage goal. Further, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) in 2019, aims for 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040.
These battery storage facilities is one among many being proposed across Long Island as power plants like the fossil-burning plant in Port Jefferson close.
Savion’s facilities will consist of containers of lithium-ion batteries that store excess energy during peak hours and discharge electricity as needed. The batteries, which have a life of about 20 years, will be charged and discharged on a daily basis but would be especially useful during increment weather when renewable energy sources are unreliable.
The batteries would take eight hours to charge and allow Long Island to ease its reliance on nonrenewable energy. The transition is intended to diminish adverse environmental effects by lessening greenhouse gas emissions.
Location and safety
The location is one of the major topics of contention. The locations are in close proximity to neighborhoods, making some residents uneasy.
Nicholas Petrakis, senior consultant of consulting firm Energy Safety Response Group, assured civic association members that scrupulous measures were instituted to minimize the chances of thermal runaway. This process occurs when a damaged cell releases heat and gasses, thus triggering the same reaction in nearby cells.
James McDaniel, senior battery storage engineer at Savion, said their systems are containerized and “designed to burn themselves out” and “fail safely”. The sites will be remotely monitored constantly by a team of experts, Petrakis said, and there is a sensor system that would notify the fire department and shut down the battery if anything is amiss.
Toxic off-gassing is a possibility — one that Petrakis said is a possible effect of most residential fires as well. Many present were apprehensive by this prospect. Further, the water used to counter any fires was a cause for concern, but Sean Flannery, senior director of permitting & environmental at Savion, said that “water runoff has not shown to be an issue” and that it will be contained on the property.
Residents from across the Island were present at this meeting, hoping to learn more about the battery storage systems that are proposed in their own towns. Many questioned the location, asking why it was necessary to install the facilities in such a dense area.
“Why would you consider putting something like this in this dense area?” one man asked. “The fact that in your proposed pictures you can see people’s houses doesn’t instill support.”
Indeed, the buffer wall intended to keep the noise to the 50 decibels allowed in the Town of Brookhaven code is visible in a picture of what Savion expects each site to look like from a surrounding residential area.
William Miller, managing partner at Clearview Consultants, explained that the project needs to be close to the electrical load it serves. Savion plans to lease the land for both sites.
County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) empathized with their constituents. Englebright, who throughout his career has supported environmental initiatives, said the locations have been historically difficult places to fill, given the zoning as light industrial.
“Something that is environmentally complicated and potentially harmful is not anything new to this area,” he said. Although he said he sympathizes with “all these correct uncertainties,” he added that residents have “to understand the larger context of what’s coming at us” in regards to the changing environment.
In response to a question of who will bear the financial burden of damages in the case a fire hypothetically causes damage to surrounding properties, Thom Rainwater, director of development at Savion, said, “In the case of an incident the company will be responsible. Full stop.”
Turning the tide: Celebrating the guardians of our water
I would like to note a recent report from Save the Sound and highlight the work of some local heroes: George Hoffman and the volunteers of the Setauket Harbor Task Force. Their unwavering commitment to the health of our local waters has helped bend the curve and set our surface waters on a path toward improved health and water quality, as reflected in the latest report from Save the Sound.
The water quality grade for Setauket Harbor, rising from a “C” in 2022 to a “B+” this year, speaks volumes about the positive impact of their work. The reduction in nitrogen levels by 50% over the last 30 years, thanks to improved stormwater systems and stricter regulations, shows what can be achieved with persistent advocacy for good policy and community engagement. Their leadership in educating boaters about using pump-out services to prevent waste from being dumped into the harbor has also been an essential factor in maintaining water cleanliness. The Setauket Harbor Task Force truly serves as guardians of the harbor, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.
As your councilmember, I am proud to work alongside groups like the Setauket Harbor Task Force, Coastal Steward Long Island and others, supporting initiatives that benefit our environment. One of the projects my office has been engaged with is expanding shellfish agriculture, especially the creation of oyster beds, which help improve water quality through natural filtration. Additionally, we are working to increase awareness and compliance of the use of pump-out boats, a crucial service that ensures boaters are able to dispose of waste responsibly. Cumulatively, and in partnership with groups like the Setauket Harbor Task Force and Coastal Steward, these efforts help contribute to cleaner, healthier harbors for all of us to benefit from.
The health of Port Jefferson and Setauket harbors is essential to the vibrancy of our community, and I look forward to continuing our partnership with local organizations and residents in this important work.
Jonathan Kornreich,
Brookhaven Town Councilmember
Stony Brook
Unintended consequences: Say a prayer for our community’s small business owners
A number of letters have appeared in your paper in recent weeks about the Town of Brookhaven’s relatively new Commercial Redevelopment District classification for “abandoned, vacant and underutilized shopping centers.”
Essentially, the CRD designation allows for the demolition of existing shopping areas, and a subsequent high density build-out of multilevel apartments with ground level businesses. Some might call this a financial gift or windfall to some developers who claim their center is “underutilized.”
The unintended consequence of the town’s CRD code is that it incentivizes certain commercial property owners to neglect or mismanage their holdings in order to apply for the generous terms afforded by the new zoning. And the best way to create high vacancy rates? Simply jack up the cost of new leases and lease renewals to drive out small shop owners. It couldn’t happen here. Or could it?
Herb Mones
Stony Brook
Another Election Day gone, now for the cleanup
Election Day has come and gone. It reminds me of “The Outer Limits,” a 1960s television show. With the end of round-the-clock commercials by politicians, political parties, political action groups and pay-for-play special interest groups, we now return control of your television back to you until the next election cycle. No more telephone robocalls, text messages, candidates campaign mailings clogging mailboxes and weighing down our hard working postal employees. Finally, some peace and quiet!
Candidates who claimed they cared about the environment can now do their part. Winners and losers should have their paid campaign staff and volunteers pick up all the thousands of campaign signs that litter our roads and highways to help clean up this waste. They could also use leftover campaign funds to hire homeless or unemployed people to collect this litter. Let some people sentenced by judges to perform community service be assigned this task. If candidates refuse to clean up after themselves, your local village, town or Suffolk County Public Works Division of Highway & Ground Maintenance should do the job and send candidates the bill.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
Rebecca Kassay: a true advocate for our community
One morning in the spring of 2021, I was invited by Port Jefferson Village trustee Rebecca Kassay to join her for a cup of coffee. At that time, I had just been elected to the Brookhaven Town Council, and she wanted to meet to discuss some of the issues being faced by the community we serve. I was immediately impressed by her collaborative approach to working together, the depth of her knowledge and experience, and her love for public service.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to witness firsthand how Rebecca truly embodies the spirit of leadership that our community needs. She takes the time to be well-informed on issues, engages deeply with stakeholders and is always focused on solutions. I believe it’s reasonable for the public to expect an elected official to have a genuine passion for public service and a commitment to put the needs of the community above party affiliation or any other consideration. Rebecca does exactly that.
Another thing I have observed about Rebecca is that she doesn’t just run from event to event looking for a photo op. She engages deeply with community members and our important organizations in meaningful ways, and takes the time to get to know the players and build relationships. This has helped her develop a detailed understanding of the community’s needs. Her leadership isn’t about serving a political party — it’s about serving us, the people of this community.
Rebecca’s candidacy for the New York State Assembly stands out because she is driven by a strong sense of responsibility to the public. When elected officials have deeper connections to the community they serve, they become less reliant on a political machine to elect them and are answerable directly to the people. Rebecca is not going to Albany to push a political agenda — she’s going there to represent us, and to fight for what matters most to the people of our community.
I urge my fellow residents to support Rebecca Kassay for New York State Assembly. She has the heart, experience and commitment to serve us all with integrity and vision.
Brookhaven Councilmember
Jonathan Kornreich
(D-Stony Brook)
Securing Suffolk’s future: Why Prop 2 matters for clean water
After years of delays, Suffolk County voters will finally be able to make their voices heard on a key challenge facing our region — restoring water quality. As Long Islanders, we treasure our pure drinking water, beaches, harbors and bays. If approved this November, Prop 2 will ensure that our ground and surface water resources are uncontaminated and useful for all present and future generations.
Currently, nitrogen pollution from untreated sewage is degrading both Suffolk’s groundwater and recreational waterways. The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act is a critical step
toward reversing this trend and achieving a sustainable future, and would enable investment into tested and proven clean water technologies to replace our outdated septic systems.
This measure will also bring expanded sewer services to many of the most densely developed parts of our county, help secure additional federal and state funding, create thousands of good local jobs, revitalize business districts and boost property values.
Most importantly, if confirmed, this referendum will protect the health and well-being of every Suffolk County resident. This year, we have the power to protect our water and our future. We urge all Suffolk County residents to vote YES on Prop 2 this Nov. 5.
The Suffolk County Legislature Democratic Caucus:
Minority Leader Jason Richberg; Legislators Tom Donnelly,
Rebecca Sanin, SamuelGonzalez, Steve Englebright and Ann Welker
From capes to camouflage: teaching kids about real heroes
As part of our American Halloween tradition, children look forward to dressing up in their best-loved costumes, including as their favorite superhero. In a world where the term “hero” is often attributed to celebrities, athletes and fictional characters, we must remind our kids that our real heroes are America’s military brave men and women, who have dedicated their lives protecting our nation, securing our freedoms and preserving peace.
Through the lens of veterans’ experiences, we can teach kids the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger, and putting the greater good above self-interest. These lessons are particularly important in our society that often emphasizes individual success and instant gratification. We can teach children the value of military heroism by:
• Incorporating veterans’ stories into education by including lessons about military history and veterans in school curricula. Invite veterans to share their experiences in classrooms and during school events.
• Celebrating national holidays by using Veterans Day, Memorial Day and other national holidays as opportunities to discuss the significance of these days and the heroes they honor.
• Visiting historical sites and memorials by organizing trips to military museums, memorials and cemeteries. These visits can provide tangible connections to the past and the sacrifices made by veterans.
• Engaging in community activities by writing letters, sending care packages or volunteering with organizations that assist veterans.
• Inviting veterans to share personal stories that can make the lessons more relatable and impactful.
By understanding and honoring the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, children learn valuable lessons about courage, sacrifice, patriotism, empathy and civic duty. Veterans have played a critical role in shaping and defending our nation. Their service and sacrifices are the bedrock upon which our freedoms and way of life are built. By highlighting genuine acts of bravery, we help children distinguish between fantasy and reality, and appreciate the profound impact of our military heroes.
Sarah Anker
Former Suffolk County Legislator
NYS Senate Candidate
‘Do No Harm’ is more harm than good
Why should anyone worry about whether or not the grade on a Regents exam might pull down a student’s grade point average? [See letter, “Rethinking grades: the return of the ‘Do No Harm’ policy,” TBR News Media, Oct. 17.] It seems to me that the concern is misplaced. Regents exams were always hard and, once upon a time, graduating with a Regents diploma rather than a general diploma meant something.
Rather than fussing about GPAs, shouldn’t we be concerned that students haven’t mastered the material well enough to get good grades on the Regents exams?
Jane O’Sullivan
Setauket
Celebrate Long Island Restaurant Week all year long
Why not patronize your neighborhood restaurants during Long Island Restaurant Week Oct. 27-Nov. 3 with a wide variety of lunch and dinner specials all year long. During this event, participating restaurants are offering two-course lunches for only $24 or three-course dinners ranging from $29, $39 to $46.
My wife and I don’t mind occasionally paying a little more to help our favorite restaurants survive. Don’t forget your cook and server. We try to tip 20 to 25 percent against the total bill including taxes. If it is an odd amount, we round up to the next dollar. If we can afford to eat out, we can afford an extra dollar tip. When ordering take out, we always leave a dollar or two for the waiter or cook. It is appreciated.
The restaurant industry employees hosts, bartenders, waiters, busboys, cooks, cashiers and parking valets, wholesale food sellers, distributors and linen suppliers. There are also construction contractors who renovate or build new restaurants.
Our local entrepreneurs work long hours, pay taxes and provide local employment especially to students during the summer. If we don’t patronize our local restaurants, they don’t eat either. Why travel into Manhattan when we have so many great neighborhood restaurants in Suffolk County to select from.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
On October 18, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner (back row, fifth from right) and Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (kneeling at right) visited the Sunshine Alternative Education Center (SAEC) in Port Jefferson Station to speak with the students about their roles on the Brookhaven Town Council. Also pictured is Dr. Carol Carter (second from right) Administrator/Prevention Professional.
The mission of the SAEC is to provide a safe, nurturing environment for all children and families that is designed to build self-esteem and positive social skills, empower youth to make healthy choices and decisions, prevent or reduce substance abuse and violence, and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities. Sunshine Prevention Center provides a variety of prevention-focused programs and services to the youth and families in Suffolk County.
For more information, go to www.sunshinepreventionctr.org.
Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent Daniel P. Losquadro and Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich have announced the completion of two paving projects in Port Jefferson Station.
In the first project, crews completed drainage maintenance and replaced damaged concrete aprons and Belgium block curbing prior to resurfacing Ashley Court, Barraud Drive, Casey Lane, Iowa Avenue, New Jersey Avenue, and Wisconsin Avenue. The total cost for this paving project was approximately $227,000. The second project included the resurfacing of Gladysz Way at a cost of approximately $48,000.
“Both of these paving projects had been on my radar for some time,” said Superintendent Losquadro. “The roads that were resurfaced are now safer and smoother for residents, motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.”
Councilmember Kornreich said, “Thank you, Superintendent Dan Losquadro, for making our roads smoother and our community safer!”
By Toni-Elena Gallo
On Monday night, Sept. 9, the Three Village Civic Association held a community forum, to discuss future plans for the revitalization of East Setauket Pond Park.
Through the years, the park has become dilapidated, as overgrown vegetation and broken fencing have taken over the aesthetic of a park that is an instantly recognizable staple of the Three Village community.
“When I started working for the town, and found myself in the enviable position of taking the baton and being able to move this project along, the thing that really struck me was because, as [civic president] Charlie [Tramontana] said, this is a generational project that will have an impact on this community for 50, 100 or more years,” said Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook).
“So, I started a process to try to get as many voices as possible involved, so that we could really make this a project that is of the community, for the community. I’m going to be listening carefully, and taking notes [tonight],” he added.
Kornreich’s comments were followed by statements from Suffolk County legislator and former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), who discussed the historical and natural significance of Setauket Harbor, emphasizing its historical place in the development of our nation. Englebright continued by explaining how the first colonial settlers of this area founded on the ideals of freedom, tolerance and religious freedom.
The rest of the meeting was run by Farmingdale State College architectural professor, and board member, Joe Betz, who shared some tentative planning ideas for the space.
One key concern Betz expressed was creating a “sense of place,” which the park currently lacks. He feels that it is important to create a park which draws the eye, and does not get lost in the commotion of 25A. The park would encompass an area from the Brewster House to the war memorial, including the proposed relocation of the Roe Tavern. There would be views across Setauket Harbor.
Additionally, East Setauket Automotive’s lease will expire at the end of July 2025, which creates possibilities, Betz said. “That’s a big chunk of land, and it’s in the heart of, essentially, what this park center is. So, when that comes up, what do you do with this vacant building?” He suggested the impressive facade of the building could be retained, with the rest of the premises converted into a pavilion for parkgoers.
Betz continued his presentation with graphics he and his students had created, which show potential park designs. He discussed, possibly, crafting the pond farther back from 25A.
He envisions a larger field area and a bandstand for summer concerts, as well as the pavilion.
Betz, also, discussed designing infrastructure with a more European, “English landscape” look which is something he asked community members to consider.
While nothing is set in stone, Betz implored the community to keep having conversations with local officials, as this will, ultimately, define the image of the Three Village community, and he hopes it will be enjoyed by the community, and tourists alike, for future generations.
To access Monday night’s presentation, which contains two different design approaches and detailed information on tentative plans for the park, please visit the link below.
Portfolio | Setauket Pond Park (betzja.wixsite.com)
The next civic meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7, at the Setauket Firehouse on Route 25A, and begin at 7:30 p.m.
The Three Village Civic Association is hosting a community forum on Monday, September 9 at 7:30 pm at the Setauket Firehouse, 190 Main Street, Setauket to discuss future plans for Setauket Harbor Park.
The current small park in downtown Setauket, which is easily recognizable with its Kiwanis metal bridge spanning the pond, is about to expand with the Town’s recent acquisition of the East Setauket Automotive property. The Town and the Three Village community now have a unique opportunity to create a park that helps to define and revitalize our downtown area.
There will be several speakers at Monday night’s meeting to discuss the park’s redevelopment. Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, who as the former New York State Assemblyman provided funding to expand and improve the park, will be on hand to share his thoughts on the parkland.
And Joseph Betz, a local architect, professor and former chair of the Department of Architecture & Construction Management at Farmingdale State College, SUNY, will discuss conceptual design solutions to foster a sense of place and community at this site. Professor Betz will also examine the existing architectural and historical characteristics of the Setauket community, as well as other public spaces in the Three Village area, to help foster an understanding of a successful plan for the park’s redevelopment.
Town of Brookhaven Councilmmember Jonathan Kornreich will be in attendance to explain the importance of the park to the future of the Three Village community and his role in creating a new public space for all residents.
The meeting is open to the public and attendance is encouraged to help the civic association and local elected officials to develop plans for the new, expanded harborside park.
For more informatin, call 631 721-5120.