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Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023

By Lynn Hallarman

The March 26 meeting of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees was marked by public comments on communication policies, a resident complaint and an emerging capital improvement plan for parking. 

Resident calls for dialogue 

Longtime resident Myrna Gordon called for “improved transparency and communication” from the board of trustees. She expressed concern that the trustees were no longer responding to basic questions during public comment, describing it as a frustrating shift in practice. 

“We used to have a conversation,” Gordon said. “Now we’re told — make an appointment.” 

Mayor Lauren Sheprow responded: 

“Let’s keep that conversation going. Come and visit me any day.” 

Village resident Matthew Franco speaks during public comment. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

Gordon countered: “I’m talking about here at the podium, which is important.” 

Village attorney David Moran clarified that the change in policy was intended to “protect trustees from being put on the spot or answering inaccurately in public without adequate preparation.”

“We have been very polite. We have been very orderly. We ask questions because we want answers now — not silence,” Gordon said. 

Village resident and declared 2025 trustee candidate Matthew Franco alleged that during a meeting held earlier in March in Sheprow’s office, the mayor made “disparaging and false remarks about him [Franco] and his son,” in connection with an unspecified incident involving golf course fees incurred by his son. 

Moran urged Franco to submit a written complaint, noting a more specific and detailed account would allow the board to assess the allegation.

Parking fees 

The meeting shifted to a proposal from the Village Parking Committee, which recommended a three-year freeze on parking fees to provide more consistent rates for visitors. 

“You can’t keep charging our customers more and more money every year and keep raising the rates. I mean, you’re killing businesses down here. You can’t just keep taking and taking and taking,” parking committee chair James Luciano said. 

Trustee Kyle Hill proposed an amendment to omit the rate freeze. 

“Parking revenue is tremendously important for the village’s budget, while we all want stability, we need to leave room to adjust based on performance given the experimental changes to the rates,” Hill said. 

In the final vote, the board retained the committee’s recommendation for a rate freeze. The suggestion will now be considered as part of a parking capital plan being developed by the village treasurer Stephen Gaffga.

Beginning on April 16, a $1.00/ hour parking fee will be enforced from Monday to Thursday and a $3.00/ hour fee from Friday to Sunday. There will be no minimum parking time. 

Two percent tax cap 

Later in the meeting, the board approved a procedural tax cap override. This measure gives the village the option to exceed the 2% New York State tax cap if necessary. 

Gaffga emphasized that adopting the override serves as a financial “insurance policy” in case of unforeseen costs before the next budget cycle starts at the beginning of May 2025. 

Prom dress donation

Anthony Flammia, assistant code enforcement supervisor, announced a community-wide prom dress donation drive organized under the banner of Codes Care. Gently used dresses and accessories will be collected through April 25 at the Port Jefferson Village Center. Free try-on events are scheduled for April 26 and 27. 

Visit the village website for dates of upcoming meetings: www.portjeff.com.

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. File photo by Heidi Sutton

By Dylan Friedman

The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting Feb. 26. The meeting addressed a range of topics, including the ongoing bluff erosion issue, the financial status of the Port Jefferson Country Club and updates from the new Code Enforcement Department.

The meeting began with a moment of silence to remember long-time resident Don Pollock, who was often referred to as the “fifth trustee” for his frequent attendance and participation at board meetings. 

Public safety was a key focus, with the Suffolk County Police Department providing an update on crime statistics in the village. Officer Robert Dekenipp reported that overall criminal incidents were slightly up compared to last year’s period, with a notable increase in harassment cases. 

The code enforcement supervisors, Anthony Flammia and Kevin Cooper, then took to the podium to outline their activities over the past month. They highlighted meetings with local stakeholders, including the business community and residents, and enforcement actions taken, such as issuing violations for vacant storefronts without proper window displays.

Cooper emphasized the department’s focus on transparency, including the launch of an online complaint system for residents.

Additionally, a resident raised concerns about the village’s approach to the bluff erosion issue. Citing the recommendations of the bluff erosion committee,  he urged the board to seriously consider a retreat plan, arguing that the current restoration efforts are ultimately doomed to fail. 

“Mother Nature will eventually prevail,” he stated.

The resident also questioned the financial status of the Port Jefferson Country Club, saying that the facility is currently $700,000 in debt. “Who’s watching the ship?” he asked, criticizing the lack of transparency and calling for new elections for the club’s Board of Governors.

In response, Treasurer Stephen Gaffga acknowledged the need for greater financial oversight and transparency, noting that the board is working to correct past bookkeeping errors and improve budgeting practices. 

“We are asking [department heads] to work collaboratively with the treasurer and the goal is to maintain a flat budget while still building a contingency fund,” Trustee Kyle Hill explained.

Later in the meeting, the board also addressed several action items, including approving a busking program, extending a website and social media management services contract and authorizing various budget amendments to correct past accounting issues.

Notably, the board scheduled a public hearing for March 26 to consider overriding the 2% tax cap. Gaffga explained that this is a procedural step, and the board’s goal is to maintain a flat budget without the need to pierce the tax cap.

In closing, the board appointed a local business owner, to the Public Safety Advisory Council, recognizing the value of her perspective in addressing community concerns.

The next Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees meeting will be held March 12 in the courtroom on the second floor of Village Hall.

For more information visit www.portjeff.com.

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Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of PJCC
Global Language Reads ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Kornreich’s office

It was a great turnout for the ribbon cutting of new Port Jefferson Village business Global Language Reads at 402 Main Street on Jan. 15. 

Hosted by the Greater Chamber of Commerce, the event was attended by Port Jefferson Mayor Lauren Sheprow, New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay, Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich, former New York State Senator Ken LaValle, Port Jefferson Village Trustees Kyle Hill and Robert Juliano, PJCC President Stuart Vincent, Third Vice President Douglas Quattrock, family and friends who came out to congratulate owner Caterina Lemos-Cunha and wish her the best of luck in her new venture.  

“I’m excited to welcome Global Language Reads to our community. This new bookstore offers a unique collection of books in multiple languages, providing an opportunity for locals and visitors to explore stories from around the world,” said Councilmember Kornreich. 

“Global Language Reads is a wonderful addition to our town, celebrating diversity and encouraging cultural exchange. I can’t wait to see this new business thrive and contribute to the cultural fabric of Port Jefferson. Be sure to take advantage of the variety of exciting activities they host! From movie and game nights, to engaging book clubs, to the science society and debate club for young adults, there’s something for everyone,” he added.

For more information, visit www.glrbooks.com.

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Paul Braile

By Peter Sloniewsky

Paul Braile’s volunteer commitments keep him constantly busy exemplifying his dedication to his community. Whether running Santa Claus Central at the First Methodist Church or managing work for the Port Jefferson Charles Dickens Festival, Braile’s packed schedule reflects his extraordinary commitment to volunteerism and his gift for bringing people together.

Braile has worked in theatrical stage lighting since 1995 on projects for television, movies, theater and corporations including the Super Bowl, Glee and the CBS Thanksgiving Day Parade. In 2001, he moved from New York City to Port Jefferson Village and founded Paul Braile Creative, a company specializing in innovative lighting design.

His volunteer work began in 2005 with the Greater Port Jefferson/Northern Brookhaven Arts Council where he provided lighting for the Charles Dickens Festival. Each year since (with the exception of 2020), Braile has illuminated 16 locations across the village creating magical displays for the community. Today, he serves as the vice-chair of the Arts Council.

Chair of the Council Allan Varela described Braile’s “creative sense and tireless work ethic” as unparalleled, citing his reconstruction of the Roe House Santa’s Workshop. Renamed ElfWorks, the project has become a beloved attraction delighting children and adults alike.

Beyond the Dickens Festival, Braile extends his talents to other community events. He creates lighting for the Port Jefferson High School prom where he also served as president in 2024. Introduced to the prom in 2005, Braile continues to help transform parents’ ideas into reality saying, “It’s all about community and what one can do that can make a difference.”

Braile’s influence goes beyond his artistry. Jon Famularo, a lighting designer who credits Braile with inspiring his career, described him as a mentor since middle school. Famularo praised Braile’s high-quality work and dedication saying, “Regardless if you know him or not, most everyone who sees the product he delivers is blown away.”

Port Jefferson Village Trustee Kyle Hill remarked that Braile’s imagination and creativity “know no limit” while Renee Lemmerman, director of recreation in Port Jefferson, described him as “kind, generous, creative, funny” and a “problem solver.” Co-worker Cindy Pipia added that Braile is a “visionary who strives to make all he brings to his volunteer activities better and better every year.”

Braile’s commitment to volunteerism stems from his love for his community. He describes Port Jefferson as “a community where strong friendships are born and continue to develop.” As for the future, Braile plans to continue volunteering, mentoring and contributing to the village he loves.

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. Photo by Heidi Sutton 2023

By Peter Sloniewsky

Village of Port Jefferson trustee Kyle Hill authored an open comment letter Sept. 6 to the Rockefeller Institute of Government in Albany expressing “our concern regarding any proposed amendments to the New York State Foundation Aid formula that may lead to reductions in funding for the Port Jefferson School District.” 

The letter was co-signed by all of the village trustees with the exception of Mayor Lauren Sheprow. 

The Foundation Aid formula, enacted in 2007,  is used by New York State to allocate a large portion of its education resources to school districts. Its calculations are based on a variety of different factors such as local contributions, student demographics and enrollment, and was used in the 2024-25 fiscal year to allocate more than $24.9 billion of the state’s $35.9 billion education funding package. 

As the current formula incorporates old data and statistics, researchers at the Rockefeller Institute are in the early stages of a study to rewrite the formula. This study was sanctioned in April’s state budget by Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) and legislative leaders in coordination with the state Education Department.

The existing formula contains a caveat that the state cannot provide less Foundation Aid than it did the year prior, regardless of changing factors. In practice, this means that school districts like Port Jefferson — with low or declining enrollment — would benefit. 

In the last state budget negotiations, Hochul recommended that this rule, entitled the “hold harmless” provision, be cut. As a result of this hypothetical cut, which was rejected by the Legislature, Port Jefferson schools would have suffered a massive 28% cut to their Foundation Aid. 

The Rockefeller Institute study will be presented to the governor and Legislature once completed. 

As Hill wrote in the trustees letter, “When Long Island schools like Port Jefferson School District, do not receive adequate funding from Albany, it further agitates the preexisting pressure on municipalities like ours to hold the line on taxes as the cost of living has become unmanageable for far too many of our constituents.” 

Hill also noted that the Long Island region receives less in state funding than in other areas, such as transportation and infrastructure. 

According to Port Jeff Board of Education President Ellen Boehm, “The numbers are skewed due to a few high-wealth residents in a small geographic area. … Our participation rate [in reduced lunch benefit programs] has grown. … This proves that we have residents that are facing economic hardships.” 

In Port Jefferson schools specifically, Foundation Aid makes up approximately 6 percent of the total budget — a modest but important percentage, especially considering the area’s high taxation rate, large special-education program and increasing volume of English as a New Language students. 

Boehm and Hill alike do not deny that the state’s Foundation Aid formula has flaws. 

The BOE president told TBR, “The formula the state currently uses simply needs to be reconsidered — not just the ‘hold harmless’ clause. … The overall cost of operating [on Long Island] is just far higher than in other areas of the state and should also be taken into consideration.” 

In a press release, Hill said, “Albany continues to look at Long Island like its piggy bank.” He also reminded policymakers that “Long Island sends more revenue to Albany than it gets back, and local villages and towns have to pick up the slack.” 

Hill added in the trustees letter that the discussion of equitable school funding “should be in the broader context of how resources are allocated across New York state.” 

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Port Jefferson Village Hall. File photo by Heidi Sutton

By Peter Sloniewsky

The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees met on Aug. 28 to hear testimony from the public and vote on a number of resolutions. 

At the beginning of the meeting, the trustees heard the accounts of a number of people involved in the Citizens Commission on Erosion. Those present reported that they had voted, 9-2, in support of a Coastal Technologies pilot program. This program would contribute to reforestation along the East Beach Bluff at a cost of $27,560, as well as begin permanent infrastructure construction with the installation of 580 cliff-stabilizer devices. 

Photo captured from the BOT meeting’s livestream. Courtesy Inc. Village of Port Jefferson YouTube page

Both Mayor Lauren Sheprow and trustee Kyle Hill spoke against rushing into the agreement before there was a unanimous vote to table. Sheprow said, “We can’t approve this without understanding what the cost of installation will be,” and also stated that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was in the process of revising the village’s permit for work along the bluffs. Hill had other concerns. “It would be helpful to know … what is the metric for success in the pilot program?” he asked. He did display confidence that he “can get to yes,” but wanted more specifics on the project as a prerequisite. 

The chairperson of the Citizens Commission spoke against the resolution at the beginning of the meeting for two reasons: First, he felt it required an all-village referendum and, second, the village should wait for an update from the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to the “change of scope in work on existing plans.” Another meeting member was concerned about the perceived vagueness of the proposal, asking, “Is this going to be reviewed by perhaps someone with contracting experience and clean it up?” and describing it as “extraordinarily loose and vague.” 

Not all of those present agreed. Another member of the commission described the gradual destruction of the bluff as a “domino effect,” and that, while this pilot program wouldn’t be the “overall solution,” he thought “the majority felt that it was worth a trial.” He dissented from the chairperson’s idea of a referendum because he thought previous actions taken by the trustees had been successful — specifically, he referenced the upland wall built under Mayor Margot Garant’s tenure, and because time was an important factor. 

In addition to the unanimous tabling of the Long Island-based Coastal Technologies proposal, the Board of Trustees approved some other initiatives: clearing streets for the Sept. 27 homecoming parade and for the Oktober Harvest Festival, as well as accepting appointments to and resignations from various village boards. The board also enacted some proposals to support village landscaping and content creation, briefly discussed the future of the power plant as a renewable energy plant, and rejected proposals for sidewalk repair and concession operations. 

The Board of Trustees will meet for a work session on Sept. 11 before a formal public meeting on Sept. 25.

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Newly-elected village trustees celebrate being sworn into office, from left, Kyle Hill, Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Bob Juliano and Xena Ugrinsky. Photo by Julianne Mosher

By Peter Sloniewsky

The Village of Port Jefferson Board of Trustees held its annual organizational meeting July 2, officially appointing new trustees alongside the announcement of commissioner appointments. 

Two new trustees were officially instated on the board: Kyle Hill and Xena Ugrinsky. Both Hill and Uginsky defeated Port Jefferson resident Marie Parziale in June. 

Hill, a Stony Brook University graduate, based his campaign largely on environmental issues and on the role of his relative youth in local politics. His background is in public policy, wherein he previously worked for U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (NY 2/3) in the Capitol. He is also a volunteer EMT in Port Jefferson. Hill was initially a Democratic candidate for the House seat in NY-1, but dropped out several months before the primary in June to run for the trustee position. 

Ugrinsky, a Russian immigrant, previously worked in the software and technology fields before transitioning to management consulting roles for national utilities companies including Con Edison and National Grid. She previously sat on the village’s Budget and Finance Committee and based much of her campaign on the future of the Port Jefferson power plant as well as fiscal responsibility and transparency. In an interview, with regard to the power plant, Ugrinsky said that her “goal was to figure out a way that I could help the village be involved in the broader conversation,” claiming that she believes “we have a moment in time where we have the opportunity to be in the forefront of what is happening in energy.” 

The two new trustees were elected following the departure of Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay to run for New York State Assembly District 4 and the end of trustee Drew Biondo’s term. 

Kassay advanced from the Democratic Primary June 25 to challenge incumbent Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) in November. 

Biondo, a communications professional, was appointed to replace Lauren Sheprow when she became mayor last year. In Biondo’s departing statement, he highlighted the importance of the newly-formed Ethics Committee, whose members were sworn in later in the meeting. 

Additionally, Sheprow announced new commissioner appointments at the meeting. Trustee Robert Juliano, elected in June 2023, was reappointed as commissioner of Public Works and Parks. He was also appointed to the position of deputy mayor, replacing Kassay. Juliano, who was previously village clerk, has spent a long career in municipal government and worked in banking. 

Sheprow said, “Bob has earnestly demonstrated his dedication and interest in good government, and he always has the best interests of the residents at heart,” describing him as “humble and kind” as well as “a great trustee.”

Newly-elected trustees Hill and Ugrinsky were appointed as commissioners. Sheprow noted that Ugrinsky’s experience in finance and data analytics, along with her focus on the Budget and Finance Committee and Power Plant Working Group, suited her for the role of commissioner of Finance. Hill will replace Sheprow as commissioner of Public Safety-Court/Code. 

Lastly, trustee Stan Loucks was appointed as commissioner of Recreation anLoucks is in his fifth term as a trustee, and previously worked as an athletic director in the Plainview school district. Faulknor is a former trustee and has been harbor commissioner previously. 

In addition to new appointments, the Board of Trustees received a report from police on instances of crime in the last year, including specific statistics regarding exact types of criminal activity. 

The meeting concluded with a public question-and-answer session.

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Project Action Committee member Beth Watson, trustee-elect Kyle Hill, Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay, Andy Freleng, director of Planning & Building Department, PAC members Bob Laravie, Mary Ann Bernero, Frances Campani and Michael Schwarting. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Lynn Hallarman

Increasing intense storms and rising sea levels compound the risk of damaging and costly flooding in the Village of Port Jefferson. 

On June 20, village officials hosted the second of two interactive community workshops to explore project proposals for addressing flood risk in the downtown area. The initial workshop was held in April 2023. 

Climate Resilience Plan

In 2021, the village secured grant funding from the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils to tackle the longstanding flooding problem in Port’s downtown watershed. The total project is budgeted at $110,000, for which the state funding covers 75% ($82,500) and the village is responsible for 25% ($27,500), according to village Treasurer Stephen Gaffga.

Village officials formed the Project Action Committee, composed of expert consultants, to collect and analyze data related to flood risk and use it to create the Climate Resilience Plan. The plan currently outlines five potential projects focused on innovative flood and storm surge prevention as part of the village’s strategic planning. The purpose of the June workshop was for PAC leadership to receive community input on several of their proposals and to inform the public about the committee’s progress. 

The initiative, led by outgoing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay who is the village’s sustainability commissioner, includes PAC members such as architectural experts from Campani and Schwarting; Amani Hosein, legislative aide to Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook); village residents and other local experts. 

Mayor Lauren Sheprow, Kassay, trustee-elect Kyle Hill, Andrew Freleng the village’s director of Planning and Building Department, Kornreich, several PAC members and members of the public attended the workshop. 

“Our village is experiencing issues related to stormwater runoff, a high-water table and tidal flooding that all impact downtown Port simultaneously,” Kassay said. “Tonight’s workshop is part of the village’s ongoing efforts to explore all angles of the problem and to find solutions that will truly make a difference.” 

Project proposals

Michael Schwarting, partner of Campani and Schwarting Architects, presented updated committee findings and outlined five potential projects. A breakout session allowed the public to learn about individual projects from PAC experts. 

“The village watershed is a bowl, collecting water from the south, east and west, all going to one place — down into the commercial district of Port Jefferson,” Schwarting said. “Then there is the harbor from the north, whose sea level is rising and having increasing storm surges.”

According to data from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Long Island region is predicted to experience a sea rise of up to 12 to 25 inches by around 2050.

Blue line represents downtown watershed area in the village of Port Jefferson. Maps courtesy of CASA.

Overview of the projects: 

1.  Develop designs for reducing stormwater flowing from the numerous steep streets upland of the village into the downtown area. 

2.  Assess the flooding problems of the culvert (underground drainpipe) that collects stormwater from Main Street and Barnum Avenue to Old Mill Creek at Village Hall. Convert portions of the culvert into a series of cased ponds for flood mitigation. The water is naturally cleaned when exposed to light. 

3. Complete the 2011 Old Mill Creek restoration plan from Brook Road to the harbor, restoring Old Mill Pond and daylighting the creek culvert — removing obstructions covering the creek — from West Broadway to the harbor.  

4. Update the 2013 village-approved Harbor Front Revitalization Plan in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, incorporating storm flood mitigation and rising tides solutions as well as creating a green Harborfront Park. This plan would require relocating the harborfront marina parking. 

5.  Research ways to contain stormwater on-site in public off-street parking lots and mitigate these heat islands with trees. 

Water table levels below the surface of the village of Port Jefferson. Courtesy of CASA

Public concerns, official responses

Most concerns voiced at the meeting focused on project feasibility and potential costs to the village. One resident questioned the impacts on village parking if the Harborfront area, currently used to park up to 300 cars, is converted into a green space. 

To date, Campani and Schwarting Architects has billed the village $33,200 for its work studying the flooding problem as PAC members. According to Gaffga, the village has been reimbursed $17,850 of this cost by the state as part of the grant funding. The state grant will ultimately cover 75% of the total costs of the PAC initiative studying flooding risk in downtown Port.  

This reporter asked PAC members if the impacts of the recent uptick in housing development projects and installation of impervious surfaces, such as the Mather Hospital parking lot and asphalt repaving of the walkway at Harborfront Park, have been accounted for in the data analysis and project proposals.  

“That is a good question,” Frances Campani of CASA responded. “We can consider overlaying those impacts in our next mapping update.” 

“This is a step-by-step process,” Sheprow told TBR in a post-workshop interview. “The village has to put together many preliminary studies like the PAC initiative to garner support from the state to win big funding opportunities for major infrastructure projects. Without the studies, we’ll never get those large state and federal grants.”    

Rendering of the proposed Harborfront Park. Courtesy of CASA

New funding

Kassay informed the public at the workshop about the recent attainment of a $300,888 grant, including $270,799 from FEMA with the difference covered by the village, for an engineering study of flood mitigation at especially vulnerable sights in the downtown watershed. Kassay hopes this new funding for an expert engineering study will create synergy with the PAC initiative to set up the village to receive funding from New York State to implement the proposed projects and other innovations. 

The full workshop and slideshow can be viewed on the Port Jefferson YouTube channel. Comments about the project proposals are open until July 15. 

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Marie Parziale, Xena Ugrinsky and Kyle Hill outside the polling site on June 18. Photo by Lynn Hallarman

By Aidan Johnson

Kyle Hill and Xena Ugrinsky will join the Port Jefferson Village Board of Trustees after winning the June 18 election, receiving 796 and 673 votes, respectively.

“What an outstanding turnout from Port Jefferson voters yesterday,” Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow said. “We are very passionate about our elections!” 

The race saw three candidates—Hill, Ugrinsky and Port Jefferson resident Marie Parziale—compete for two open seats, replacing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and Village Trustee Drew Biondo. Parziale finished in third place with 449 votes.

Additionally, 90 write-in votes were cast, including for names such as former Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden, former Village Mayor Hal Sheprow, Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and Brookhaven Town Democratic Committee Chair Anthony Portesy.

“I congratulate Xena and Kyle on their victories and look forward to working with them starting with our first meeting as a Board on July 1,” Sheprow said in a statement. “We have a lot of work to do! I know Xena will hit the ground running and I look forward to getting to know Kyle and hearing more about what he would like to contribute as a Trustee.”

In an interview after the results were announced, Hill expressed gratitude for the support he received.

“I feel like our campaign was really about reaching out to folks that are in the village, not on social media, and really just want to see the place as great as it can be. Having those conversations face to face with folks was a great experience,” Hill said.

“I’m excited to work with the entire board and mayor and looking forward to all the great things that we can do together,” he added.

In a speech to her supporters, Ugrinsky also expressed appreciation for the support and help she received.

“I promise that I will do my best to try and solve some of these problems, and I don’t care if it takes two years, six years, or ten years,” Ugrinsky said. “Even if there’s a term limit, I’m here as a resident; I care so deeply about this village, and I hope to make you all proud.”

In a statement, Parziale congratulated Hill and Ugrinsky on their win, saying she looks “forward to the positive changes you will bring.”

“I remain dedicated to uniting our community and encouraging participation in the village’s ‘Make a Difference’ committees. Additionally, I am committed to advancing the uptown economic development plan and am honored to have accepted the chair of the committee,” Parziale stated.

The last meeting of the current village board will be on June 26 and the swearing-in ceremony will take place on July 4.

 

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Trustee candidates Kyle Hill, Marie Parziale, and Xena Ugrinsky sit before the audience at the Meet the Candidates event on Tuesday, June 11. Photo by Aidan Johnson

By Aidan Johnson

The Port Jefferson Village trustee candidates — Xena Ugrinsky, Kyle Hill, and Marie Parziale — participated in a meet-the-candidates night at the Village Center June 11. The event was sponsored by the local chamber of commerce and the civic association. Two of the candidates will be elected, replacing Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and trustee Drew Biondo.

Introductions

Ugrinsky, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 12 years, said she feels “a deep connection to the [maritime] culture.” She has been an “active participant” in the trustee meetings over the past two years, led the election task force, sits on the budget and finance committee, and chairs the Port Jeff Power Plant Working Group. For three decades, she has had a career in finance, technology and the energy sector.

Parziale, who has lived in Port Jefferson for 29 years, works as the senior alumni career coach at Stony Brook University. She described her “superpower” as “connecting with people, seeing the best in them, and linking them with opportunities.” She also said that to solve Port Jefferson’s problems, “we need a long-term strategic plan and we must be part of the process,” and emphasized “the ability for our leaders to bring stakeholders and experts together to find solutions.”

Hill, who grew up in Farmingville and currently lives in Port Jefferson with his partner, said that he’s “been coming down to Port Jeff ever since I had my learner’s permit.” After finishing his master’s at Stony Brook University, he moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years, “advancing mostly bipartisan policy projects.” He is a volunteer EMT with the Port Jefferson EMS and served on Port Jefferson’s election task force, where they “recommended leaving the term lengths at two years and also recommended adding term limits to the mayor’s office.”

Issues facing Port Jefferson

Parziale wants to hear “more of what the solutions are that the school district’s coming up with and have them present them to us.” She also sees flooding as a major issue, as well as the East Beach bluff, saying that a vote on the project was needed before continuing to phase two, and it was necessary to figure out why phase one did not work.

Hill believes that flooding is a main issue, especially in terms of the firehouse due to “incidents where they can’t get their trucks out” and having their equipment damaged. He also believes the bluff is “a true disaster waiting to happen,” saying he was the first candidate to call for a referendum on the future of bluff spending.

Ugrinsky said, “We can’t fix the school district’s problems,” but the trustees can help by solving the power plant’s problems, “which delivers revenue to the schools.” She additionally cited flooding as a main issue, saying that “we have a lot of residents who have experience in this area or problems that have already been solved.” She agrees that a referendum for the bluff is needed, and said that development was a main issue: “We really need to figure out how we preserve our maritime culture.”

Maryhaven property

Parziale said that Beechwood Homes is in discussion over the Maryhaven property, but nothing has been finalized. However, she would like to see starter homes built there “so that we have something that’s affordable for our young people,” adding that this could attract families with students.

Hill said that preserving the “historic nature of Port Jeff” is the most ideal choice, adding that “it would be great if we had seniors condos in just that building.” He also said that St. Charles is not “being the best neighbor in maintaining that property,” as he’s been hearing that the area has break-ins. He noted that the area is already zoned for housing, and it is only a board issue if there’s a zone change.

Ugrinsky said that it was important that any residences would be tax-paying residents, and that the developer does a traffic, water and sewer assessment before breaking ground.

Environment and development

Hill wants to “preserve every inch of open space that we have left in this village,” which can also be done by partnering with the hospitals to preserve their open space as well, and “encourage them not to just make more parking lots, but to find other solutions.” He said that there wasn’t much of a choice but to preserve open space, because the more space gets blacktopped over, the fewer places there are for the flooding to go.

Ugrinsky agreed that preserving the green space is necessary to help soak up the water. She also said that evaluation of the underground springs is needed, noting that some of the pipes underground “are too skinny for the volume of the water that’s going through, nor have they been cleaned in decades.” She added, “We need to develop smartly, with foot traffic, where stores can be put.”

Parziale said that the environment and development need to have a “very delicate balance between the two.” She is also for as much green space as possible, and for smart development, saying, “We need to work closely with our developers so that they’re giving back some of that space, and they’re doing the right thing with the property in all ways, including traffic, water, sewer and green space for people that are living in those spaces.”

Fiscal responsibility

Hill said that it was important to come up with ways to offset resident taxes, “and that’s making sure that our commercial areas are thriving, and taking advantage of things like metered parking,” which he said brings in the most revenue to the village after taxes. He said it was important to bring in revenue from more than just the residents, which would help to have “a more successful village, and people are going to want to be here.”

Ugrinsky said that “every municipality in the United States is dealing with declining revenues and increasing costs while trying to serve their populations.” She said that the village should look at the contracts it has in place, and that “there may be volume buying opportunities that people just have not had the time to look at.” She added that they should “stop bonds happening to us and really get the population involved with how we’re going to spend.”

Parziale said that she agreed with Ugrinsky on this topic.

The election is on Tuesday, June 18. Voting will take place at the Village Center from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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