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Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright

Setauket Harbor gains 16,000 oysters to aid water quality

by Mallie Jane Kim - December 6, 2024

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Scientists, clean-water advocates, elected officials and Setauket marina owners pose with buckets of shells stocked with larval oysters. Photo by Mallie Jane Kim

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.”

Debate over Gyrodyne development intensifies

by Press Release - November 28, 2024

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Opponents push for new environmental review, cite stormwater and zoning concerns

The Saint James–Head of the Harbor Neighborhood Preservation Coalition and local homeowners have filed an appeal to the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court after their Article 78 petition challenging the proposed Gyrodyne development was dismissed. They have also asked the lower court to reconsider their case, seeking to overturn the Smithtown Planning Board’s preliminary site plan approval and require a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement.

At the core of their argument are claims that the environmental review for the development was incomplete, failing to address severe weather risks and other flaws. Petitioners point to the August 18-19, 2024 storm, which caused the collapse of the Stony Brook Mill Pond dam, as a key example of unaddressed dangers.

This legal action is happening alongside efforts by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Suffolk County to preserve the undeveloped Flowerfield Fairgrounds portion of the Gyrodyne property as open space through a purchase at fair market value.

Environmental Review Under Scrutiny

Petitioners argue that the Environmental Impact Statement relied on outdated data and failed to address the increasing frequency and severity of major storms. “The environmental review of Gyrodyne’s subdivision plan didn’t account for severe weather events like August’s storm or the stormwater runoff that contributed to the dam’s collapse,” said Judith Ogden, a trustee for the Village of Head of the Harbor and spokesperson for the coalition. “If a similar storm occurred with the development in place, the Stony Brook Grist Mill could have been destroyed.”

Experts Support Supplemental Review

Dr. Christopher J. Gobler, a professor at Stony Brook University and director of the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology, provided an affidavit highlighting that the rainfall standard used in the Environmental Impact Statement is outdated. He recommended updating the assessment to consider more extreme storms, such as Hurricane Ida in 2021 and the 2014 storm in Islip that saw over 13 inches of rain.

Dr. Carl Safina, an ecologist and professor at Stony Brook University, also submitted an affidavit. He criticized the Environmental Impact Statement for failing to address harm to marine life, including shellfish in Stony Brook Harbor, from potential pharmaceutical runoff. He also raised concerns about increased traffic congestion and safety risks that could result from the proposed development.

Concerns About Compliance With Local Plans

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket,) a geologist and former New York State assemblyman, noted that the proposed development does not align with Smithtown’s Comprehensive Master Plan. The plan prioritizes higher-density, mixed-use development in downtown areas and near transit hubs, while preserving community character and natural resources. Opponents argue the Gyrodyne proposal, which requires special zoning exceptions, conflicts with these goals.

Calls for a Full Reassessment

“Making sure the environmental review is thorough and accurate is essential to upholding the law,” said Joseph Bollhofer, a board member of the coalition. “Storm events like the one on August 19 are becoming more common. A Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is necessary to fully address these impacts.”

The coalition and plaintiffs argue that without a proper reassessment of severe weather risks, stormwater impacts, and compliance with local zoning regulations, the Gyrodyne development could create significant problems for the environment and the surrounding community.

Suffolk County Legislature honors prolific volunteer Joan Nickeson

by Press Release - November 26, 2024

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Steve-and-Joan — Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright thanked Joan Nickeson for her extensive volunteer work at an event on Nov. 19. Photo from Legislator Englebright’s office

At a Nov. 19 event held at the Suffolk County Legislature building in Hauppauge, all 18 legislators recognized a nonprofit volunteer from their districts.

Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored Joan Nickeson for her volunteer efforts, particularly with the Cumsewogue Historical Society, (the historical society uses the traditional spelling of “Cumsewogue” to honor the area’s Native American roots,) as well as the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce.

“Some constituents reinforce our sense of place through their demonstrative commitment to the things that make and define our communities, and Joan Nickeson, a prolific volunteer, is an example of such a person,” Englebright said. “She is one of the reasons that the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville community has so much heart.”

Nickeson, president of the Cumsewogue Historical Society, was a founding member of the nonprofit in 2009 and helped restructure the organization in recent years.Through presentations and Q&As, the society preserves the history of the area, which includes Port Jefferson Station and Terryville, fostering a sense of place for residents.

For more than five years, Nickeson has served as the community liaison director and recording secretary for the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Chamber of Commerce. She organizes activities such as fundraisers, summer concerts, ribbon-cuttings and holiday events.

Recently, Nickeson received the Volunteer of the Year Award from Literacy Suffolk for her work as a language-level tester for students.

Nickeson is also involved with Old Town Blooms, assisting with community planting projects, including bulb plantings along Old Town Road. In 2012, she was named The Port Times Record’s Environmentalist of the Year for her work with the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association’s Beautification Committee. Her efforts with the committee included collaborating with the Town of Brookhaven to expand the Terryville Greenbelt conservation area around Comsewogue High School.

Englebright described Nickeson as a “hometown hero” during the event and thanked her for her community service.

“Joan, through your personal example you have made us all proud of where we live,” Englebright said. “You have proven time and time again that you are an asset to our community and our county.”

Veterans honored in moving Setauket ceremony

by Toni-Elena Gallo - November 14, 2024

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By Toni-Elena Gallo

On Monday, Nov. 11, local veterans were honored at a moving ceremony at Setauket Veterans Memorial Park.

Hosted by VFW Post 3054, the event began with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” immediately followed by a wreath-laying ceremony. Brightly colored arrangements were placed near the commemorative monuments of those who lost their lives in both world wars, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Family members of servicemen and women, Boy Scouts and other dignitaries including Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright and Town of Brookhaven Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook) participated in the ceremony.

The event concluded with a three-volley salute by current members of the U.S. military.

Bagel Express and owner David Prestia honored at Suffolk County Legislature’s General Meeting

by Press Release - October 9, 2024

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0-9 — Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

Each of the 18 Suffolk County Legislators honored a small business from their district at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Caption: Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright, left, and David Prestia, co-owner of Bagel Express. Photo from Steven Englebright’s office

When tasked with choosing a small business that has made unique contributions to the community, Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) knew Bagel Express in Setauket was the perfect choice. At the Oct. 1 presentation, Englebright described co-owner David Prestia as “a wonderful man.”

“For many years, I have had the pleasure of knowing David Prestia,” the legislator said. “Bagel Express is known for its delicious bagels and catering in the Three Village Area, and Dave is recognized as a businessman who wholeheartedly embraces the community.”

For 30 years, Prestia has been a constant and welcoming presence in the Three Village community. His generosity with food donations and volunteering his time has been unwavering since he opened his first business in the area, Fratelli’s Market Place, with his business partners, Eric Keller and his brother, Michael Prestia.

Three Village residents can find him and his employees preparing food and engaging with their neighbors at countless community events, including the Chicken Hill Barbecue and Culper Spy Day 5K. Prestia is also known for his festive spirit, handing out free hot chocolate and cookies at the Three Village Electric Holiday Parade. He donates food to local trail cleanups, and during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prestia and his team delivered heroes to Stony Brook University Hospital workers.

Bagel Express has also sponsored the Staller Center for the Arts at SBU receptions and is a proud supporter of SBU Athletics. In addition to donating time and food, Prestia offers valuable business and community knowledge as a trustee on the Three Village Community Trust board and as a director of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce.

“David Prestia and Bagel Express are more than just an owner and a business; they are staples in the community,” Englebright said. “Under David Prestia’s inspired leadership, Bagel Express has become a crossroads in our community, where goodwill intersects with and reinforces the Three Village’s indelible sense of place. Thank you, Dave, for all you do and all you have done. You honor us every day and are a vital part of the fabric of our community.”

Port Jefferson Station/Terryville chamber event fills the day with music and history

by Press Release - September 26, 2024

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Visitors to Train Car Park in Port Jefferson Station on Sept. 22 were all aboard for a trip back in time.

The Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce hosted an Antique Train Car Open House along with open mic and karaoke performances. In addition to enjoying music from local residents, attendees were invited inside the park’s 1920s MTA train car. The event was the first to celebrate its 100th year.

Jeff Kito, the chamber’s facilities director, was on hand to provide collages of letters, photos and proclamations that traced the history of the decommissioned baggage car that once traveled from Jamaica to Manhattan. The landmark now doubles as the Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) also attended and was happy to discuss the history of the train car and park with residents. Englebright, during his first tenure as a legislator in the 1980s, advocated for several small county-owned parcels to be added to town properties to create the park.

“I pass here all the time but I’ve never been inside,” said Port Jefferson Station resident Kyle Jackson. With his hand on his heart and his family in tow, he added, “I love trains, and I love Long Island history. This is a treat.”

Englebright said he loved meeting new faces and sharing the train car’s history.

“Sharing these lessons about our community’s history with new generations is what allows us to continue to foster an ongoing sense of place and belonging,” the legislator said.

Harbor Day celebrates the beauty of Stony Brook Harbor

by Rita J. Egan - September 13, 2024

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By Rita J. Egan

Hundreds visited Long Beach in Nissequogue on Saturday, Sept. 7, to satisfy their curiosity about Stony Brook Harbor and the waterway’s inhabitants.

The villages of Head of the Harbor and Nissequogue, along with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor, partnered to host Harbor Day at the Long Beach boat launch with Stony Brook Harbor as its background. Last year, the event returned after a 15-year hiatus.

Nissequogue Mayor Richard Smith presented Peter Scully, Suffolk’s former deputy county executive, with The Friends of Stony Brook Harbor Lifetime Achievement Award. “There is no better candidate,” Smith said.

The mayor congratulated Scully, who resides in Stony Brook and grew up in St. James, on his longtime commitment to improving the health of local waterways, including his work with nitrogen remediation during his tenure with the county.

Upon accepting the award, Scully, dubbed Suffolk’s “water czar” when he was deputy county executive, said he didn’t consider himself a water champion but someone who had been in the right place at the right time on many occasions “working with a lot of outstanding elected officials.”

Environmentalist John Turner, of Setauket and the Four Harbors Audubon Society, accepted the Dr. Larry Swanson Environmental Award from Head of the Harbor Mayor Michael Utvesky.

“Name any endangered part of nature on Long Island, and John L. Turner will be there to help preserve it,” Utevsky said.

Turner said he was honored to accept the same recognition as the 2023 recipient, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket), and the award that bears Swanson’s name.

“I knew Larry and had a great deal of respect for him,” Turner said.

In addition to the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed various activities including live music, a talk by historian Vivian Nicholson-Mueller about harbor life in the 1860s and a dunk tank. Representatives from Four Harbors Audubon Society, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Turtle Rescue of the Hamptons and more were on hand with educational activities and to answer questions about Stony Brook Harbor and its aquatic animals.

Three Village civic weighs options for a revitalized East Setauket Pond Park

by Toni-Elena Gallo - September 13, 2024

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Steve Engelbright — Former state assemblyman, Steve Englebright (D-Setauket,) displaying a map of the Setauket area, as he addresses the crowd on Monday night. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

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.

Rich Leute named Legislative District 5’s Volunteer Firefighter Honoree

by Press Release - September 7, 2024

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unnamed — Legislator Steven Englebright congratulates Rich Leute on being Legislative District 5’s Volunteer Firefighter honoree. Photo from Suffolk County Legislature

For nearly 38 years, Rich Leute, a volunteer firefighter, has selflessly dedicated countless hours to the Setauket Fire Department, demonstrating an immense commitment to his community.

For his dedication to the department and district, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) honored Leute during the Legislature’s General Meeting on Sept. 4. Leute was on hand for the recognition along with 17 other impressive firefighters and emergency services personnel who were also recognized for their efforts and achievements from their county legislators.

Englebright described Leute as “extraordinary” and said he has known Leute for several years through community events and working together on specific projects.

“I can attest to Rich’s dedication as I had the pleasure of working with him on community projects such as relocating three historically significant 19th-century Factory Worker Houses from the fire department’s property to a Three Village Community Trust land parcel,” Englebright said. “He helped save those important nationally significant immigrant housing artifacts of our community, part of the heritage of our community.”

An ex-chief and ex-commissioner, Leute joined the department’s junior program in January 1987. He worked his way up through the ranks and eventually became chief of department. After his tenure as chief, he served two five-year terms as commissioner of the Setauket Fire District.

When Leute’s second term as commissioner ended, he went through the ranks of the chief’s office again and became chief of department for a second time, completing that term last year.

Leute, who has always been one of the fire department’s top responders and most active volunteer members, goes above and beyond in his service. His role as a trustee of the Setauket Volunteer Firefighter’s Benevolent Association and his mentoring of the department’s younger members further reflect his dedication and selflessness.

“Rich, thank you for your service,” Englebright said. “Thank you for placing yourself so frequently in harm’s way at all hours of the day or night and for the thoughtful, caring and effective manner that you bring to everything that you have done. Rich Leute, you have for your adult life honored our community and today we, in turn, are honored to say thank you and recognize your exceptional dedication and indelible leadership.”

Three Village Civic to host community meeting on Setauket Harbor Park Sept. 9

by Press Release - September 6, 2024

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East Setauket Pond Park. Photo by Mallie Jane Kim

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.

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