A Message

from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT

Welcome May! - Although I do admit, it feels more like October! Our Village is coming alive with bold greens and blossoming bulbs and trees! On May 7th, our Farmers Market will have its opening day. Founded through my economic development council, our Farmers Market has become the number one Farmers Market in Suffolk County! So please remember every Sunday to come down and enjoy the Farmers Market at Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park and help support our East End

friends and all the vendors who bring artisanal homemade baked goods, cheeses, and freshly grown and hand-picked produce and flowers! 

As I begin to wind down my days at Village Hall, I grow more and more sentimental each day as I reflect on my 14-year tenure and all the wonderful experiences I have had serving as your Mayor. There have been some significant changes in the landscape and some controversy about the apartments, but it remains part of my long-term vision that the stability that these apartments bring to the tax base, as well as the new residents who help our merchants survive during the shoulder seasons, is an overall asset to our Village’s financial report card. Uptown is beginning to take shape, albeit slowly, but anytime a blighted neighborhood is revitalized and transformed, it will take time. We need to continue to support the uptown revitalization initiative by being patient and creating incentives to help owners of these properties repurpose and support the

initiatives for occupancy over empty windows. With that said, let’s please welcome and support our newest business uptown - Halal City  - bringing a new delicious food experience to Upper Port! 

I am also very proud of our close-knit working relationship with Suffolk County Police. I recently welcomed our new Inspector of the 6th precinct, Joe Condolff, and Deputy Inspector Todd Baron, to our community and thanked them for their service and continued support. In our meeting, Inspector Condolff confirmed we will be receiving two dedicated police officers working every Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 4:00 PM to 4:00 AM who work in direct conjunction with our code bureau, helping keep our Village safe. I’m proud of the new technologies we have implemented such as the license plate readers and our zoom, tilt network of cameras, which connect to the real-time crime center at Suffolk and have proven instrumental in the reduction of crime. 

In closing, I was proud to attend the groundbreaking blessing and ceremony for the new emergency room at Mather Hospital. The state-of-the-art new emergency room will help not only serve our residents, but also the surrounding community. Our hospitals must be looked at as vital partners who not only employ professionals in all aspects and help

stabilize our community but provide critical services saving lives each and every day. My thanks to the doctors, ladies and gentlemen at Mather Hospital, members of the foundation and the Frey Family for your contributions and hard work to make the beautiful new hospital wing a vital part of the Port Jefferson Village fabric.

VOTING IN PORT JEFFERSON

What you need to know

VOTER REGISTRATION:

You must register to vote before you can vote in our Village elections.

You can look up your voter registration at https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

It will show you your election day poll site. It is for your Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York State, and National elections. The Polling place for our Village elections is the Village Center. 

If you still need to register to vote: You can do so by going to the New York State Elections Website

https://www.elections.ny.gov/VotingRegister.html  to see all of the options for registering.

Go to this link to fill out your voter registration form online. https://www.elections.ny.gov/NYSVoterRegistrationFormEnglish.html 

The form is also available in Spanish.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS:

If you cannot vote in person, absentee ballots are available. Here are the details:

• Absentee ballot applications are available up to election day, June 20th, for walk-ins at Village Hall.
• You can complete your application at Village Hall, and you will be handed an absentee ballot to complete.
• You may email clerk@portjeff.com for an absentee ballot application. Please include “Absentee Ballot” in the subject line
• If you prefer to request your absentee ballot application via mail, the last day for the clerk to receive applications for absentee ballots to be mailed to voters is June 13th.

If you have any questions, you can contact our Village Election Official at clerk@portjeff.com

BROOK ROAD PUBLIC HEARING

There is a Public Hearing at the June 5th Village Board of Trustees meeting at 6:00 pm to consider to Amend Chapter 245 of the Village Code to Add Parking Restrictions on both sides of Brook Road between Old Post Road West and Lower Brook Road/Caroline Avenue.

We want to hear your input. Please join us and be a part of the discussion!

TWO NEW WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

A Task Force and a Committee You Can Join

Are you passionate about preserving the natural beauty of your community? Do you have a background in arboriculture or revegetation? Then the Port Jefferson Tree Committee wants you! Deputy Mayor Snaden and Trustee Kassay are currently forming a new task force to assess the trees on Village Property and right of ways, and determine the best way to revegetate. As a member of our committee, you will have the opportunity to apply your expertise to a critical issue facing our community. Your work will directly contribute to the preservation of our environment, and the enhancement of our public spaces. So if you have the skills and the drive to make a difference, we want to hear from you. Join us in this important endeavor and be a part of the solution. Email: trustee-snaden@portjeff.com or trustee-kassay@portjeff.com Sign up today and help us make our community a greener, healthier place for generations to come.

Join the Election Amendment Task Force

Do you want to help to shape the future of Port Jefferson Elections? Then consider volunteering to join the Election Amendment Task Force. Submit your name and letter of interest by Thursday, May 11th, 2023 by emailing Trustee Kassay trustee-kassay@portjeff.com. Make sure you put "Election Amendment Task Force" in the subject line of your email.

The Election Amendment Task Force is a group of residents who are giving input on potential changes to the electoral process in our village. Some of the items they will be looking into are term lengths, term limits, and election dates. By joining this independent resident task force, you can help to guide these important conversations and recommendations.

THE MAY 1ST PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE MARYHAVEN PROPERTY

You still have time to comment

As a community, we have a responsibility to protect our heritage and preserve our history for future generations. That's why the recent public hearing regarding a proposed code change to save a historical building at the Maryhaven campus was so important. The campus is right across the street from St. Charles Hospital (the property owners). We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to all of the residents who took the time to attend the public hearing and give their input. We appreciate your willingness to speak out and share your thoughts on this issue.

We want to remind everyone that your opportunity to have your voice heard is not over. The recording of the public hearing is available on the Inc. Village of Port Jefferson's YouTube channel. CLICK HERE to watch. You can view the hearing and get the most up-to-date information on the issue by clicking the provided link. 

After watching the recording, we encourage you to continue to share your thoughts and concerns with the Board of Trustees. Your input is valuable and will help the board make an informed decision on this critical issue. You can email our Village Clerk at clerk@portjeff.com and put "Response to Public Hearing" in the email's subject line. All responses need to be received by Monday, May 22nd. Thanks!

We are committed to working together with you. Thank you again to all the residents who attended the hearing and shared their valuable input and those who will email their thoughts to our Village Clerk.

from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden

PORT JEFFERSON SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET AND BOND VOTE

At Earl L Vandermulen High School

The school district has provided online resources for residents to learn more about the 2023/2024 School Budget. Go to https://www.portjeffschools.org/departments/business_office to see budget statements and presentations. 

You can view information about the proposed bond, including a video presentation, an architectural plan, the financials, a project list, the estimated debt schedule, the estimated impact, the proposed bond projects, and an archive. Find all of this information at www.portjeffschools.org/bond/home

There is a Budget Hearing on May 9th at 7:00 pm in the high school auditorium. The bond vote will take place during the annual budget on Tuesday, May 16, from 6:00 am - 9:00 pm in the Earl L. Vandermeulen High School cafeteria.

Happy Voting!

SPEED MITIGATION ON BROOK ROAD

Road safety is our priority

The Village has been working to implement speed mitigation measures on Brook Road along the football field. Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden has been working with our Superintendent of Highways, Steve Gallagher, on a multi-stage plan to address this issue. Superintendent Gallagher's comprehensive experience and knowledge have been invaluable in this process.

Currently, there are speed tables in place, and recently the roadway has been repainted to help reduce speed. Studies have shown that wide roadways can be an invitation for excess speed. Narrowing the lines gives a visual cue that can help slow down drivers.

The village recognizes that more needs to be done to ensure public safety. A public hearing is scheduled for June 5th at 6:00 pm during the Board of Trustees meeting held at Village Hall to add parking restrictions on both sides of Brook Road between Old Post Road West and Lower Brook Road/Caroline Avenue. We are eager to hear the thoughts and ideas of the community, as the best decisions are informed decisions. Parking will be added at the bottom of the hill where the road is wide enough to safely accommodate both vehicles and pedestrians.

Another partner in our speed mitigation work is the Port Jefferson School District. They are looking into installing sidewalks along Brook Road, including seeking outside funding to pay for them. This will further improve safety for students and pedestrians in the area.

We are committed to improving the safety and accessibility of our roads and highways. By working together and taking a comprehensive approach to speed mitigation, the village can create a safer and more enjoyable community by addressing the issue on multiple fronts, including education, enforcement, and engineering measures.

NEW FOUNTAINS

Hydration for all

Caroline Ave Park is one place many of us pass by while enjoying the Village of Port Jefferson. The park just got a lot cooler with the installation of a new water fountain. Not only does it have your usual drinking fountain, but it also features a water bottle filler and, wait for it, a drinking fountain for dogs. Yes, you read that right. We're catering to our four-legged friends, too.

The fountain, located at the east end of Caroline Ave Park, next to the Barnum parking lot, is a convenient place for a refreshing water fountain. Park-goers are welcoming the new fountain to quench their thirst and refill their water bottles. And let's not forget about our furry friends; dog owners are enjoying the convenience of the fountain as well. It was installed at the perfect time. Now we are ready for those incoming hot summer days.

With the water bottle filler. Port Jefferson is making every effort to go green, and this is the perfect solution for those eco-conscious folks who want to reduce their environmental footprint while staying hydrated as they are out and about. The filler is easy to use, and park-goers can quickly and easily refill their reusable water bottles.

"The fountain happened because of a collaboration with the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy," said Kevin Wood, Port Jefferson's Director of Economic Development. "Port Paws was a new event organized by the Village and PJHEAC last year. Some of the proceeds from that event were used to pay for our great new fountain. Everyone can stay hydrated, and their dogs can stay hydrated too. It's a win-win for everyone."

We're thrilled to provide such a refreshing new feature to the park, and we know it'll be a hit with everyone in the community. So come down to Caroline Ave Park, and check it out. It'll be the coolest thing in Caroline Ave Park for you and your furry friends.

from Trustee Stan Loucks

News from the Country Club... The golf course conditions are rapidly improving. The fairway grasses have grown in and are improving daily; the tees are excellent, and the greens are fast and true. Our membership has grown to over 600, and yet, everyone seems to be getting to play plenty of golf. We have installed GPS systems on our entire fleet of carts, and members are still learning. "Why did my cart stop moving?" They sometimes ask. These new systems not only tell you how far it is to the greens, but they also are programmed to keep you safe and, at the same time, protect your golf course. Contact the Pro shop if you have a problem. They can see where you are. Other features can also be done with our new devices, such as viewing a menu and ordering lunch. In a short period, we will all be experts in the use of the GPS. 

I'm sure most members know we had irrigation problems during last season's drought. Twenty-one days without rain caused severe damage to many of our fairways. We are looking for a solution. We have brought in a golf course architect and an engineering firm to determine how to capture run-off water.

We have a major sluiceway running along the left side of hole 8. That water runs under Old Homestead Road and into a large sump above Oakwood Road. We plan to capture that water and store it in ponds on the course. The Architect will identify, and the engineers will figure out the route. Achieving this will beautify the course and help solve our water problem. 

Update on the Bluff - it seems that construction is moving at a rapid pace. I have been watching most every day as they grade, lay down heavy burlap, and plant seagrasses on the newly formed slopes. I went down early Monday morning to see if there were washouts from the 5 inches of rain we had. There was no evidence that it had rained. The slopes looked great! This is good news. 

We are very confident that the beach will be opened on the scheduled date of June 24th, maybe sooner, but there will be no lifeguards until the 24th. 

The Parks Department has completely renovated the bathrooms at East Beach - new stalls, lighting, sinks, dryers, paint, and more. Finally, after a closed season, our beach will be open, and the usual programs will return. We are looking forward to a great summer season. 

I wish everyone good health and a wonderful coming season! 

Best Regards. 

STAN

Trustee, Port Jefferson

trustee-loucks@portjeff.com

DON'T BATTLE THE CROWDS THIS SUMMER

No more looking for a parking spot

The Village of Port Jefferson is launching a new ride-share program called PASSPort this Friday, May 12th. It's designed to address the increasing traffic congestion on our roads and parking lots. This new service for residents is similar to popular ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft but is exclusively available for use by residents within the Village of Port Jefferson.

The PASSPort program aims to provide residents with a convenient and affordable transportation option for a night out at local restaurants and bars, a shopping spree in our local boutiques, a trip to the Country Club, or some time enjoying the harbor. By using PASSPort, riders can help reduce traffic congestion and make their travel experience more efficient.

PASSPort will be available on Fridays and Saturdays from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am for $5.00 per person per ride. "We are thrilled to launch PASSPort and offer our residents a new transportation option that will help alleviate traffic congestion in our village," said Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden. "PASSPort is a sustainable solution that will provide a better experience for everyone who travels and parks within our village."

To use PASSPort: 

Simply search "PASSPort Port Jeff ride share" and download the app on the apple store or google play. 

Set up an account

Then, request a ride. 

Our drivers are thoroughly vetted and trained to ensure a safe and comfortable ride experience. The program also offers affordable rates, making it accessible to everyone.

"We are excited to offer this new ride-share program to the residents and visitors of Port Jefferson," said Port Jeffersons Director of Parking and Mobility Kevin Wood. "Our goal is to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable transportation option that will help reduce traffic congestion and make travel and parking within the village more convenient for everyone."

A CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION

In Our Own Backyard

Get ready to experience the ultimate celebration of creativity and innovation at Long Island Maker Faire at the Village Center! This unique event brings together makers and innovators from around the country, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect with some of the most creative minds in the industry.

With the Faire scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, you won't want to miss out on this exciting opportunity. Attending the Maker Faire Long Island event gives you access to a wealth of innovative projects and cutting-edge technology. You'll leave feeling inspired and motivated to pursue your own creative projects, armed with new insights and ideas to help you take your work to the next level.

But that's not all - the Maker Faire Long Island event is also an excellent opportunity to network with fellow innovators and makers. You'll have the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and collaborate on exciting new projects.

Ready to join in on the fun? Head to the Maker Faire website to purchase tickets and learn more about the event. And don't forget to follow Maker Faire Long Island on social media for updates on programming content and schedules. 

We can't wait to see you there!

from Trustee Lauren Sheprow

RE-TREE PORT JEFF INITIATIVE

A Successful Second Year

The Re-Tree Port Jefferson initiative was back for a second year, with 325 saplings distributed to community members at the Port Jefferson Historical Society's Antique and Garden Weekend. The program to restore native plants in our village was organized by our Commissioner of Environmental Sustainability, Trustee Rebecca Kassay. Saplings for this self-sustaining initiative were purchased from the DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery. The donations collected this year will fund the purchase of next year's saplings.



We received 325 saplings—100 white spruce, 100 red twig dogwood, 100 witch hazel, and 25 American hazelnut trees. Approximately 270 saplings found new homes with community members who visited the Re-Tree Port Jefferson table on Saturday at the Antiques and Garden weekend. Forty saplings will be planted in a tree nursery at the Country Club parkland. They will grow there for approximately five years before being transplanted throughout the village. This is a cost-effective way for the village to revegetate parkland and street-scapes with native shrubs and trees.

"Native plants are the foundation of the ecosystem. By educating residents about these beautiful, beneficial species and getting them excited to plant them in their own yards, we are rebuilding habitat for local and migratory birds, pollinators like bees and butterflies, and other important critters. This effort pays back in dividends by attracting wildlife to view in our own backyards, flood mitigation, beautification, and so much more." shared Trustee Kassay "The most rewarding moments of the day were conversations with residents who had planted winterberry shrubs from the giveaway last year, as they all gleefully reported that the shrubs are thriving! Having the next generation of Port Jeffersonians helping to educate local homeowners really elevated the effort's success: Ms. Victoria Snaden's enthusiasm and knowledge were contagious, and we thank her for volunteering her Saturday at this event."

And the best part? You can get involved too! If you're interested in planting natives in your yard or community space, ask your local nursery for native species when plant shopping, and look for Re-tree Port Jefferson next year around this same time. You'll receive all of the benefits of these native shrubs and trees for yourself and for everyone else who lives here.

Trees do so much valuable work for us such as lowering temperatures in the summer, elevating our mental well-being just by being in their presence, binding steep slopes together with their roots, keeping our aquifers filtered, adding a surprising amount to our property values -- just to name a few of the remarkable contributions trees provide to all of us.  While trees accomplish all these things without fanfare, they still need our help to realize their full potential.  Show the trees that give you so much a little love by joining our De-Vine campaign in May.  

English Ivy may conjure images of storybook cottages, but there’s nothing gentle or docile about this plant which can damage buildings and trees alike.  Let’s look at these recommendations from the Three Village Trust for tackling this spreading, creeping invader. For more information from the Three Village Trust, check out this link: English Ivy – Three Village Community Trust.

Ivy suffocates trees, makes pathways for bacteria and insects and makes trees more vulnerable to breakage and falls due to wind pushing against the matted ivy (the “sail effect”) rather than blowing through clean branches.  Ivy also works its way into crevices such as brickwork, window frames and foundation cracks leading to costly repairs.

Once ivy has climbed high into a tree or structure, it produces berries that are attractive to birds.  Before you know it, ivy seeds are spreading far and wide, but here are ways to combat it:

1. Don’t plant it or transplant it - consider non-invasive groundcovers instead.
2. Use small and large tools such as hand clippers, loppers and even hacksaws depending on the width of the offending vine.
3. Pull up small new plants you spot in your lawn or garden beds.
4. Cut back or sever vines growing up from the ground and let them die back before pulling down.
5. Dispose of all vines and roots in the garbage - do not try to compost or dump on roadsides!

Always wear protective clothing, gloves and eyewear.  The oil from English Ivy is poisonous, avoid ingesting it. Take care to avoid skin rashes from exposure to the oil of the plant which is similar to poison ivy.  Here’s a link for more information on English Ivy: https://www.invasive.org/alien/pubs/midatlantic/hehe.htm

Tangling with English Ivy is a longhaul battle.  Try to make the most of your efforts by working in pairs or small groups.  Offer to help neighbors with their ivy in exchange for help with yours.  Consider making an annual Spring get-together with friends and neighbors to keep this creeping menace at bay once you’ve made progress. After all your hard work, you’ll deserve a chance to delight in the de-vine work you’ve done!

Photos taken by Kelly DeVine

from Trustee Rebecca Kassay

What's New in Recreation for May

Easy online Registration @https://portjeff.com/recreation-2/

(631) 802-2160

ADULT

Adult Beginner Tennis

Adult Intermediate Tennis

Tennis Ladder

Cornhole League

American Red Cross Class

Walking Club

Softball League

Dog Training Classes

Meditation in the Park -Free

Pickleball

Senior Clubs

Writer's Journey

Huner's Fitness Programs:

Call (631) 974-4747

Horseback Riding:

Call (631) 802-2160

Karate by Tae Kwon Do:

Call (631) 630-6575

YOUTH

Summer Camp

Discovery Camp

Coed Youth Baseball/Pitch

Basketball Camp

Basketball Coed Clinic

Pickleball

Swim Lessons

Artists & Friends

Teen Tennis Club 12-17vrs

Youth Tennis Green 7-10 yrs

Youth Tennis Red 4-6 vrs

SENIOR CLUBS

Watercolor - Wed

Gentle Chair Exercise- Wed

Book Club - Wed

Here & Now - Thurs

Knitter's Nook/Crochet- Corner - Thurs

Pencil Drawing - Thurs

KAYAK RACK SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE

A few are available at Crystal Brook Hollow Road

We're excited to announce that we have a few open spots available on our kayak rack at Crystal Brook Hollow Rd.  

To apply for a spot:

Visit www.portjeff.com/forms

Click on the Kayak application form under the Village Hall section. 

Print out the application and fill it out completely

Deliver or send it to Village Hall as soon as possible. 

Address your envelope to:

Kayak Lottery, 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, New York 11777. 

Enjoy your time on the beautiful Port Jefferson waters!

Meet our team. Their stories are inspiring, and they provide excellent service to all who live here and visit. We will highlight a new professional every month and introduce you to the most amazing and talented individuals that make Port Jefferson Village so special. These are people who bring their experience and dedication every single day.  When they say it takes a Village, they’re talking about the people of Port Jefferson Village!

Village Officials

Mayor Margot Garant email: mayorsoffice@portjeff.com

Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden email: trustee-snaden@portjeff.com

Trustee Stan Loucks email: trustee-loucks@portjeff.com

Trustee Lauren Sheprow email: trustee-sheprow@portjeff.com

Trustee Rebecca Kassay email: trustee-kassay@portjeff.com

Port eReport

Editor-in-chief - Kathianne Snaden

Editor - Charmaine Famularo 

Graphic Artist - Francine G. Moshe