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Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association

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From left to right: Jerry Maxim, corresponding secretary; Ira Costell, president; Lee Brett, vice president; Sheila Granito, acting recording secretary; and, standing, Kevin LaValle, Brookhaven town clerk. Photo by Sabrina Artusa

By Sabrina Artusa

At the Feb. 25 Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting, the many services of the Town of Brookhaven Clerk’s Office were reviewed and various developments were discussed, including the Baylis Avenue site proposal and Jefferson Plaza. 

The association established their position on the proposed annexation of the 5.6-acre site on Baylis Avenue by the Village of Port Jefferson. Northwind Group, after their rezoning proposal was shot down by Brookhaven, preventing their plans for an apartment complex on the parcel, moved to transfer ownership of the land to the Village of Port Jefferson. 

“I would really like to reiterate that it is my objection…this is a thinly veiled backdoor move to get approval he otherwise wouldn’t have gotten,” Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic President Ira Costell said. The rest of the board, as well as civic members, seemed in agreement. 

March 6, Northwind Group will appeal the ruling to the Town of Brookhaven council and a public hearing will be held. The annexation would set a “bad precedent,” said civic member Charlie McAteer. 

Newly elected Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Vice President Lee Brett lamented how the annexation would complicate the execution of services by putting a burden on the Terryville Fire Department and the Comsewogue School District. “Just because it says Port Jefferson Village and they get to go to the beach for free, I can care less, I want my town safe,” he said.

Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle reviewed his department’s services and processes, including administering marriage licenses, disability parking passes, death certificates and record digitalization. 

He has also worked to use technology to his advantage, now sending people notices of renewals and allowing them to complete the form from home. 

“The most valuable thing in business is time, from the minute your client asks you for a service from the minute you get it done…we want to be a township that makes it easier for people to come in and do business with our township,” he said, adding that developers can now submit land-use applications online. Further, project information is now advertised through signs that have QR codes leading to the town website.

“It makes it a lot easier to get information on a project out there,” LaValle said. 

LaValle also discussed the prevalence of text message and phone call scams, sometimes under the guise of a bank or a police department saying a loved one is in jail.

LaValle got a scam himself in the form of a text. Presumably, it was his bank informing him of fraud. “I didn’t click the link they had there, I didn’t use the phone number they had on it. I went online…I called the number online that I know is the actual credit card company…they said absolutely that is not [us], can you send us the information,” LaValle said. 

“Don’t rush making decisions,” said LaValle, who attended a presentation on the subject by the Suffolk County district attorney.

Next month, Staller Associates will meet with the civic to discuss architectural design for their development of Jefferson Plaza.

For more information on the services provided by the town clerk visit www.brookhavenny.gov.

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Ira Costell, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association. File photo

By Dylan Friedman

When two years ago, a significant development threatened to reshape the character of his tight-knit community dramatically, Ira Costell knew he had to act. 

As the recently elected president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, Costell became more determined than ever to ensure his neighbors’ voices were heard.

“I figured, this was an opportunity for me to pitch in and try to do my best to give voice to those issues that I felt some of my neighbors and myself were concerned about,” Costell said.

Over the past two years, Costell has done just that, reinvigorating the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and transforming it into a powerful platform for community advocacy. 

“I try to do it to the best of my ability. It’s a learning experience, but I think I’ve grown into the position, and [I] do my best to be an honest broker so that it’s not just about my opinion. I really try to facilitate what I think the group is trying to say,” Costell said.

Through Costell’s leadership, the organization has seen a surge in engagement. It has over 200 people on its mailing list, over 50 voting members and countless other community members who show up at meetings to voice their concerns. 

This grassroots mobilization has allowed the civic group to have a tangible impact on key issues facing the area, from influencing the outcome of a contentious rezoning proposal to securing a commitment for a comprehensive traffic study, all completed under Costell’s leadership.

While the association has accomplished many things under Costell’s leadership, his decades-long commitment to community service extends far beyond the organization.

“I have a background of giving service to protecting the environment. I was the former chair of an environmental commission in the county of Suffolk,” Costell said. “I [also] continuously give service as a family advocate for people struggling with problems with drugs and alcohol,  connect people to treatment and give them help, and I try to educate and assist families that are struggling with loved ones who are challenged with the disease of addiction,” Costell continued. 

Costell’s dedication to his community has not gone unnoticed. His tireless efforts and passionate advocacy have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and neighbors.

“Ira Costell goes about his business in a quiet way. His planning background and decades-long residency in Port Jefferson Station and Terryville are priceless. He uses both to assist in his decision-making as it pertains to our community,” Lou Antoniello, treasurer of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, said. 

Costell’s ability to galvanize community support and his commitment to addressing local concerns have significantly impacted the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville community. His leadership has not only revitalized the civic association but also empowered residents to actively participate in shaping the future of their neighborhood.

As Costell continues to serve his community, he inspires others to get involved and make a difference. His story is a testament to the power of individual action and the importance of community engagement at every level. 

For his work with the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, TBR News Media is pleased to name Ira Costell as a 2024 Person of the Year.

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File photo by Raymond Janis

Notice: Suffolk County 5th District office relocating to East Setauket

Dear Constituents,

I am writing to inform Suffolk County’s Fifth Legislative District constituents thatmy office is moving from 306 Main Street in Port Jefferson to 36 Route 25A in East Setauket. Our first day at the new location will be Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Please feel free to visit our new location to discuss concerns or to share yourideas for improving our communities. My staff and I can also be reached by calling 631-854-1650 or emailing [email protected].

Please note that LD5 includes Belle Terre, East Setauket, Old Field, Poquott, PortJefferson, Port Jefferson Station, Setauket, Stony Brook, Stony Brook University, South Setauket, Terryville, and parts of Centereach, Coram and Mount Sinai.

We look forward to seeing you at our new office.

Steven Englebright

Suffolk County Legislator

District Office 5 

A call to support Frank Melville Memorial Park

To the Esteemed Residents of the Three Village Community,

I write to you today on behalf of the Frank Melville Memorial Park, a cherished haven of natural beauty and wildlife, which many of you have supported and enjoyed over the years. The park, as you know, stands as a testament to our collective commitment to preserving both the splendor of nature and a sense of peace for all visitors, human and animal alike.

However, it is with a sense of deep concern and urgency that we must address a troubling issue that has recently grown more acute: The repeated violations of our strict no-fishing policy, particularly by adults and teenagers who seem to regard this rule with a mix of indifference and defiance.

Despite clear signage and our tireless efforts to educate the public on the importance of this policy, we are witnessing an alarming frequency of insubordination. The rule against fishing is not arbitrary since it serves to protect the delicate ecosystems of the pond and surrounding habitat. Our policy reflects a profound respect for the intricate balance of wildlife that calls this park home — creatures whose survival is intimately tied to the careful stewardship of their environment. Yet, we have found our efforts met with flagrant disregard and, regrettably in some instances, with outright disrespect for the park’s mission.

These actions undermine the very fabric of what we strive to accomplish at Frank Melville Park: To maintain a sanctuary where humans and nature can coexist harmoniously. When individuals violate this fundamental policy, they not only endanger wildlife but also tarnish the atmosphere of safety and order that we work so diligently to preserve.

To address this growing concern, we are asking for your support. In order to uphold the park’s regulations and ensure a safe, respectful environment for all, we must increase our security presence. This step, while necessary, comes at a significant financial cost, one which we are unable to shoulder alone. We appeal to the broader Three Village community — those of you who value this park as much as we do — to assist us through donations, which will allow us to fund additional security measures and personnel.

Your contributions will directly support our ability to safeguard the park’s natural beauty and uphold the standards that we all hold dear. Together, we can ensure that Frank Melville Park remains a space of serenity and sanctuary, free from the disorder that threatens to erode the very essence of what makes it so special.

We trust that the community’s profound appreciation for this space will inspire a shared responsibility in preserving it. Let us act now, not only to protect the park from further harm but to honor the legacy we have inherited and ensure that it thrives for future generations.

Board of Directors 

Frank Melville Memorial Park

Setauket

Finding balance in Brookhaven’s development debate

I appreciated reading the letter to the editor in last week’s issue [“Brookhaven Town Board rejects suburbia”] from our neighbor, the Three Village Civic Association, regarding the recent approval by Brookhaven Town of the proposal by Staller Associates at Jefferson Plaza. Charles Tramontana and George Hoffman rightly point out the precedent-setting nature of the new CRD code the town used to approve a zoning change which will yield a density never seen before anywhere in Brookhaven. While I applaud the call for a review of a code many believe to be vague and without clear metrics as to how the density bonuses were set (and by whom), future revisions will leave Port Jeff Station/Terryville residents watching the barn door being closed after the horse has galloped away.

In our situation, we are now facing the reality of a face-changing project which can yield up to 280 apartments — nearly three times what any other multifamily development could yield. Additionally, the developer has the benefit of constructing 49,000 square feet of commercial space on this 10-acre parcel. 

Our organization has been clear and consistent for the past two years that we wanted to welcome the redevelopment of this long-neglected shopping center and are mindful of the need for attainable housing for our young people. So, our considerable efforts to identify concerns associated with this intensive proposal are intended to minimize negative impacts and not to oppose all change. 

However, we advocated many issues be addressed ahead of this zoning change which will surely change the character of our community. While some input was considered, the final product appears changed mostly around the margins. Presently, the density can be maxed out, there are still many areas with four-story buildings, first responder access and resources needs to be discussed, traffic concerns remain, as well as an architectural design providing true public spaces and sense of a place. 

Also, the price point of apartments starting at $2,200-$2,400 leaves us still figuring how to retain our young, and the public benefit many developers provide to address the impacts on a community is quite miniscule in comparison to the scope of this project. Most importantly, this large-scale development will occur without a full and comprehensive planning process to help our hamlet properly digest this growth-inducing facility along the entire Route 112 corridor.

I will note, at our request, Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich [D-Stony Brook] persuaded the town to take a look at traffic patterns which will be affected regionally — and not just site specific to Jefferson Plaza. Also, the councilmember has provided there will be a process for a visual preference survey that we suggested to guide and shape the architecture with community input. 

Kornreich has often tried to assure our area that many of our valid concerns can be addressed during the site plan review process, which will now begin. While I strongly believe our neighborhood would have been well served to have these issues ironed out in advance, I take him at his word and trust we will make a strong effort to partner with the town and hold them to that promise. It will take all our voices to shape the face of our future in a way which improves our community and I urge all my neighbors to help in this process.

Ira Costell, President 

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Associatio

A farewell to six years of growth and community

For the last six years, I have had the honor and privilege to serve as the Three Village Chamber of Commerce president. 

Together we have accomplished so many of the goals set at the beginning of my term. A complete overhaul of our monthly accounting has resulted in the chamber being in the best financial position in its almost 50-year history.

Our real accomplishments were never planned. The business community faced unprecedented challenges in March 2020. The worldwide pandemic brought initial chaos and confusion to the ever-changing governmental regulations of trying to keep the doors open for business. The Board of Directors led the charge to work with our elected officials and within a very short period of time, we were assisting our community’s businesses in these unchartered waters. This was a very difficult environment for everyone.

As a longtime board member, I can say with great confidence I am leaving the chamber in good hands as my term as president comes to an end

So many positive and rewarding activities have come to mind over the last six years. Giving to the annual George Rehn Scholarship to high school seniors as the first chamber president to graduate from Ward Melville High School — and certainly not the last. The West Meadow Beach barbecues of the past, the current golf outings and many holiday parties that brought our business community together will always be cherished. 

I want to thank my fellow board members and our executive director, Jane Taylor, for their commitment and continuous support, making this one of the best and most viable service organizations I have ever been part of.

The chamber leadership will continue to prosper under its new president, Carmine Inserra, and the current Board of Directors. I wish them well and I am here to always help to keep our business community vibrant and healthy.

I have personally enjoyed all the friendships and business networking contacts among our membership and I will look forward to my new role as president emeritus. I love this community and I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve through this wonderful organization.

I look forward to the continued success of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

Charles A. Lefkowitz

Three Village Chamber of Commerce

Editor’s note: The writer is chairman of the Suffolk County Water Authority.

 

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Three-dimensional rendering of the proposed redevelopment project at Jefferson Plaza. Graphic courtesy Valentin Staller

By Sabrina Artusa

Brookhaven Town Board approved the long-contested Staller Associates rezoning application for the Jefferson Plaza property in Port Jefferson Station Sept. 26. It was a crucial step signifying the progression of Staller’s plan to repurpose the plaza into a residential property along with commercial usage.

Staller Associates is an Islandia-based privately-held real estate company engaged in the development, ownership and management of commercial and residential real estate on Long Island.

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) announced the approval of the zone change from J2 Business to Commercial Redevelopment District, thus allowing Staller to begin planning for the apartments building. 

Jefferson Plaza in its current state. File photo

Brookhaven residents have been divided over the prospect of this project. Some are unhappy with certain details, such as design, and desire more deliberation before making what they view as a hasty decision to rezone.

“We are not saying this project won’t be good for the community … that’s a blighted shopping center,” said Lou Antoniello, treasurer of Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, during the public hearing. “This project is not ready to be approved tonight. I don’t understand the rush to push this thing through.” 

Others stand wholly against developing more housing complexes and rezoning, while some are ardent proponents of revitalizing the largely unused plaza. 

Joseph Stallone spoke on behalf of the Long Island Builders Institute. “We have some of the best schools in the country and we are sending our young minds to North Carolina and Florida and Virginia,” he said. “As someone who grew up here, I would like to stay here and I would love to stay at a development like the one Staller has proposed.”

Ira Costell, president of PJSTCA, had hoped that the developer would have involved the public more throughout the process, instead of just on a rudimentary level in the early phases of the process. He said that, in the beginning, he and his organization met with Staller, but then went almost two years without direct contact. 

“We want to find a way to get behind this proposal, but we find that the process really failed us,” he said. 

The CRD zoning code was amended in 2020, and this new version is at the root of resident apprehension. CRD zones are “designed to achieve economically beneficial and socially desirable redevelopment which is more creative and imaginative in its land use,” the Brookhaven Town Code reads. 

The CRD label dictates that “civic space and recreational areas, including squares, private plaza, greens and public parks, shall be intermixed throughout the development for social activity, recreation and visual enjoyment.”

Indeed, Staller Associates intends to integrate a public plaza, a health club and a restaurant into the plaza in addition to the residential complex in this corridor off Route 112. 

Staller has previously announced that 20% of the units will be used only for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Kornreich said that Staller will likely enter into a form of partnership with a special-needs housing advocacy group to do so. The realty business has a property in Farmingdale, where it administer the same policy. 

Aesthetic cohesion is a major area of concern for Brookhaven residents who say that the influx of apartment buildings will make Port Jefferson Station lack a consistent architectural theme. To many, this rezoning increases the threat of overdevelopment. 

Kornreich assured those present that the appearance of the buildings is not set in stone. “A lot of these issues that were brought up by people at the [PJS/T] civic association — things related to the density, things related to the site, layout things related to the architecture — all these things will be worked out later in planning,” he said. 

“The site plan has not been drawn up yet in that level of detail” he said in regard to concerns over fire safety, which he said will be worked out later in the process. 

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Port Jefferson Station/Terryville civic association president, Ira Costell and vice president, Carolyn Sagliocca at the May 28 meeting. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association held its monthly meeting at the Comsewogue Public Library on Tuesday, May 28, where members discussed various projects and concerns surrounding the community.

Headlining the meeting, civic president, Ira Costell addressed the current status of the Train Car Park located off Nesconset Highway in Port Jefferson Station. 

The park has recently undergone a remodeling project after a car accident displaced the preexisting park. The renovated park will be unveiled July 3 with a celebratory free concert for the community and a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Community members interested can purchase a custom-inscribed brick to be placed in the park. All proceeds will go toward the local chamber of commerce to restore the flagpole damaged from the accident.

Following mention of the Train Car Park project, Costell shared the winners of the civic association’s scholarship — awarded to two Comsewogue High School students who have displayed remarkable community service. The winners will be announced and given their respective scholarships in June.

Concerns addressed

Ongoing concerns in the community also had a place at the table on May 28. Residents and civic members shared disquiet over the few homeless individuals frequently found sleeping near the Train Car Park. 

One resident recalled a woman and a man allegedly engaging in “inappropriate activities” and soliciting money from drivers along the roadway. Costell and civic association vice president, Carolyn Sagliocca, plan to coordinate with the Suffolk County COPE and mental health services to help mitigate this issue.

“We have been communicating extensively with Officer Berry — a Suffolk County COPE officer. Berry just wrote a letter because it’s not only at the Train Car Park, we had an encampment that was right outside the library across the street.” Costell said.

Another concern addressed was that of the proposed Staller development — an ongoing issue in this community. At the last meeting, the civic addressed the Town of Brookhaven in a letter asking for a comprehensive traffic study for the area surrounding the proposed development. [See story “Port Jefferson Station/Terryville civic requests traffic study,” TBR News Media website, May 3.] 

Since the submission of the letter, the civic has not heard from the town or any other respective members. 

“I’m planning on going up to the Town Board at the next meeting to remind them that we would like a seat at the table. We’re entitled — with this kind of development facing us — to have a voice, and we want that heard and respected beyond just the public hearing, for not just that development but multiple developments,” Costell said.

Guest presentations

Irene Michalos and Carol Carter spoke before the civic association about their respective organizations — both seeking to provide a better life for children and families in need.

Michalos heads the Agape Meals for Kids program which provides meals for food-insecure children. 

“There are over 70,000 children on Long Island who are experiencing food insecurity,” Michalos said.

The Agape program provides backpacks with kid-friendly food for children and subsequently delivers the packed bags to partnering school districts each Friday during the school year. 

Contrarily, Carol Carter began her support campaign with a goal to help those experiencing substance use and abuse with a focus on adolescents. Her program, Sunshine Alternative Education & Prevention Center, uses a variety of prevention and education programs to help build drug-free and violence-free communities.

“Erase the stigma. This is something that we need to talk about because everyone has been touched by someone who might have an issue,” Carter shared. “It doesn’t have to be a family member, but a friend who has a problem, maybe related to substance use and abuse.” 

For those in need or interested in more information about these programs visit the websites www.agapemealsforkids.org and sunshinepreventionctr.org.

The next Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting will be held on June 20 at the Comsewogue Public Library.

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Town of Brookhaven employees remove illegal signs from public right-of-ways. Photo courtesy Town of Brookhaven

By Sabrina Artusa

The Town of Brookhaven is making a revitalized effort to remove illegal signs and enforce commercial sign restrictions. 

Unclear diction in the existing code made enforcement difficult, but now, as the town revises the code, officials are reviewing and discarding prohibited signs throughout Brookhaven. 

Signs in the right of way along state-owned highways were simplest to extricate, as anything in that zone is considered litter according to New York State. However, restrictions unique to the town in regards to size, location and lighting were more challenging to enforce. 

Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) said, “The new sign code will be a little more detailed and enforceable in regards to size, location and lighting.” According to him, unclear language and years of making exceptions make the current code insufficient. 

The proposed new code includes a more extensive list of purposes and 30 more definitions for terms and signs named in the code.

While zoning districts have different restrictions in terms of size, placement, lighting and materials, there are certain signs prohibited in all areas, such as revolving signs, reflective signs, billboards, roof signs, signs for off-premises businesses and signs attached to a tree, fence or utility pole, among others.

“The public interest has to be taken into consideration and allowing the proliferation of signs makes the streetscape look terrible,” Kornreich added. 

Improving the aesthetic of the community and preventing dangerous distractions to drivers were listed as considerations in the code revision.

While some business owners may feel these restrictions hinder their ability to attract customers, Kornreich, a small-business owner, is confident that by improving the atmosphere, more people will want to visit the area. 

Instead of signs, businesses can buy ads in newspapers or utilize websites and social media, he said. “Ultimately, making the community beautiful and a more desirable place to live is good for everybody. Our goal is not to harm small businesses — our goal is to make our downtown community better and more inviting.” 

This sentiment is echoed in the revised code. Most signs, including personal expression signs and temporary signs, require a permit from the Building Division. 

The town has sent the proposed revised code to the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association and chamber of commerce, also the Three Village Civic Association and chamber of commerce for review. After a period of feedback from these organizations, there will be a public hearing. 

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Port Jefferson Station/Terryville civic association listens to a presentation from North Wind's Jim Tsunis on Feb. 27. Photo by Samantha Rutt

By Samantha Rutt

The recent Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting saw presentations from developer group North Wind, the Suffolk County Police Department COPE report and a presentation regarding substance abuse from Kym Laube, HUGS Inc. executive director.

The Feb. 27 meeting began with reports from the board regarding the upcoming board elections. Two of the current members, Charlie McAteer and Sheila Granito, will be termed-out come March. The civic is seeking reelection for all positions and has no current candidates for the recording secretary position.

Only members in good standing may cast a vote for board elections. Those who have paid dues and attended at least three meetings from March 2023 to March 2024 remain in good standing.

Some notable community figures were in attendance: Port Jefferson Deputy Mayor Rebecca Kassay and Skyler Johnson, both Assembly District 4 Democratic candidates; Council District 1 Chief Legislative Aide Amani Hosein and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket).

The meeting carried on with reports from members of the South County Police Department offering insights from the COPE report from Jan. 23 to Feb. 27. Officer John Efstathiou mentioned for the Port Jefferson Station area overdoses have decreased from this time last year from 4 to 2. Additionally, motor vehicle incidents saw an increase from 43 to 60 over the last year – for the same January to February time period. The officer also mentioned a slight increase from last year of criminal incidences, raising to 63 from last year’s 59. 

“In my opinion, and it’s just my opinion, it’s a safe area, absolutely,” Efstathiou said.

The meeting continued with a presentation from developer Jim Tsunis of North Wind — the organization responsible for the construction of developments like Port Jefferson’s Overbay and Setauket Meadows.

Tsunis showed a 10-minute video where he shared his background and connection with the Port Jefferson Station community sharing that his father was a businessman who made an impact on his PJS community. 

The video also touched on the proposed 5.6-acre Baylis Avenue development property to become Brook Meadows. The proposed development sits along Sheep Pasture Road and Baylis Avenue, and neighbors a current apartment complex and existing railroad tracks.

The presentation also included testimony from four residents about the soon-to-be Brook Meadows site in support of the development — most reasoning with the residential zoning the development would provide over the existing industrial zoning.

Following the video, Tsunis addressed the civic association and their questions. 

Many concerns were raised for the proposed density of the site at 56 units. Civic members asked Tsunis questions about the use of the property, suggesting it could be used for single-family homes instead. Fear of increased density was also raised by Englebright in his statement to Tsunis. 

Englebright shared his experience growing up and around the Island saying that he has experienced the loss of suburbia and does not want that to continue.

“We’re getting into the realm of causing me to wonder whether we’re going to lose a suburban lifestyle over time,” Englebright said. “A density that is urban is being proposed repeatedly. I just want to commend the possibility of a cumulative environmental impact statement. I think that makes a lot of sense — piecemealing what happened to Bayside — there’s nothing left of what I was familiar with when I grew up.”

Additional concerns arouse touching on added traffic from the development, with feedback from other civic attendees supporting the single-car traffic from the residential zoning over the potential industrial-zoned traffic.

Tsunis defended his group’s proposal, mentioning the increase of affordable housing units to the original plan, suggesting a monthly rental price point of around $2,100 for a two-bedroom apartment offered by Brook Meadows. Tsunis also noted an addition to the buffer from the road surrounding the development, a concern raised at previous civic gatherings.

Many civic attendees commented on the presentation and civic president Ira Costell welcomed Tsunis back to continue the conversation as both organizations seek a compromise.

Following the North Wind presentation, Laube from HUGS Inc. shared a PowerPoint presentation, addressing addiction, substance abuse and sharing several statistics relating to these issues.

Laube spoke to the increased ability to purchase substances like cannabis and alcohol as dispensaries are opening and, unlike the past, alcohol sold in various locations rather than solely at liquor stores.

The HUGS representative’s presentation included anecdotes from her lived experiences eliciting many reactions from the audience, offering moments of amusement and response to points made. Laube urged the audience to look at each situation a little differently, to seek the truth and to get involved.

The next civic meeting will take place March 26 at the Comsewogue Public Library. For more information regarding the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association visit its website at www.pjstca.org. 

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Pictured above, the PJSTCA executive board. File photo by Raymond Janis

By Samantha Rutt

Nearly 60 community members gathered at Comsewogue Public Library Jan. 23 for the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association meeting. The crowded gathering touched on a wide range of topics from amending and establishing new organizational bylaws, to local fire station renovations and closing with a presentation from developer group, R&M Engineering, of Huntington. 

A few noteworthy officials were in attendance, county Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), former Port Jefferson deputy mayor and state Assembly District 4 candidate Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson), and Skyler Johnson (D-Port Jefferson Station), also an Assembly D4 candidate. 

The meeting began with a brief announcement with regard to the updated bylaws of the association to be reviewed and eventually voted upon. Before the Jan. 23 meeting, the updated bylaws were posted to an online forum where members were able to voice any concerns or objections. The presentation of the amended bylaws was met with a handful of responses from attendees with concerns mainly centered around voting status. It was noted that all members in good standing, having paid dues, attended three or more meetings per year and reside in 11776 ZIP code would be eligible to vote. Additionally, comments or concerns can be placed via the online forum before the official vote sometime in March.

Following the brief presentation, civic president, Ira Costell, acknowledged the community’s representation at a recent Town of Brookhaven board meeting addressing the upcoming Staller development. 

“I want to compliment us as a community, whether we were for it or against it. I believe we held ourselves in good regard in front of the Town Board with decorum, decency and cooperation, which is the hallmark of our community,” Costell said.

The development has been a significant topic of concern for the civic in recent months. Civic member Paul Sagliocca recently filed a FOIL request and learned that 60 people sent emails with regard to the upcoming development, eight in favor and 52 with concerns or objections. 

“The town clerk gave me 60 letters, eight of them were in favor as it stands right now, 52 had concerns whether it was an objection, or they were afraid that it might be [built] too high or an influx of traffic.” Sagliocca said, “We broke down to 12% in total favor of what’s going on there, as opposed to 88% wanting some more input to get to the final product.” 

The meeting continued with another presentation from the civic association president noting the ongoing vote at the Terryville Fire Station for renovations. At the time of the meeting, the station had received nearly 200 votes. The station, originally built in 1974, is in need of repairs and updates. A plan including several updates, will be decided from the Jan. 23 vote.

“The substation on Old Town Road was originally built in 1974, now 50 years old, with the ethic and the culture of what existed 50 years ago, not what exists today,” Costell said. “Volunteers are crammed into every single inch, to the point where it could be unsafe in terms of the ability to respond and maneuver around the facility.”

Costell urged members of the community to get out and vote regardless of their chosen stance on the issue. 

“I think it would be great if we can help support them. That’s just my pitch. Feel free to take a look at the numbers and decide whether or not it’s not your cup of tea. But either way, please just let’s go out as a community and vote,” Costell urged. 

Up next on the docket, developers from R&M Engineering stood before the civic to deliver a presentation listing their proposed 45-unit development, Cordwood Estates. The development property spans 5.5 acres and will be utilized as a retirement community at the corner of Terryville Road and Old Town Road. The proposal includes a plethora of ranch-style homes, each with two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a single car garage. Residents will have access to outdoor space and recreational facilities including sport courts and a pool. 

The audience took turns asking questions and listing concerns throughout the presentation addressing several topics. Among the most pressing concerns were that of traffic increase and poor location of ingress and egress points. A concerned resident took note of the proposed development’s exit points as they neighbored an already dangerous intersection. Additionally, comments were made with concerns for the existing vegetation, sewage and wastewater infrastructure as well as the affordability of the site. The proposal still has to go before the Town Board for approval. 

The next civic association meeting will be held Feb. 27. All other dates and meeting minutes information can be accessed via www.pjstca.org.

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Brookhaven Town Hall. File photo

By Carolyn Sackstein

The Brookhaven Town Board meeting last Thursday, Nov. 30, began at 5 p.m. and didn’t close until after 11. Many residents who attended stayed for the long haul.

The board heard public comments on the application of Hauppauge-based Staller Associates, owner of the Jefferson Plaza shopping center at the intersection of Route 112 and Terryville Road. Staller is seeking a change of zone for the 10-acre parcel from a J-2 Business District to a CRD Commercial Redevelopment District.

The CRD is a new zoning category within the town Code. Jefferson Plaza will be the first property to receive this classification if the board greenlights the application.

A town official indicated that under the conditions of the CRD code, the development would qualify for 280 residential units. The proposal includes demolishing the existing shopping center to accommodate mixed-use development.

Anthony Guardino, partner at the Hauppauge-based Farrell Fritz law firm, represents the applicant. In a presentation, he traced the property’s historical developments, contributing to “an unsustainably high vacancy rate” with today’s blighted conditions.

The CRD code “creates the planning tool which the Stallers are using to redevelop their blighted shopping center into a destination development with a dynamic mix of residential and commercial uses,” he said. “And after many years of planning and design and input from the town and the community and numerous plan revisions, the Stallers believe it is time to put pencils down. It is time to move this project forward.”

He added that the current plan accommodates 280 apartments — 224 of which will be “market rate,” with the remaining 56 units set aside as affordable housing for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The attorney projected that approximately 50,000 square feet of commercial space would be occupied by a restaurant, food hall, retail, office space and health club.

Public comments primarily revolved around building height, density, traffic and emergency services. Ira Costell, president of the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association, stressed the importance of proper planning in weighing these factors.

“There is appetite and willingness to see investment in this parcel,” he said. “While this presents an opportunity, it is incumbent on us to address and mitigate the negative impacts that could follow from the intensive use on that parcel.”

Suffolk County Legislator-elect Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), whose 5th Legislative District includes Port Jeff Station, discussed the possible environmental impact of redevelopment. 

Skyler Johnson (D-Port Jefferson Station) — currently pursuing the Democratic nomination for New York’s 4th Assembly District— placed the proposed redevelopment in the context of ongoing affordability concerns.

“If we continue on this path, we will see not only young people not be able to afford to live here, but older people not be able to retire and downsize as their kids continue to need to stay in their homes,” he said.

Some spoke in favor of the redevelopment project. “I am in favor of the zone change,” Port Jeff village resident Brian Harty said. 

Bob LoNigro, whose family-owned business, Plaza Sports, was formerly in the shopping center for decades, said, “I think it is important for the community to understand who they’re dealing with. We dealt with [the Staller family], who were honorable, honest and caring about my family. They cared about our success,” adding, “I was sitting there thinking this was going to be a war, and it’s not a war. We’ve just got to tweak it and make some concessions and get to the finish line. I would love nothing more than to see that place flourish again.”

The board made no decisions on the application. Residents can continue submitting written comments up to 30 days after the meeting.

To watch the full public hearing, please visit brookhavenny.gov/meetings.

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In this episode, we offer live updates from Brookhaven Town Hall as the future of Jefferson Plaza in Port Jeff Station hangs in the balance. Plus, a shocking turn as a fire engulfs the Tesla Science Center in Shoreham — we unpack the latest details and discuss restoration plans. Winter sports season previews and valuable insights on managing your investments are all in one episode.

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