A Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
Although the groundhog saw his shadow, I am hoping that the next 5 to 6 weeks goes very quickly so that we can look forward to enjoying a nice green spring! I want to thank our snow removal crews, code, and administrative staff for managing this winter's major snowstorms and keeping this community safe. It was a blustery blizzard-like storm with light snow and high winds, which made plowing difficult at times. Despite that, I think we managed it well. Thank you all for staying in and off the roads giving us a chance to get the job done!
On the ice front, I want to thank the Business Improvement District and the Directors and volunteers who made the Village's 3rd annual ICE FEST an amazing success! BURRR!
Down at Village Hall, we are working on the budget in preparation for our hearing come April, as well as some quality of life code changes.
The pressing issue for us is the extreme erosion issue that we are facing at the east beach bluff. It's a complicated issue, so I encourage all to click on the link to watch the presentation made at the February 7th Board of Trustees meeting. The presentation includes images, timelines, approved DEC plans and specifications, pricing for a bond, and estimated impacts. Please realize we continue to reduce direct impacts to the taxpayer as well as work on an upland plan, all while seeking funding from state and federal hazard mitigation sources.
Please stay tuned on this important issue.
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EAST BEACH BLUFF EROSION UPDATE
Protecting the Village's assets is taken very seriously by this administration and is a top priority! Due diligence has been executed at every step, and hundreds of man-hours have gone into this issue. We are working with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the Town of Brookhaven on this issue. Since 2016, we have engaged Coastal Engineers to advise us on appropriate solutions.
This information may be new to some of you, so this information is to catch you up on how the journey has proceeded so far. As you can see, the permits take years to receive from the DEC and the Army Corps of Engineers, and while waiting for permits, more storms happen. We have seen some valuable improvements as a result of our efforts. Our Jetty has been repaired, East Beach has more sand, and sea walls and retaining walls have been upgraded.
The information in the images below is just the basics, but we want to keep you updated.
Here are some ways to gain more information:
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Mayor Margot Garant did a presentation at the February 7th Board of Trustees Meeting that is more comprehensive. This link will take you right to the presentation. CLICK HERE
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There is a new page on the official Village website to disseminate information as it comes in. PortJeff.com/eastbeachbluff. The plans and the Mayor's presentation are available to review but keep in touch because we will be adding more in the future.
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The erosion has been discussed at multiple BOT meetings. If you desire to do a little more research, watch the meetings on the Village's YouTube channel. CLICK HERE
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Join us at future Board of Trustee meetings to hear the latest information. Check the calendar on our official website. PortJeff.com to see meeting dates and times.
Thanks for joining us on this journey! We look forward to creating solutions to a very challenging issue.
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YOU LOOK MARVELOUS!
Great progress uptown
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As we are moving toward spring, it is exciting to see the advancement of the construction uptown. Our uptown community is a growing and evolving entity. These efforts are over ten years in the making, from the planning stages to the shovel in the ground. It has taken great diligence and continual work with all the involved agencies to advance the Village and upgrade upper Port. We are now able to SEE the progress, and our new gateway is looking fantastic! We are proud of our Village's investment of time and dedication to continue the forward-moving progress.
"After years of planning and work, it is a great sensation to approach our Village from our southern gateway with a renewed pride and sense of place. It is the beginning of a safe, new, vibrant, walkable community for both young and old!" says Mayor Garant.
Keep a lookout for all of the next steps in rebuilding uptown. The positive impact this will have on our community will be enormous. The effort is not just about developing new buildings but also about creating a place where people want to live, work and play. We are on a path that will enable our community to grow and thrive for decades to come.
Keep a lookout for the ribbon cutting ceremony in late spring or early summer!
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NYSPTA PARKING CONFERENCE
In our neck of the woods
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In 2022, Port Jefferson will become the first Long Island town to host the New York State Parking and Transportation Association's (NYSPTA) professional development seminar on March 15th. Port Jefferson benefits from the 5o+ attendees who will stay here, eat here and, shop here for the day and overnight. The annual conference brings together parking and transportation professionals statewide to discuss new trends and technologies. Their events are typically held upstate New York, so we are excited that Long Island will be part of the NYS Association's talking points.
Kevin Wood, director of Parking and Mobility and I.T. Administrator for the Village of Port Jefferson, was named the Executive Vice President of NYSPTA. His diligence brought this event to our beautiful Village. We will reap the benefits of Kevin's hard work - Not only will our local businesses benefit, but we will have access to the most innovative solutions to our parking challenges.
Kevin is serving triple duty, Executive Vice President, host, and speaker in their Professional Development Series, presenting alongside other industry experts. This is a win-win for our community. The goal is to help support the local economy while bringing a brand new event to town, thus helping raise awareness of the Village as a great place to visit and do business while bringing cutting-edge knowledge to our parking and mobility department.
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from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden
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Happy February, Everyone!
As spring is right around the corner, I am excited for all the new spring beautification efforts coming to the Village. We will soon be removing the winter snowflakes and blue lights in order to bring about a renewed spring atmosphere throughout the Village. Be on the lookout for new seating at the Gap pocket park, updated Landscaping at Village Hall, and new and colorful flowers throughout the Village.
My focus on public safety continues this month with reminders to all residents to
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always lock your vehicles and do not keep anything of value in them, including your garage door openers or other keys. As we have seen in our Village, as well as throughout the rest of the county, people entering vehicles to take valuables has been on the rise. These are crimes of opportunity and can be easily prevented by remembering to keep all vehicles locked.
And finally, a reminder that all board meetings are the first and third Mondays of the month and open to the public. As always, we welcome your input and feedback. Hope to see you there!
Kathianne Snaden
Trustee
Deputy Mayor, Port Jefferson Village
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NEW MEETING TIME
For your viewing pleasure
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The Port Jefferson Village meeting time is changing to 5:00 pm for the Business meeting and 6:00 pm Public session. These meetings are designed to let the public know everything happening in the Village. You can find out things from recreational activities to major infrastructure matters. There is a public comment time during the 6:00 pm meeting if you have a question to ask or a statement to make. These meetings are the best way for residents to keep up to date. If you can't make the meeting, they will be live-streamed and posted on the Village's YouTube channel. It is called Inc Village of Port Jefferson Official.
We would love to have you join us!
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FEBRUARY AND MARCH VILLAGE MEETINGS
Village Board of Trustees Meetings:
All Village Board Meetings are open to the public. The first Business Monday of every month at 5:00 pm, the BOT's meet in the conference room of Village Hall to conduct the business portion of the meeting. The public is welcome to sit in and listen only during this portion. The board then moves upstairs to the courtroom to conduct the public portion of the meeting and is open for the public to speak.
The Second Board of Trustees Meeting, is usually held on the third Business Monday of the month, is also open to the public, but it is a business meeting only, starting at 3:30 pm, downstairs in the conference room. The public is welcome to attend, but there is no public input.
Planning Board:
The Planning Board is charged with specific duties and responsibilities including: long-range planning; review of subdivision plans; holding public hearings and forwarding recommendations on proposed zoning changes; and reviewing major developments. Decisions made by the Planning Board are binding.
Zoning Board of Appeals:
The Board members review all applications based upon the Village Zoning Ordinances. All zoning designations are represented on a zoning map located at the Village Building & Planning Department, along with a detailed explanation of each designation within the Village Code.
6 Acre Park Committee
The 6 Acre park committee is tasked with developing recommendations for the six-acre parcel located on Highlands Blvd. between the train station and the Highlands at Port Jefferson condominium development. The committee is taking public input by emailing Trustee Rebecca Kassay. trustee-kassay@portjeff.com
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from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
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February is packed with spring planning, and it looks like spring in Port Jefferson is shaping up to be very green and full of warm community events! As you do your own work to prepare and get excited for the warm weather, consider tuning in or showing up to some of these Village happenings:
The January meeting of the Six Acre Park Committee is available for viewing on the Village of Port Jefferson's YouTube page. The Committee's next meeting will be held on Monday, Feb 28th, at 6:30 pm, viewable on YouTube. Please send any comments to trustee-kassay@portjeff.com for Committee review at each meeting.
Applications for the Port Jefferson Village Community Garden at Beach Street were competitive this year, and lottery winners will be contacted by February 14th. Thank you to all who showed interest! Whether you're gardening at Beach Street in 2022 or not, all community members are welcome to attend garden programming throughout the year. Don't miss our first program at 7:00 pm on March 7th: a virtual presentation about square foot and vertical gardening hosted by the Port Jefferson Free Library! Visit the library's website to enroll in this free program.
Residents interested in viewing and commenting on Mather/Northwell Hospital's master plan can view the
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Planning Board's February 10th public
hearing on the Village of Port Jefferson's YouTube channel and email or deliver comments to the Planning Board by February 20th. The proposed master plan includes: expansion of parking; updates to the emergency and surgical departments; modification of traffic patterns; and more.
I am honored and delighted to be working with Village staff and volunteers on the upcoming Village Center show titled "Celebrating Women's Suffrage and the Timeless Collection of Nan Guzzetta," opening Sunday, March 6th, 2:00-4:00 pm. Mark your calendars for this special event: we will have refreshments, special guests, and the opportunity to "take a selfie with a suffragette"!
April 29th is Arbor Day, and a devoted group of residents are working to put a sapling in the hands of every first grader in the Port Jefferson Village School District. These young stewards will have the option of taking their sapling home to plant, or to plant it at the Port Jefferson Country Club as part of the next generation of trees on Village parkland. Either way, as the students grow tall alongside these new Village trees, their long-lasting connection with Port Jefferson will establish even deeper roots.
Looking forward to seeing or hearing from you in one way or another. Meanwhile, stay cozy and think 'spring'!
Enthusiastically,
Rebecca Kassay
Port Jefferson Village Trustee
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CHECK OUT OUR ICE FESTIVAL VIDEO
Stay warm while watching our icy show
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There was joy throughout the Village as residents and visitors delighted in the loud rumble of the chainsaw, and for a moment, forgot about the long, cold winter. The Village of Port Jefferson came alive the first weekend of February when ice sculptures sprouted throughout the Village. The hustle and bustle of chainsaws and artists was joyful music to the ears and brought smiles to all in attendance, young to old.
The Business Improvement District and Village of Port Jefferson pulled together to create a fantastic experience for us all. We can forget the Mac n Cheese Crawl sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. This sold-out event filled the bellies of many happy participants.
Check out this video review! Look for your family or neighbors having a great time at the Ice Festival. Watch the chainsaws buzz wildly as they spray fresh snow into intricate sculptures that create beautiful memories. Enjoy the memories in this video, and join us again next year!
TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS YEAR'S EXHILARATING WINTER WONDERLAND, CLICK HERE.
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FEEDING THE CREW
The deliciousness that keeps them going
There are acts of beneficence that should not go unnoticed, especially when they happen repeatedly. Thank you to our brother Joey Z for always helping us feed our crew during our snow events! They never go hungry when Joey comes to their rescue!
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THEY SHARE A PAINTBRUSH AND PAINT
and a plan to brighten up the community
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A little paint can do a lot of good to spread the joy and positivity of creativity to the community. Thank you to Melissa Paulson and "Give Kids Hope 501c3 for providing programs for our children and seniors at The Village Center! These classes are entirely free and a part of their community enrichment program. Give Kids Hope fills our lives with color!
"We love Harry!" (pictured above on the right)
If this is the first you've heard about this wonderful program, there are more sessions to sign the family up for. Just CLICK HERE.
For adults there is a Friday night special program, "Social Paint Night for Adults," beginning March. Meet friends and have fun. If interested, CLICK HERE.
While these programs are free for the Port Jefferson Village community, registration is required.
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from Trustee Bruce Miller
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Hello Port Jefferson Residents,
I have been busy working with Anthony LaRusso, Director – Strategic
Development and Partnerships, National Grid Ventures. My objective is to try to get tax paying, green, electrical projects on the Port Jefferson Village Harbor property owned by National Grid.
The federal government has approved four national pilot projects for a
total subsidy of $8 billion of funding to produce clean electricity from
hydrogen. National Grid Ventures is working with New York State on the
Hydrogen Hub concept.
I persuaded Mr. LaRusso that Port Jefferson Village is a welcoming
community that would be well situated for such a project and that I could
suggest some key personnel who would be valuable assets in this endeavor.
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The following personnel will be meeting with National Grid:
- Port Jefferson Mayor Margot Garant
- Port Jefferson Trustee Bruce Miller
- LIRR President Phil Eng
- Assemblyman Steve Englebright
- [Our local] Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn
- Suffolk County Legislator Bridget Fleming (Chair of the power
- committee)
National Grid added the following to my list:
- Assemblyman Fred Thiele and
- New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky
The meeting is to take place on February 17th, and we will be able to hear National Grid's vision and provide input. Mayor Garant and I look forward to this meeting.
Bruce Miller
Trustee
Port Jefferson
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It's not too soon to think about summer employment. Just drop-by the Village Center Recreation Dept. on the 2nd floor to pick up an application.
Call (631) 802-2160 with questions.
- Camp Counselor positions
- Lifeguard positions
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IT'S STILL ON ... A FEW BROADWAY TICKETS AVAILABLE |
The Music Man with Hugh Jackman
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Broadway Bus Trip to NYC: Winter Garden Theatre
8 orchestra seat tickets available.
Cost with transportation: $260 Resident, $270 Non-Resident.
Bus leaves Village Hall at 3:30pm and returns right after the performance.
Call (631) 802-2160
or email reception@portjeff.com by Feb 15
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Hello Everyone,
Spring is around the corner, and it's time to get signed up for all of your spring and summer activities.
Our summer camp registration opened on the first of this month, and we have 36 residents signed up. We have room for 130 campers and will hold the registration for Village residents until May 1st. If we have not filled the camps by that date, we will open registration for non-residents.
There are presently over 30 recreation programs listed for the Village Center and the Recreation Department. Please go to our website: PortJeff.com, and click on Recreation to see a complete listing. There are a lot of great programs to choose from.
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Registration for golf membership is very active - we have signed up over 400 members as of last Friday. I want to remind those that have not signed up yet that the rates will be increasing next month. If you have not received a new application, please visit the membership office Tues. thru Fri. from 9:00 - 4:00 or on Sat. from 9:00 -12:30.
For all members who have signed up, you may begin picking up your minimum cards after March 8th. These cards are good for food and beverages at Danfords, The Club, The Waterview, and The Turn, which will open when the course opens on April 1st.
The WHITE BOOK, which contains valuable information for golf members, has been updated. It will soon be posted on our website PortJeffCC.com, and it is recommended reading for everyone.
Stan Loucks
Trustee, Port Jefferson
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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! |
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MEET BLAIR BROWN - While most of us are comfy and warm tucked in our beds, Blair Brown is working at The Village Center, making sure the building is ready for the day's activities, and that is something we all appreciate!
As head custodian, this upwardly mobile young man is responsible for maintaining and cleaning The Village Center and making sure rooms are ready for any events or programs we have going on. Blair's goal is to make The Village Center a clean and orderly place for residents and visitors to come and spend time.
His coworkers have a lot to say about Blair. "Blair loves a challenge and is always willing to think outside the box to complete a task. You often find him on the computer researching ways to save the Village money and completing the task himself. He shows dedication and will complete a job from start to finish. Every Monday, Blair organizes a cleaning/project schedule for the week and communicates that schedule to his supervisor each week…always communicating!" His work ethic and communication skills are valuable assets to this Village.
In our opinion, Blair is most unique because he is happy and willing to help people with anything he can, whether that is information, moving furniture or heavy items, or to help get a party ready by setting up the room for an event. "I want to make people's lives easier."
Blair also enjoys East Beach. One of his favorite activities is to bring his lunch there and enjoy the ocean on a beautiful day. He thoroughly enjoys our beautiful parks and the amazing food choices available here. "One piece of advice I would give to newcomers is - do not try to park at The Village Center on Sundays due to The Farmers Market. The parking is very limited." His practical advice is an excellent example of how Blair works. He is always thinking ahead.
Thank you, Blair. We are grateful that you are part of the team!
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SAY HI TO PAUL BRAILE
What do you get when you cross a NYC lighting director (that has worked on many Emmy-winning shows) and the Village of Port Jefferson? You get the most amazing proms for our graduating seniors, memorable events for our elementary school, plays and professionally lit concerts, and improved events at the Dickens Festival. In short, we get the benefit of Paul Braile's professional experience, background, and strengths! But this is the truly amazing part - he volunteers for all of these events!
Paul's volunteer efforts primarily involve events in Port Jefferson Village. "I take pleasure in working with others to create, develop and devise plans and schedules to execute, network with other agencies, and secure corporate sponsorships," says Paul. "What I enjoy the most, when the opportunity arises, is to purpose my background and professional experience to mentor others and teach about theatrical and broadcast lighting - for example, how to design within budget to meet demands, installation technique, programming and cuing to run a show." he continues.
Hold your hat because Paul's list of volunteer hours is mind-blowing.
He has donated his time to:
The Greater Port Jefferson/Northern Brookhaven Arts Council 2005 – Present
- Elected to the BOD 2022, Focus on Creative Development and Corporate Sponsorships
- The Sunset Concert Series, I shoot and edit each concert using 3-4 cameras
- WinterTide, I installed a theatrical lighting system, program, shoot and edit each concert.
- I wrote a play titled "Generations" - We staged the play, with lighting, at the Port Jeff Public Library.
The Charles Dickens Festival 2005 – Present
- Theatrical Lighting at Santas Workshop. In 2005 I installed theatrical lighting at (16) locations across the Village, including the Village Center, the Ice Rink, East Main Street, and The House Tour.
- Projection onto Village Hall. Mapped out and installed two long throw projectors to deliver one image onto Village Hall
- Install over 100 snowflakes at the Village Center for the Chamber of Commerce
The PJHS Senior Prom 2005 - 2021
PTA Events (M.S. Halloween Dance) 2021
Scraggy Hill Boys/Girls Events 2013-2017
Homecoming Pre Game Event 2019
Local Political Campaigns 2017 – Present
SEPTA 2019
- Volunteered my services to produce, shoot and edit a series of promo videos to help broadcast news, stories, and updates from SEPTA.
The Neighborhood House in Setauket 2006 - 2010
- Volunteered to light their Annual Artist Exhibit
When Paul commits to a project, he goes all in, from creating a beautiful aesthetic to improving safety procedures. "I identify areas that require an upgrade in both safety protocol, as well as revised methods and plans to execute the overall event(s)," says Paul. He participates and collaborates with other volunteers to give back to our community. "Over the years I have developed, strengthened and maintained strong relationships with many in our Village and many friendships have developed as a direct result of contributing and giving back" Paul continues "I believe it's important to give back when you can and create a positive impact in your community."
The world is Paul's stage, and he chooses to donate his time and energy to our Village generously. It's great to be the benefactor of someone who has an impressive pedigree! Paul has worked in lighting for network television for over 25 years. "The Ru Paul Show" at VH-1 was the first show he programmed. Since then, he has worked on shows that include "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", "The Grammy Awards", "The Super Bowl", "Glee", "Live P.D.," and "A&E Live By request", to name a few. His current project is "Van Gogh" the exhibit in national and international locations.
Thank you, Paul! Your dedication to this Village is inspiring!
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SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING |
Protecting our streets and parks is a top priority. Our 'See Something - Say Something' campaign is designed to make you a part of the solution. Signs are being posted throughout Main Street, in both uptown and downtown areas. The phone number of the supervising Code Officer is prominently displayed on each sign. We encourage residents to report any suspicious activity or other hazards. If you see something unusual or witness any concerning behavior, call (631) 774-0066. The Code Enforcement Bureau will secure the scene immediately, investigate the situation and work with SCPD. Our Code officers have a well-established relationship with SCPD. Many of them are retired, active or auxiliary officers. We also have security cameras on our streets. SCPD’s real-time crime center is tied into our camera system and can monitor them when necessary. All crimes are reported to Suffolk County Police. It will take all of us to be proactive and diligent to continue with the good work that has already been established. |
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Village Officials
Port eReport
Editor-in-chief - Kathianne Snaden
Editor - Charmaine Famularo
Graphic Artist - Sue Orifici
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