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Ron Borgese

Cleanup efforts are underway at the Stony Brook Mill Pond. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Wednesday, Nov. 20, construction began on Mill Creek Rd. in Stony Brook Village, following August’s catastrophic flooding. The storm not only collapsed the road, but emptied Stony Brook’s Mill Pond, caused destruction to surrounding homes and displaced the area’s wildlife.

According to Gloria Rocchio, president of the Ward Melville Heritage Organization, it is a bit of poetic justice that construction began on Wednesday, as it was “exactly 90 days” since the flood hit. However, the rebuilding of Stony Brook is far from complete.

“The Town of Brookhaven will be doing the road and they’re in the design stage at this point. As for tomorrow, they’ll probably start taking down trees,” said Rocchio. “They’re going to start clearing what’s in the creek, because right now, there’s pieces of cesspool down by the grist mill. There’s also a white film on some of the muck, which I heard is detergent, meaning every time the tide goes in and out, the water is taking it to different places,” she continued. The Grist Mill, a Stony Brook staple since 1751, may have up to eight feet of “sand and muck” impacting its turning capabilities, Rocchio said.

Rocchio described the aftermath of August’s storm as “all-consuming” but said she is focused on rectifying the situation and restoring the Stony Brook Mill Pond to its former state.

The WMHO president also stressed the importance of avoiding the collapsed area on Harbor and Main streets as well as the drained Mill Pond itself. She explained that curious passersby have been found standing in the creek, Mill Pond and mud near Harbor Rd. “When we did a cleanup with volunteers, someone got very badly stuck in there. It is like quicksand,” Rocchio said.

In light of the federal government’s response to Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday that Suffolk County’s flood damage is “not of the severity and magnitude to warrant the designation of Individual Assistance,” Rocchio said many homeowners, including Ron Borgese—a man who lost a portion of his home on the corner of Main St. and Harbor Rd.—have been left reeling.

“Apparently, the area is not devastated enough, but I don’t know how much more devastated you need to be,” Borgese said in a phone interview.

“The house is condemned and the property is shot. So far, I got nothing from anybody.”

Borgese is currently staying with family while awaiting word on assistance. He does not have flood insurance.

Rocchio said the community’s support during this time has deeply touched her, noting that people have donated amounts ranging from $50 to “thousands.”

In the coming weeks, WMHO will host a Christmas auction to raise money for storm damage relief.

For more information on FEMA’s decision, visit www.tbrnewsmedia.com.

By Toni-Elena Gallo

Newlyweds Ron Borgese and Hui Yan have suffered a setback to their lives together. But, an adorable puppy has managed to smooth it over a bit.

At 2:30 in the morning on Monday, Aug. 19, the couple’s tiny bichon, Snowy, startled them with loud barking. What they woke up to was catastrophic.

Last week’s severe rain storm destroyed the dam which separated Stony Brook’s Mill Pond from Stony Brook Harbor, and the Borgeses’ Main Street home was in the process of being demolished.

“We left the house, not in fear, but because we thought we might get wet, because a tree fell on our roof, and we thought we saw it come through the roof a little bit. We had no idea what was occurring, because the basement wasn’t even flooding. Then, all of a sudden, we had a torrential 1 foot, 2 foot, 4 foot — all in a half-hour’s time,” Borgese said.

He continued, “Because the dam broke, the whole Mill Pond rushed through a massive hole, which ultimately ripped off our bedroom, and the rest of our house is now condemned.”

Borgese said that Snowy is “our hero right now.” He said that if it wasn’t for him, there would be no doubt we would’ve been swept away with the currents.

As of now, the family is living in a hotel as they determine their next steps. And Snowy is doing great.

“We are waiting to hear from the insurance company, but they’re not cooperating very nicely, so far,” Borgese added. “So, I’m sure hoping that they’re going to do the right thing. If not, we’ll have to figure out what to do.”

He is hoping that FEMA and the Red Cross will be heavily involved with the repair efforts needed in Stony Brook village, and that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is serious about her promises to the area.