A Message
from MAYOR MARGOT GARANT
You must be noticing the new gateway to the Village of Port Jefferson at the Long Island Rail Station with the CONIFER I project taking shape. We have been planning and waiting many, many years for this day to come. Bids for the new Station Street have gone out for public vetting, and shortly you will be seeing our new gateway complete as upper port starts coming together.
As reported at the board meeting, demolition of the old lobster house building will begin soon as another new, mixed use building goes up. We are also grateful to welcome a new business coming to upper port as a “doggy daycare” business is coming to the old ABI building next to Taras.
New planters will soon line the sidewalks, and we will continue to beautify and shape up upper Port, welcoming new tenants and new businesses in our revitalization efforts.
Please don’t forget to keep June 5 on your calendar as we re-cut a ribbon to open a new Spy Ring Museum on the corner of Barnum and West Broadway at our beloved Drowned Meadow Cottage. “Plundering Day” programming will take place from 1:00-4:00 pm in the afternoon with privateers, re-enactments, exhibitors, and an opening of the new exhibit inside the building.
I am so grateful to the Historical Society and the Suwassett Garden Club for sponsoring the Antiques and Gardens Weekend! It was a beautiful event, and I was able to see some neighbors that I hadn’t seen in a long time! I was actually a lucky winner in the raffle at-large to win a nice new desktop antique clock - one of my favorite things!! Please continue to support the not-for-profits!! I hope to see you all at the opening of the Farmers' Market this Sunday despite the rain!! Happy Mother’s Day!!!
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CULPER SPY RING CONNECTIONS
Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum
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History lives in the 18th-century Roe House. The Roe’s ties to the Culper Spy Ring will bring the history of the Revolutionary war right to our Village. This historic home, known as the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum, is located on the corner of Barnum Avenue and West Main Street.
Join us for the re-opening celebration and ribbon cutting of our full-time museum on June 5th between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The rain date is June 12 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
There will be an afternoon of festivities for the whole family:
• Ribbon Cutting
• Reenactment of the Roe Family Plundering
• Patriots and Pirates throughout the Village
• Tastings of our own Brewster's Brew
• Storytime for our children
• Museum tours and exciting new exhibits
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The Village has received a $10,000 grant from Legislator Kara Hahn for programming at the Drowned Meadow Cottage Museum. Our year-round museum will host school tours, exhibitions, lecture series, author events, and the Turn Academy: Edutainment Brings History Alive. A six-week lecture series comparing the intersection of the historical fiction series of AMC’s Turn and how it actually unfolded right here on Long Island.
Don't miss out on the history or the fun!
For more information, call 631-473-4724
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SCWA WATER LINE REPLACEMENT
For your information
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The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has informed the Village that it intends to begin a project to replace some of its main water lines in Port Jefferson during a three-week period, from May 9 through May 30.
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The Roads That They Have Identified Are:
• Old Post West (from Dark Hollow to lower Liberty)
• Continuing from Liberty across Main St to Robbins
• Williams St.
• Avenue A
• Division St.
• Jones Ave.
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They have reported that the line replacement will result in a temporary road repair. Road restoration is done with several steps, including compacting and settling, resulting in a lengthy process. Final restoration will begin in October.
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BLASTED COVID DELAYS!
Rocketship Park bathrooms are waiting for parts
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The Mayor and the Board of Trustees are committed to providing the best facilities for its residents. Therefore in a proactive measure, they are renting port-a-potties until the planned Rocketship Park bathroom renovations are completed. This is only temporary while we finalize the construction of our beautiful new facility.
The delays are because of some back-ordered parts. These delays have been ongoing. The parts were scheduled to arrive in March, but with Covid-based delays (that every industry is experiencing), the parts are behind schedule.
In the meantime, we'll have portable toilets in the area. We're working hard to get the bathrooms up and running as soon as possible. Look for the renovations to be completed shortly. We value your patronage and appreciate your understanding as we are working diligently to complete the renovations of our bathrooms as quickly as possible.
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from Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden
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'Tis the season for KITTENS!
I have begun working directly with Lisa Jaeger of Jaegers Run (our official Village Animal Rescue) to help facilitate the trap, neuter release (TNR) of feral cats, right here in the Village of Port Jefferson. Just since November Jaegers Run has trapped and spayed/neutered 51 cats; 14 on the west side of the harbor and 36 more in the Jefferson Landing neighborhood. This wonderful program allows the cats to be returned to the only area they know and although they will continue to be feral, they will not be able to reproduce, thereby over time, greatly
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reducing the number of ferals in the Village.
According to Animal Rescue Professionals online, "The average mature cat can have 3 litters with a total of 12 kittens per year. Out of those litters of kittens, about 4.7 of them are females, which in turn means they will most likely have litters of their own." This program stops that cycle. As an avid animal lover and pet owner, I am thrilled to be assisting Lisa with this program. Stay tuned for updates as I work to expand this program.
Happy Mother's Day!
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Kathianne Snaden
Trustee
Deputy Mayor, Port Jefferson Village
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Since February, Code Chief Leute has met with the SCPD 6th precinct regarding safety in the upcoming busy summer season. He put together a well-rounded program of enforcement and patrols to make our Village safer. Inspector Pat Reily and the SCPD team came through - everything on the Chief's list was approved.
Here are the patrols that we will receive this summer:
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The Whiskey Unit - A dedicated two-officer car that patrols on our four busiest nights
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Uniformed Patrol officers assigned to Main Street - These officers do “park and walk” patrols, creating a presence in Jeanne Garant Harborfront Park, East Main Street, and Rocketship Park. These officers will be on duty Monday through Friday on alternating hours.
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Additional patrols on midnights - These officers will make extensive patrols of our neighborhoods.
- The sector cars will also do ‘park and walk’ patrols when possible.
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Bike patrols - Bicycle officers will be on duty intermittently, focusing on weekends and events. SCPD will make every effort to include these specialized officers.
The Chief's work is not done. He will continue to look for ways to strengthen our security practices and improve the quality of life for all. He will reassess the plan mid-season to ensure we maintain the highest level of safety. We are proud to receive more robust initiatives for a safer community because of Chief Leute's efforts!
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WORKING TOGETHER
Making positive change
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It is great to see the Village working hard to create solutions for challenging situations. One example of this is the disorderly behaviors of the evening crowds. The Village administration has met with business owners to develop a plan for future safety strategies. Solutions include making sure that businesses operate within their permitted use and capacity. These types of proactive meetings will create enterprising solutions for the betterment of those who wish to enjoy our Village. |
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JUST LIKE IN EUROPE
Grab a latte and have a seat
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There has been a focus on beautification efforts in our lovely Village. The new tables located on Arden Place are not just beautiful, they're practical too. We get a double bang for our buck! You can sit down and have a bite to eat, enjoy nature, and people-watch right in downtown Port.
“These tables enhance our community. I have already seen families and our school children sitting down to have a snack,” says Deputy Mayor Kathianne Snaden. “My goal is to create places that improve our quality of life.” continues Kathianne.
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With the summer season just around the corner, these beautiful tables will offer our residents and visitors a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life!
Please take a picture with your family and friends at all of our pocket parks and post them on social media with the hashtag #PJPocketParks #PortJefferson #PortJeff
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I hope you get to participate in our recreation programs and beautiful golf course now that Spring is finally here. There is so much to be enjoyed in the upcoming season.
The golf course is in excellent condition, and our golf membership is strong, with over 550 members.
We have completed the survey work on the western side of the upper parking lot. It does not appear at this time that we have room for a tennis complex. But, we will continue to explore all options.
We are also trying to utilize the space available on tennis courts 1 - 4. We are looking into constructing some pickleball courts. This could serve as a way to have a racquet sport at our club this summer.
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You will note a newly landscaped area in front of the main clubhouse. It will be used for weddings and other special events connected to the catering because erosion has affected the bluff side. It is a beautiful addition.
We have created 2 pickleball courts at Texaco Ave Park and will conduct a free clinic on Tuesday, May 10th at 6:00. This clinic is for youths aged 10-17, and we recommend that an adult accompany each youth. We will furnish all the needed equipment.
The recreation department is looking for lifeguards and camp counselors for our summer programs. This is an excellent opportunity for students to earn some money over the summer and gain experience working with children. Click here to view the seasonal work application.
Stan Loucks
Trustee, Port Jefferson
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MAY AND JUNE VILLAGE MEETINGS |
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Village Board of Trustees Meetings:
All Village Board Meetings are open to the public. On the first business Monday of every month at 5:00 pm, the BoTs 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, which 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, reviewing subdivision plans, holding public hearings and forwarding recommendations on proposed zoning changes, and reviewing major developments. Decisions made by the Planning Board are binding.
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Zoning Board of Appeals:
The Board members review all applications based on 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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SCPD 6th PRECINCT COMMUNITY MEETINGS |
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The Suffolk County Police Department holds community meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, alternating the meeting time to ensure maximum accessibility for all residents. The meetings are held to share information and answer questions from residents about our police department and the services they provide to the community. Residents are encouraged to speak with officers about any crimes or quality of life issues they may be experiencing in their neighborhoods.
The next events with the 6th Precinct are:
Community Meeting - May 10th @ 7:00 pm at the 6th Precinct
Narcan training class - May 11th, 6:30 - 8:00 pm at Heritage Park
Coffee with a Cop - May 13th @ 11:00 am at Selden Home Depot
Sixth Precinct - 400 Middle Country Road, Selden, NY (631) 854-8600
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from Trustee Rebecca Kassay
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Happy spring, and an early Happy Mother's Day to you and yours!
Speaking of wonderful mothers, we continue to celebrate Mama Nature this Sunday, May 8th, at the PJV Farmers Market. As part of this Earth
and Arbor Day celebration, a sub-committee of the Village Conservation
Advisory Council partnered with the Port Jefferson Harbor Education & Arts Conservancy to offer "dollar trees" on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:00am-2:00pm. Red oak, white spruce, and winterberry saplings will be available for $1 each as part of an effort to plant
the next generation of beautiful legacy trees and wildlife habitats. Residents are also welcome to join us at the PJV Country Club on Monday, 5/9, from 5:00-7:00 pm to help plant the Village's pilot tree nursery. Lastly, we congratulate the entire PJV first grade class for being so very tree-savvy at our special Arbor Day program last Friday, and we look forward to giving them each their very own trees this week!
After over seven months of diligent research, community outreach, and
many discussions, the Six Acre Park Committee is currently drafting its proposal to the Board of Trustees. It is an honor to have created and serve as the Chair of this Committee, working alongside residents Mark B., Kelly D., Kathleen R., Brian S., and as of this past month, Gerard G. At the Mayor's request, this proposal will be presented at the Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, May 16th, 3:30 pm, Village Hall. The public is welcome to attend and view this presentation.
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In summary, the proposal calls for a dawn-to-dusk 'mini arboretum' with a meandering pathway flanked by showy, ecologically valuable trees and shrubs. The Committee hopes that this type of ecological restoration will be a leading example for other communities to follow, as the plan embraces an opportunity to give back to nature instead of taking. The Committee has identified numerous educational and grant opportunities for this park plan. Shared parking with adjacent commercial properties is being explored to prevent any part of this parkland from being utilized as a parking lot. The full proposal document with more details about the Committee's process and plan will be shared upon its completion.
Of course, there are other wonderful ways to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air: I recently spent three productive mornings with Trustee Loucks and our Parks Department Supervisor Dave, painting pickleball lines on the basketball courts at Texaco and Kip Lee Parks to make the courts dual-use for Village programming and pickup games. We continue to work towards identifying a permanent location for pickleball
courts; meanwhile, these sport courts will be equitably shared between basketball and pickleball. This roll-up-our-sleeves DIY effort saved the Village approximately $4,000; I am excited to see that money put towards more recreational programming for residents of all ages.
Hope to see you at one of these or other spring celebrations as the season unfolds!
Enthusiastically,
Rebecca Kassay
Port Jefferson Village Trustee
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NOW THAT’S HOW YOU DO IT!
Texaco Ave Park sports court was painted for double use.
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PJV trustees Stan Loucks and Rebecca Kassay used their sweat equity to save taxpayer dollars. Check out the beautiful new paint job the court received to accommodate both Basketball and Pickleball at Texaco Park located at 109 Texaco Ave in upper Port.
There will be a free clinic for youth 10 - 16 years old on May 10th at 6:00 pm. Parents are asked to accompany their children. Sign up at the Port Jefferson recreation department website. Click Here
We want to give Dave Melious, the director of our Parks Department, a big show of gratitude for all of the hard work to make this happen.
See you on the court!
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from Trustee Bruce Miller
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Good day Port Jefferson,
Much to report.
Long Island Power Authority Settles Certiorari with Nassau County: LIPA has finally settled its Lawsuit against Nassau County governmental agencies at all levels.
Port Jefferson resolved this issue 5 years ago. The deadline for the reduction of 47% of the powerplant revenue in the agreement is the same as ours. This means that the rapid reductions in their revenues will drive villages, school districts, fire departments, counties, and towns down a very fast slide in revenues.
Mayor Garant, Village Attorney Brian Egan, and I have been attending to
the LIPA Certiorari (lawsuit) in a responsible manner and in your best
interest. We have led Long Island on this issue. Mr. Eagan negotiated a clause that protects Port Jefferson by saying that any changes that benefit parties in more recent settlements will accrue to Port Jefferson. I have spoken with Sean Leister, Deputy Superintendent of our Port Jefferson schools to ensure that the $9 million that the Nassau school districts will receive has also helped (proportionately) our schools.
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Community Choice Aggregation:
I have discussed this in the past. Southampton was the first on Long Island to sign-on to this opportunity that would permit Port Jefferson to purchase green energy at a cost that will be cheaper for residents than LIPA’s cost. Margot and I will be meeting with Frank Zappone, the Deputy Supervisor of Southampton, and Lynn Arthur, Joule Community Power representative, to see if this is a good fit for Port Jefferson.
Long Island Rail Road: Better Future:
In other developments, my search for a better transportation future has
yielded positive results. I have arranged for a meeting with Mayor Garant, your Board of Trustees, and the LIRR planning chiefs. There, we will express our priorities for capital improvements to benefit Port Jefferson and provide a better ride, even moving the train station west of route 25A / 112 and eliminating the crossing that has existed for so long.
Over the past 2 years, I have been pressing LIRR officials and former
President Eng in personal meetings to improve transportation for Port
Jefferson and this whole region.
Better, faster transportation is good for all our property values.
Best to you all,
Bruce Miller
Trustee, Port Jefferson
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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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Submit your photo for the newsletter
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