June Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
As we head into the summer season, the Village is once again vibrant and bustling with residents and visitors.
We have major projects moving forward with the completion of two retaining walls, one at East Beach and one on Highlands Boulevard. Later in the month, our roads will begin to be paved in pocket neighborhoods as well as some major arteries in lower Port Jefferson.
Our Summer Concert Series, Movies in the Park, and our Children’s Summer Programs at the beach are full steam ahead. It’s so inspiring to have our Village back to almost 100% and to see people out smiling, hugging, having a great time, and enjoying each other‘s company!
Our tax bills are out. I want to thank everyone for being patient with us and for supporting all of our initiatives to maintain basic services such as our branch and leaf clearing project. FYI…we remain the only Village in the state of New York that continues with this program.
We will be celebrating summer with a full fireworks display this year including an extra bang at the end because we all deserve it after the misfortunes of 2020. I want to wish you all a very happy summer. I will see you down at the Farmer's Market and at all of our special venues enjoying the beautiful weather and each other.
God Bless!
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LIPA UPDATE
Advocating for our Village!
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Earlier this month, Mayor Garant and Trustee Miller met with the executive team at Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) including CEO Tom Falcone. The focus of the meeting was the future of the Port Jefferson Power Plant given the fact that electricity demand will continue to rise. LIPA is planning on releasing a new report in 2021. It will analyze increasing energy demand, how current sources are doing, and the future energy needs of Long Island. It was important for our Village to be a major part of this discussion.
All of this falls under the mandate from the New York Power Authority to convert to clean renewable energy and be at 100% non-fossil production by 2040. Mayor Garant and Trustee Miller will continue to advocate with LIPA for the repurposing of our power plant that explores the usage of battery backup, more efficient uses of different types of energy - including hydrogen, as well as other effective options to support the wind and solar power initiatives for Long Island.
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As the busy season ramps up many are looking at our Parking Department for creative solutions. We have decided to move ahead with bringing back the Stony Brook Shuttle to bring in patrons to eat and shop without their vehicles which is a win-win for everyone. This year Stony Brook University has agreed to share in half the cost of the shuttle.
As always, we keep an ongoing dialogue with Village businesses as to their parking needs and issues. In doing so, we discovered the PJ Lobster House thought their customers would appreciate a meter kiosk right inside their restaurant. We quickly went to work to find the best way to make this happen. Look for a new kiosk to be installed in the very near future in the vestibule of the restaurant.
Our newest parking lot at Barnum Ave has seen over 3000 parking sessions since it opened and everyone is loving the counter letting motorists know how many spaces are available at any one time. That lot has an EV charger and the parking department is currently reviewing lots on the East side to find the next EV charger location.
A trip to the Real Time Crime Center at
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Suffolk Police Headquarters taught me about the latest technology being used and how it integrates with our Village cameras. Keeping our Village safe is a top priority. Additionally, I attended the 6th Precinct Community meeting to stay in touch with what Police are dealing with throughout Suffolk County.
Our Constable bicycle unit has been patrolling the Village and is a part of our task force to help combat the dangerous and reckless behaviors on Village streets.
As reported by Cope Officer Casey Berry, crime numbers are down in Port Jefferson and "(she) thinks that looks beautiful for Port Jeff Village". Huge thank you to the Suffolk Police Cope Officers for all they do for our Village.
Keep a lookout for our Business Improvement District's ad campaign on News 12 promoting our wonderful outdoor dining through the summer.
We are also happy to report that this year's graduating class will be able to enjoy a live graduation with four guests per student as well as a Senior Prom!
Best of luck to the Class of 2021!
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COLLABORATIONS WITH SCPD MAKE US SAFER
Synergy at it’s best!
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Port Jefferson Village was proud to be the first Village to be hooked up to the SCPD Real-Time Crime Center in 2019. SCPD now has around 4,000 integrated cameras. This network of cameras has been created to deter and solve crimes and make sure that our Village is safe. It’s an advanced technology type of policing. As a result, we are seeing change the way communities fight crime in Suffolk County and beyond. This collaboration has already produced exciting results for our Village. |
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CREATING SOLUTIONS!
Process, Pivot, Protect
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At the May 17th Public Village Work Session, these new codes and code improvements were passed to keep our Village safe and and healthy.
• The first new code keeps our residents and visitors safe while enjoying park amenities. It prohibits the operation of bicycles on athletic fields, courts, and other areas within Village parks.
• The second new code is pursuant to a resident request citing the safety our children. It prohibits parking/standing on south side of Caroline Ave from Randall Ave to Oakes St. Safety is our priority. If you have safety concerns, please let us know so we can take appropriate action.
• This Amendment to Section 181-6(M) of the Village Code prohibits the use of cannabis on Village property. The code already existed for smoking and was amended to add Cannabis to the no-smoking ordinance.
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from Trustee Bruce Miller
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Been busy for Port Jeff.
Recently, Mayor Garant, our power issues consultant, and I met with LIPA CEO Thomas Falcone and his senior staff regarding the future of the LIPA/National Grid property. One objective was to discuss LIPA’s projections for future power use. (Of obvious concern to the continuing functioning of the plants on the harbor and our tax revenue stream). LIPA is the only power supplier in the region projecting using less power in the future than the present. I had observed that major car companies are committed to all-electric vehicles in the near future combined with the projected Long Island GDP increases alone, suggest stable or slight growth.
I had seen commercials in Florida with a young girl in a fresh meadow. The commercial suggests how clean and fresh Florida will be because Florida Light and Power are using clean hydrogen power. I suggested if LIPA were to develop an experiential hydrogen plant on the Port Jefferson property; that this would be good for LIPA’s image as well as our own.
I had asked Kara Hahn, our Suffolk County Legislator, for information regarding the progress of the Lawrence Aviation, Federal, Super Fund site.
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Suffolk representatives from the Suffolk Land Bank responded with a Zoom presentation of plans and designs for the future of this property (125 acres on the other side of Sheep Pasture Road and the LIRR.
A good part of the presentation pertained to the LIRR. Provisions were mapped out for a new rail yard (important for electrification) and a new station, west of Route 112/25A (no more traffic crossing). A track and sidings plan was laid out on the Land Bank map.
Lastly, about a year + ago, Margot and I were to have a meeting with Phil Eng, LIRR President. This, as it turned out, was the first day when everything closed because of Covid. The meeting never happened. We are trying again, but with greater difficulty. Ridership on the LIRR has plummeted and funding for anything new has its problems. We would like to talk to Mr. Eng because I feel there is a small window of possibility for electrification in a possible federal infrastructure bill. This is only possible if planning can be brought up to the “Shovel Ready” state.
I am also working with the Sierra Club and the U.S. Green Building Committee, L.I. Transportation sub-committee.
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MORE PAVING
It's happening... Monday June 21st and Tuesday June 22nd
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Suffolk Paving will mill the following roads to prepare them for paving. The paving will be done three to four days after the milling, weather permitting. We ask that you please remove any vehicles from these roads while this work is being performed. Thank you!
- East Broadway (Main St. to East Main)
- Arden Place (Main Street to East Main Street)
- Second Avenue (N.Country Road to Pine Hill Road)
- Hillcrest Avenue
- Laurel Avenue
- Avon Drive
- Hill Drive
- Corie Court
- East Beach Circle
- Columbia Street
- Barnum Avenue
- Caroline Avenue (westerly corner of Brook Road and lower Brook Road to Randall Avenue)
- Brook Road (Caroline Avenue to Village Parking Lot)
Here is the bonus - Port Jefferson Village received an increase from New York State’s Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) our funds increased from $212,000 to $324,000 to spend on roads, drainage, curbs, and sidewalks.
Great news for the quality of our infrastructure!
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Your point of view is valuable…
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Do you have an opinion about the new stoplight installed at the intersection of Liberty and Main Streets?
Here is the most effective ways to communicate your opinion to the appropriate officials.
Email Karyn Meyer, NYSDOT Director of External Government Relations,
AND
Call or email Senator Anthony H. Palumbo,
(631) 473-1461 Long Island Office,
(518) 455-3121Albany Office
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REMEMBERING AND HONORING
Their service to our Village will not be forgotten!
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On May 27th, the Village held a dedication ceremony for two benches honoring two exceptional individuals. A bench honoring Peter Graham, our longest sitting judge, was dedicated to highlight his passionate and numerous contributions to the community as well as his memorable moments. And a bench honoring Mr. Jerry Spiliotis, who gave us the gift of creating amazing memories through his time as manager at the Port Jefferson Country Club. Both of these men were beloved residents. Their family and friends gathered for presentations with plaques that included wording created by their families.
The benches are located alongside the Fifth Season restaurant. The entire project was made possible by an endowment to the Village, made by resident, Lee Rosner.
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THANK YOU, HOMETOWN HOPE!
“Our Flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of Every Fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman & Marine who protected it." -unknown
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Veterans are our neighbors, our friends, and our family members. They bravely served our country, and deserve to be recognized for their sacrifices.
A local not-for-profit, Hometown Hope, created a strong sense of community pride through their Village Flag Project. They installed and dedicated flags in front of Village Hall to:
Fred “Pops” Gumpus who served in the Army Air Corps during WWII
James von Oiste who served in the Marines in Korean War
David Still who served in the Navy in Kosovo and Iraq
Victor Gronenthal who served in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan
At the memorial, Hometown Hope along with Legislator Hahn, Mayor Garant, Trustee Snaden, Trustee Loucks, Port Jefferson Fire Department, and their families created a great sense of pride for our community and helped reflect the sentiment from our Village to honor our fallen heroes! Hometown Hope's efforts created greater awareness of veterans, and that helped make our little Village even more special. Thank you for your initiative! Everyone loved it!
Hometown Hope has more great initiatives coming. They are working on summer fun by providing paint pens at local beaches to make paint rocks, beach clean-ups, and supporting local residents in their time of need.
Their first annual Gala is on July 31st at the Village Center.
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from Deputy Mayor Stan Loucks
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Happy June! We have a lot of exciting things happening so let’s jump in...
We are presently making new plans for our senior citizen’s programs. Starting September 8th, come down to the Village Center and enjoy. Make sure that you let the seniors in your life know.
We have an adult rowing programs, fitness programs, tennis and golf lessons. Sign up and join us. These are all great ways to improve your fitness.
We have a new soccer program called “SOCCER SHOTS” it takes place at Erland field on Monday and Saturday at 9:00 am. Our Multi-Sport camps will run from 9-12 o’clock during the months of June, July, and August. We still have a few openings for our full-time summer camps. These camps run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Our beaches are scheduled to open on Friday, June 25th. Please note that the location for Lifeguard coverage for swimming this year will be moved towards the eastern end of East Beach somewhat West of the Kayak Racks. This will also include the summer camp swimming programs. Since this will be a new location, we have scheduled a DIVE
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SEARCH of the new area. This will take place during the week of June 14th. The purpose of this search is to determine that the area does not contain anything that could be potentially dangerous.
At the country club, the tennis courts and the Golf course are both in great condition and our membership numbers are the highest they have been in 7 years. It is an amazing facility and I would like to invite you to organize a time to come and see it. It will be worth your time.
For the country club members, I want to talk a little about the present Covid Restrictions. There has been confusion related to the wearing of masks. New York State still has the following rules for our tennis, golf, and eating facilities. If you are in the pro shops or the membership office, you must wear a mask. If you are entering or standing in THE TURN or THE CLUB you must wear a mask. Members and their guests need to adhere to these guidelines. Any non-compliance could lead to heavy fines or even closures.
I hope to see you all out enjoying our beautiful recreation amenities!
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PORT JEFFERSON COUNTRY CLUB |
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We are a waterfront private club offering tennis and golf, set on a 170-acre property overlooking the Long Island Sound. Our club features a Championship Length 18 Hole Golf Course • 8 Lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts • A Magnificent Clubhouse with a Full-Service Restaurant, Extensive Catering, and Locker Room Facilities.
To join contact Jenn
(516) 695-6951
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EVENTS
Every Friday night there is Live Music from 5pm to 9pm at The Turn
Saturday, June 19th - Jake's Giant Jenga
Sunday, August 15th - Feast on the Fairway
Thursday, August 26th - Resident Golf Outing
Monday, September 6th - Summer Lobster bake at The Waterview
Sunday, October 10th - Goodbye Summer BBQ at The Turn
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4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS ARE ON
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Safety first!
We’ve got you covered…
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Divers will be at both East Beach and West Beach on June 14th removing any debris from the ocean floor so people can swim without worrying about anything that might be under the water. This is a service done before the beach opens every year. It’s another way that our Village is keeping us safe!
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from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
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Summer is here and I hope that you and yours are spending more time outside, relaxing at our glorious beaches, watching sunsets over our harbor, and enjoying our delicious, dynamic downtown. As a Trustee, I am always looking for ways to ensure the maintenance and improve upon the multitude of amenities we share in this Village. Early successes of my concepts such as the Beach Street Community Garden and Prohibition at East Beach encourage me to continue bringing more environmental and business experience and ideas to the fruitful table I share with my fellow Trustees and Mayor. Never forget that Trustees are your representatives, so let us know your visions for the Village: residents are welcome to email their own PJV thoughts, concerns, or ideas to me at trustee-kassay@portjeff.com.
I am thrilled that we have the first-ever crop of Beach Street Community Gardeners claiming all 20 available raised beds and starting their gardening later in June. These gardeners will grow their own organic crops through November, but we invite ALL interested green-thumbs (or experienced or
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aspirational) to sign up for the PJV Community Garden email list because everyone- resident and non-resident- is welcome to the Garden's workshops and programming held throughout the year. The Garden's first-ever program is planned for Monday, July 19th at 6:00pm, featuring a Best Practices for Organic Raised Bed Gardening workshop through Cornell Cooperative Extension, generously supported by the Port Jefferson Public Library. Be sure to mark your calendars, too, for the Beach Street Garden's ribbon cutting on July 10th- details TBA!
I invite you to come celebrate with me at this Saturday's ribbon cutting party and beach cleanup, welcoming Port Jefferson Village's first beach basket station at Centennial Park (aka 'the dog beach'), from 10:00-11:00am, June 12th. There will be live "beach-rock"-style music, local cold-brew coffee, and a ton of fun to share in. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends, and forever be able to say you were there for the launch of this awesome new addition to our park.
See you out there!
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WOWED BY OUR COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS!
Community Garden Big Build Day!
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Between 9:00am and 6:00pm on Saturday, May 22nd, 32 volunteers each contributed anywhere from 1 to 9 hours towards the building of the Beach Street Community Garden. Enthusiastic volunteers found out about the build opportunity through the PJV Community Garden mailing list, the Garden's table at the PJ Farmers Market, the Port Jefferson Rotary Club, and Hometown Hope.
The team accomplished as much as we hoped to on Saturday. On one of the hottest days of 2021 so far, volunteers assembled 24 raised bed kits- each with about 150 pieces in the kit, lined the bottoms of each bed with cardboard, installed 25 fence posts, dug a 12" trench around the perimeter of the garden, installed a poultry netting rodent guard, AND moved about 9 cubic yards of topsoil into the raised beds. We are overjoyed and enormously grateful to Holmes Irrigation for donating his company's time to move the remaining 9 cubic yards of topsoil into the beds as they finish installing the drip-irrigation system.
Looking at how far this project has come in such a short span of time - only 5 months!- it is easy to become overwhelmed by gratitude for this community, the passionate individuals who stepped up to the Community Garden Committee, and community stakeholders who didn't hesitate to ask how they could help make it happen. On Saturday, we kept saying "many hands make light work," and that was true for the day as well as the project at large.
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SATURDAY JUNE 12th, RIBBON CUTTING PARTY
Let’s Celebrate...
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Don't miss this Saturday's ribbon cutting party and beach cleanup to welcome Port Jefferson Village's first beach basket station at Centennial Park (aka 'the dog beach'), from 10:00-11:00am, June 12th. There will be live "beach-rock"-style music, local cold-brew coffee, and a ton of fun to share in. Bring your family, neighbors, and friends, and forever be able to say you were there for the launch of this awesome new addition to our park!
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MEET THE TEAM...
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 BARBARA SAKOVICH - She is a problem solver, organizer, liaison to the public, detail manager, absolute powerhouse, and wonderful human being! Her official job title is Village Clerk and Assistant to the Mayor but what she does expands far beyond her titles!
Barbara appreciates her work. "I love people. Meeting, working, and creating relationships with people from so many sectors, is the best part of my job. I have the pleasure of working with wonderful people employed by the Village, have worked with so many local and county officials, business owners, and residents. I work hard to build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation with everyone…plus I have the greatest commute to work."
We are extremely proud of Barbara’s success story. She started working at Village Hall in 2010 as the assistant to the mayor. Barbara quickly learned every task bringing a very sharp skill-set including her ability to take shorthand, type like a whirlwind, and most importantly she is an effective communicator. As the village began to tighten the budgets, Barbara took on the task of deputy-clerk when the prior clerk relocated. She folded two jobs into her daily work routine. Barbara was then appointed clerk of the Village of Port Jefferson, folding three jobs into her schedule still performing on-point every day with a smile. Barbara has been the perfect person to get the job done and connect the village government to the people. She is positive, enthusiastic, energetic, and always the first person at work. She never says “no” to any tasks presented to her.
She continues to educate herself and aspires to learn. Her most recent accomplishment is an appointment to the Long Island Village Clerks and Treasurers Association as the Suffolk Director.
Barbara raised her 3 daughters in this Village and has a 1-year-old granddaughter. "I absolutely love where I live and love coming to work every day. I enjoy keeping active by exercising daily, walking the hills of Port Jeff, bike riding, playing pickleball, and my newly formed passion for golf." And when asked if she has any advice she replied "Do something nice for someone every day…. And make sure you laugh frequently!!
Barbara approaches her work with a high level of expertise, efficiency, and kindness. She knows how to get the job done and does it with style.
Our Village is lucky to have her!
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The SCPD Whiskey Unit will be working hand in hand with our code officers. They are 2 Suffolk Police Officers specifically assigned to our Village. We are grateful for their presence!
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The CVS intersection on Main Street is getting a crossing guard for increased safety. The guard at the intersection of Liberty and Main Streets will remain in place.
Village officials have worked with the school district administration to create proactive plans about concerns surrounding student dismissal at the high school due to traffic congestion. A plan has been installed until the end of this year, and now a long term solution will be created. Teamwork makes the dreamwork!
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Are you a performer? The Jill Nees-Russell Stage at Harborfront Park is your place for everything from dancing to acting, to music, and even puppet shows! You are cordially invited to sign up for a time slot on our stage. Here is the link https://portjeff.com/performancestage/
We look forward to seeing your performances!
Our Seniors Group is back! Join now and spend Wednesdays with your friends. Join us Wednesdays 10am to 2pm at the Village Center for our Senior Group; sip coffee, share laughs, and make new friends. If you know a senior that might be interested, invite them to be a part of the group!
Snack Shack Hours: Until July 1, hours are: Friday - Sunday 12:00 - 6:00pm.
July and August hours are, open everyday except Wednesday, 12:00 to 7:00 or 8:00 pm.
The new Barnum Parking Lot has 3,015 parking sessions since it opened up on May 7th and 45% of them were recored by QR code. That is 1 months worth of parking. Great job!
There are 2 Electric Vehicle Chargers located in our Village. One in Barnum Lot and one near Rocketship Park. While you’re enjoying all of the beautiful amenities in our Village, you can charge your car!
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LOOK WHO'S GONE AL FRESCO
Spoil yourself...
Enjoy vibrant outdoor dining spots and a wide variety of food.
Here is where you can go for outdoor dining.
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- Danfords Hotel & Marina
- Port Bistro & Pub
- Slurp Ramen
- Tommy’s Place
- Grumpy Jacks
- Nantuckets
- Tiger Lily Café
- PJ Harbour Club
- Toast Coffeehouse
- Lobster House
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- The Whiskey Barrel
- Ruvo Restaurant
- Pasta Pasta
- Barito
- Billies 1980 Saloon
- Steamroom
- PJ Brewing Company
- Z Pita
- Prohibition Kitchen
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NOW OPEN
We would like to extend a warm welcome to the Village’s newest businesses. We hope they will soon become your local favorites!
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THE WHISKEY BARREL
Barrel Strength Quality is more than just a slogan, we take quality very seriously - so seriously that we aim for it to be “barrel strength.” What does that mean? It means no compromise! Simple ingredients, great tastes and a fabulous experience are what you will find at THE WHISKEY BARREL.
Hours 11:30am - 12am
138 Main Street
Port Jefferson, NY 11777
(631) 743-9418
www.thewhiskeybarrelpj.com
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PJ HARBOUR
CLUB
PJ Harbour Club is a fine dining restaurant with signature cuisine served informally in a comfortable ambiance. It aims to be an innovative restaurant. We want you to enjoy the moments - from the thought of getting ready to go out and meeting your friends to that moment when you think, 'Wow, this is great, great friends, a great meal and What Fun!' You wish the evening wasn't going to end.
154 W Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
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SONNY'S
PIANO
At Sonny’s Piano you can purchase beautiful pianos.
You can also learn to play Piano instantly with Piano Yoga Group Lessons
Sonny's Piano Yoga method combines elements of the piano chord method, with easy improvisation, breathing, relaxation, and 'getting into the flow' techniques.
Everyone can play the piano using this method. It is easy, fun and relaxing.
6 North Country Road Port Jefferson, NY, 11777
(631) 475-8046
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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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