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A Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
Although news travels very quickly in our small Village, I did want to make a formal announcement here in the eReport that I have decided not to seek re-election for an eighth term but rather retire from my role as your Mayor this coming June. Although this is a bittersweet decision for me, I feel that the Village is in very good hands with the executive staff, current Board of Trustees, and an involved and hard-working Deputy Mayor.
We have accomplished so many things together over my 14 year tenure. I am proud of all the initiatives, from building the EPA pump and water treatment facility to preventing the toxic Lawrence Aviation plume from entering our harbor to keeping our power plant open with an effective glide path. Our beaches and recreational facilities have been upgraded and maintained, and we have started the all-important revitalization of upper Port.
We have accomplished so much while surviving a pandemic and keeping our Village strong. It has been my pleasure working alongside our not-for-profit partners, our community volunteers, and all the residents on our boards and committees who work hard every single day for this Village. I have been proud to serve as your Mayor, and I will remain diligent in the task until my last day of office. Port Jefferson will always be my home - you’ll always be my people, and I will always stand tall believing in Port Jefferson, whether it be for a day or a lifetime.
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REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE PARKING
You only have access if you register
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Just a friendly reminder that you need to get your parking permit before it becomes a challenge. It's super easy to do. With the easy online process at PortJeff.com/residentparking, upload your driver's license and registration for proof of residency, and -BAM- you'll be set up and ready to go!
We now have 974 residents who have successfully completed their parking permits, but we have close to 8,000 residents. So there are probably more of you that need to get signed up. We don't want anyone getting a ticket or missing out on beach days because they forgot to register. We can't wait to see you out on the beaches!
If you have any questions, email permits@portjeff.com
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PJV BOARD OF TRUSTEES HONORS ASSEMBLYMAN ENGLEBRIGHT
A well-earned honor!
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The Village of Port Jefferson was proud to recognize Assemblyman Steve Englebright for his decades of service to our community. The Board of Trustees honored this dedicated public servant with a plaque commemorating his environmental and historical stewardship of the Village. The plaque is located on the Drowned Meadow Cottage on Barnum Ave and reads - With Gratitude to Assemblyman Steve Englebright, "The PRESERVER of our history."
"We thank and honor Steve for his decades of service to the preservation of our environment and history - he is truly a local, regional, and statewide “HERO,” said Mayor Margot Garant.
Mr. Englebright's accomplishments are numerous. His efforts brought the Roe house to its current location, setting the path for our Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum. Recently, he secured over $800,000 to restore the Tooker House on Sheep Pasture Rd., the first home built in Port Jefferson. The Tooker house is now on the New York State Registry of Historical Sites and will be another proudly preserved historical location in Port Jefferson.
His work for Long island saved thousands of acres of pine barrens, preserved wetlands and open space across Suffolk County, preserved and rehabilitated many historic structures, protected Long Island's drinking water, passed landmark climate legislation, invested in clean energy by expanding access to solar, amended the state constitution to guarantee a clean environment for every New Yorker, passed a once-in-a-quarter century Environmental Bond Act, and so much more.
The ceremony was filled with appreciation and laughter. CLICK HERE to see footage of the ceremony.
Thank you, Assemblyman Englebright! You are a gift to our community!
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NEW RESIDENTS NIGHT
Getting to know your Village
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Are you new to our Village? Do you have questions about what services we offer and whom to contact? If so, please join us for New Residents Night on March 30th at 7:00 pm at Village Hall.
You'll meet with the Village trustees and our government department heads to help answer any questions about how your government works and what services and programs are available. This is an excellent opportunity to meet the people who make our Village work for you!
If you're new to our community or just want to learn more about how we run things here in Port Jefferson, this is an excellent opportunity for you to get involved with your local government. If you are not a new resident, please pass this message on to any new residents you know. Thanks!
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Mayor Margot Garant had a great time giving Daisy Troop 2630 a tour of Village Hall and talking about local government so they will earn their Democracy Badge! | | |
from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden | |
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Happy February!
Sure doesn't feel like winter, but even with the warmer temperatures, folks turned out in tremendous numbers to attend the Business Improvement Districts Annual Ice Festival! It was great to see so many businesses come together to support the event. Beautiful ice sculptures, a mac and cheese crawl, and horse-drawn carriage rides were just a few of the fun things to do during the event! Congratulations to all involved!
Looking forward to this summer, I'm happy to announce Port Paws will be held on Caroline Field on July 15th and 16th, and Port Palooza will be on July 29th. Keep an eye out for more details as we get closer to summer.
With the new digital permits, our Resident Parking program has been a great addition. The super convenient process, accessed here at
www.portjeff.com/residentparking, has seen 974 permits successfully processed as of Monday's meeting. Please get yours now.
The Architectural Review Committee continues its work on applications, including one for a bakery in Baker's Alley and the deli building on West Broadway. This committee consists entirely of volunteers, and I want to thank them all for their dedication and hard work!
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At the start of our board meetings, we always have an officer from the 6th precinct attend to give stats and take questions from the community. We were thrilled to have our former COPE Officer, Casey Berry, attend this week's meeting. She reported numbers that are down from last year at this time, which is always great to hear. It was wonderful seeing you, Officer Casey!
With that, I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and a wonderful February!
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Kathianne Snaden
Trustee
Deputy Mayor, Port Jefferson Village
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CODE OFFICERS HONORED
Their bravery and professionalism are exemplary!
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Code officers Sergeant Scott Borrero, Officer Emmanuel Kouroupakis, and Officer Kevin Toner received proclamations at the February Village public meeting to thank them for their efforts closing off the scene and administering life-saving first aid to the victim and keeping everyone safe until Suffolk County police arrived. | |
The Proclamations read as follows: | |
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On the night of December 28, 2022, as there was an active shooter incident in uptown Port Jefferson, we thank you for your team efforts in closing of the scene to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, rendering lifesaving first aid to the victim and keeping all safe until SCPD arrived; and,
The actions of Sergeant Scott Borrero, Officer Emmanuel Kouroupakis, and Officer Toner and his fellow officers are well deserving of official recognition.
They are all positive role models to the community as these officers are not merely giving out tickets, but here to save lives also.
Therefore, as the Mayor of Port Jefferson Village, I do hereby recognize Sergeant Scott Borrero, Officer Emmanuel Kouroupakis and Officer Kevin Toner, on this 6th day of February, 2023, for your act of bravery and heroism and many years of public service. You are truly a valuable asset to our community, and we appreciate and applaud you.
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Thank you for always doing the usual tasks but also doing the extraordinary ones, when called upon. | |
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GOOD SAMARITAN
Takes action to help a stranger
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The residents of Port Jefferson are caring and brave. In fact, we have seen it proven over and over again. We have a story to share with you about someone who fits those categories to a T.
On December 16th, an elderly gentleman drove into the harbor. It was brought to our attention recently that one of our residents witnessed the tragedy and took action IMMEDIATELY. This brave individual took it upon himself to try and save the man who drove into the water. He jumped into the frigid waters to try and help the man get out of the vehicle to safety, putting his own life at risk.
The 50° water (with an air temperature of approximately 42°.) didn't stop his quest to rescue the disoriented gentleman. His selfless actions went above and beyond! He risked his safety in multiple ways because he wanted to help a stranger.
The resident doesn't want to be identified, but ensuring everyone knows about his courage and compassion is important to us. Thank you, Good Samaritan! Your actions are appreciated. You give our community great pride to know you took that risk! You are the perfect example of a hero!
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The Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on March 6th at 6:00 pm to give the board the ability to pierce the tax cap for the upcoming budget. This does not guarantee that the budget will be higher than the tax cap; it gives them the ability to consider all of our budgeting options and make sure that we have all of our bases covered.
This hearing is the time to have your opinions heard. Join us at Village Hall for this important discussion about our community's future!
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, New York, by the Village Board of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson TO CONSIDER OVERRIDING THE TAX CAP AS ESTABLISHED IN GENERAL MUNICIPAL LAW SECTION 3-C, by proposed local law, a copy of which is on file at the Office of the Village Clerk.
At said Public Hearing any person interested will be given the opportunity to be heard.
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from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
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Happy February, Neighbors!
In the coming weeks, Village staff will draw names at random for the Beach Street Garden Lotto and contact our set of 2023 gardeners. Whether or not you have a raised bed on Beach Street, keep an eye out for opportunities to visit the garden for educational, hands-on programs throughout the growing season! The Beach Street gardeners continue to improve this slice of Village parkland, like last year's addition of a pollinator garden and art displays, and 2023 is certain to bring new and exciting outdoor amenities to our community.
Over the past year, I've been working with Elizabeth Hornstein, our local Sustainable and Resilient Communities Extension Professional at New York Sea Grant. Our meetings and site visits have connected Port Jefferson Village with many valuable resources to further our climate resilience and flood mitigation goals.
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Next month, the Mayor and I will join Elizabeth and representatives from the United States Geological Study to discuss the possibility of our Village being selected as a location for USGS's compound flood risk modeling project. We look forward to demonstrating to USGS how highly we prioritize environmental action in our community.
With that, please mark your calendars on Wednesday, April 5th, 6:30-8:30pm, for an interactive workshop where community members will be updated regarding climate resilience and flood mitigation data and actions. The presentation by Campani and Schwarting Architects will be followed by a survey to collect your thoughts, concerns, and questions. This workshop is a component of the Climate Resilience grant project funded by the New York Department of State. More details will be announced at March's Board Meeting and eReport, so stay tuned!
Enthusiastically,
Rebecca Kassay
Port Jefferson Village Trustee
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SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PORT PAWS DOG FESTIVAL AND PORT PALOOZA MUSIC FESTIVAL
We have more amazing Port Jeff summer memories to make!
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Get ready to spend a little time on the waterfront enjoying two of this summer's biggest events!
Join us at the Port Paws Dog Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 15th &16th. The fun kicks off Friday, July 14th, with a "try it" day where you can bring your pooch to Caroline Ave Park for a taste of what's ahead. This is an excellent opportunity for you and your pup to get acquainted with all that Port Paws offers! Bring your favorite canine(s) and enjoy the pure joy of our Dog Festival!
Port Palooza Mini Music Festival will be held on Saturday, July 29th. The day will be filled with sets of live electric music and special performances, all presented at the beautiful Port Jefferson Harbor waterfront.
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UPDATED VILLAGE CODE FOR DOGS
Bring your pups to posted Village Events
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Dogs are now officially allowed on Village properties during our new dog events. Hooray!
The Board of Trustees has updated our Village code to allow canines on Village properties during specific dog events, such as the Port Jefferson Dog Festival and the Dog Trainings classes offered through the Recreation Department. There will be signs at the entrance to these events that confirm dogs are allowed on the property for that event. Once the event is over, the park will go back to a no-dogs-allowed policy.
It is essential that we keep our pups leashed and under control at all times, and of course, we need to pick up any little "gifts" that our dogs leave behind. As long as we are all responsible, our events can be a great time for everyone!
So grab your pup and enjoy this upgrade—you can now take your furry best friend with you when you attend these special events in our community!
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What's New in Recreation for February
Easy online Registration @ www.PortJeff.com
(631) 802-2160
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Adult Beginner Tennis
Adult Intermediate Tennis
Open Basketball
Cornhole League
Dog Training Classes
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
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Art
Summer Camp
Discovery Camp
Coed Youth Baseball/Pitch
Basketball Coed
Floorball Hockey Coed
Ice Skating
Pickleball
Swim Lessons
Teen Tennis Club 12-17vrs
Tennis Coed
Youth Tennis Green 7-10 yrs
Youth Tennis Orange 6-7 yrs
Youth Tennis Red 4-6 vrs
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Senior Clubs -Art Class
Senior Clubs - Book Club
Senior Clubs - Stretches
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TRIPS
NY Botanical Gardens
Broadway: Camelot
Broadway: Pictures From Home with Nathan Lane
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Where is winter, you ask? Well, we at the Country Club and in the Parks Department are not unhappy with the weather that we have been having the past few months. At the Country Club, we have moved our membership office across the street to the Pro shop, where Danielle can better serve our members. We have been able to aerate and re-seed our fairways to prepare for the spring opening. We have been able to get out on the course to prune the trees of all of the dead branches. We have started to place a patio around our new fire pit. We have been able to access and load all of our golf cart fleet onto flatbeds to ship out for the GPS install. We are presently outfitting our well with a new pump. As you can see, a snowless winter (to date) has made us happy. Happy because all of this work could possibly lead to an early opening!
Some good news for the racket sports enthusiast, we now have engineer plans for the development of 6 pickleball courts and three tennis courts. Plans are still being developed about memberships along with open dates for all Village residents. The timetable for the construction of this project is dependent upon the completion of the Bluff project. However, I can now say “ that we will have a racket complex.”
What about the Parks Department? I’m sure they would rather be plowing and shoveling snow - NOT! They are accomplishing work that would normally take place in the warmer springtime.
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They have been able to get onto Erland field to level, add soil, and regrade the entire infield. They are getting all 234 Kayak racks ready for your vessels. This year, the 54 racks at East beach should be open. We have an additional 36 racks at Centennial Park and 144 more over at the Crystal Brook location. Residents who would like a rack can pick up an application starting March 1st. The lottery (if we need one ) will take place on Monday, April 3rd. Remember, you may put two similar-sized vessels on your rack; however, you must have a permit for each one.
The Parks Department has also been able to replace all of the railings along the upper lot at the Country Club as well as placing car stops to protect both the fence and your vehicle.
Additionally, I have been working with Trustee Sheprow and the newly re-established Recreation Committee to identify Parks facilities that need repair and/or a complete renovation. The committee has identified East and West beach bathrooms as the number one priority. We are early in our plans to go after this project and will certainly provide updates as we proceed.
So - nuts to winter (we hope ) - we are in full “ get ready for spring mode.” As you see, our staffs are busy; however, if there are resident or member suggestions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Best Regards and Be Well,
Stan (trustee-loucks@portjeff.com)
Trustee, Port Jefferson
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KAYAK APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE MARCH 1st
That means that spring is on its way!
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It's true! Spring is just around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited.
Starting March 1st, you can get your Kayak Rack Application online or in person at Village Hall.
This year we have 234 racks that can be rented. Centennial Park has 36, 144 are at the Crystal Brook Hollow location, and 54 are at East Beach (The plan is to have East Beach back open). You can have up to two vessels in your designated spot, but both will require separate permits.
To get your application for the lottery online:
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Go to www.portjeff.com/forms.
- Scroll down to the Village Hall section, click on the Kayak application form, and print it.
- Fill out the application and send it or take it to Village Hall by April 1st.
Address your envelope to:
Kayak Lottery
121 West Broadway
Port Jefferson, New York 11777
The lottery drawing will be held during the first week of April!
Please make sure you are in the lottery to take advantage of our warm summer days kayaking on our beautiful Port Jefferson waters!
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NEW EAST BEACH UPDATE VIDEO
It’s ready for your viewing pleasure
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The East Beach Bluff Project is going very well. The steel wall has been installed, the concrete cap is on, and the tie-backs have been installed. The new splash wall will be going in front of the steel wall. The contractor is doing an exceptional job.
They'll start some of the upland work by restoring some of the material we lost to storms at the top of the bluff, and then they're poised to revegetate the entire slope in the spring.
At the top of the bluff, the Board of Trustees has approved a conceptual plan to bring back some pickleball and tennis courts and install more drainage. We were awarded $3.75 million with help from Senator Chuck Schumer through Congress to do this work at East Beach; now we're waiting for FEMA so we can proceed with phase two of this upper bluff project!
It's exciting to see all this progress! You can see it too — click below.
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AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY SERIES
In our backyard
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The Port Jefferson Documentary Series has once again won the "Best of Long Island - Film Festival" for the 7th year in a row.
This is no small feat—but when you see the films they have brought to our Village, you'll immediately understand why they are consistently the winner of Best of Long Island - Film Festival.
The Port Jefferson Documentary Series screens films that play at the biggest film festivals in the nation right here in our beautiful Village. At the conclusion of each film, directors, producers, or other "in the know" guest speakers lead a Q&A with audience members. Venues include our historic Theatre Three and John F. Kennedy Middle School in Port Jefferson Station.
The Greater Port Jefferson Arts Council sponsors this festival. Below is their Spring 2023 lineup. For further information, go to portjeffdocumentaryseries.com .
We hope to see you at the movies!
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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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