You can make a Difference MESSAGE from the Mayor
Get involved and share your expertise! Check out the new and exciting opportunities available on Port Je ’s Make a Di erence webpage.
It’s hard to believe it’s not even a year since we created the Make a Di erence website and, yet, this resident volunteer program has already yielded so many new participants, and others who have been involved in the past and are interested in ge ing involved again. As a result, we have already seen some impressive results for Port Je erson.
e 2024 Managed Parking Program, for instance, was based in large part on recommendations from the reconstituted Parking Commi ee; the new Power Plant Working Group has already identified Department of Energy programs that could help fund initiatives, like alternative mixed-use fuels and renewables; and the reconstituted Golf Board of Governors has advised many of the constructive changes we are implementing at the Port Je erson Country Club, to name just a few.
Originally comprised of 22 volunteer opportunities, the Make a Di erence program continues to expand in order to keep up with the changing needs and interests of our community.
We greatly value your insights, wisdom and experience. If you’re ready to make a di erence, I hope you’ll click portje .com/volunteer and sign up for a commi ee. Below are some of the newer/updated o erings you’ll find there.
THE CITIZENS COMMISSION ON EROSION
e Commission will spearhead discussions about the East Beach Blu erosion project and other issuesrelated to storm-water resiliency. ey’ll also explore how other coastal communities address their erosion issues to help us find the best way forward to protect and preserve Village resources.
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT INTERACTIVE WORKING GROUP
is Group will serve as a community conduit between the areas in which the Port Je erson Union Free School District and the Village intersect. For example, roadway safety around school property, opportunities to work together and share resources, and engagement of students in Village activities.
THE PJCC NORTH CAMPUS STEERING COMMITTEE
e Commi ee will make recommendations and proactively guide improvement of the upland portion of the East Beach Blu property, aka the PJCC North Campus project.
THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL
is reconstituted nine-seat Council will review the operation and administration of Port Je ’s public safety ordinances and advise on improvements to increase the safety and quality of life in the Village.
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
e primary purpose of this Commi ee is to act as an advisory to the Board and help them create initiatives that enhance the quality of the business district while balancing the needs and quality of life for all residents.
THE CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Tasked with advising on the improvement, preservation and development of all aspects of Port Je ’s environment, this seven-seat Council was first established back in 1973. In recognition of its importance, we intend to bring a newly reinvigorated and empowered Council back to our Village.
ETHICS
Bluff Stabilization Project / Town Hall Meeting
Mayor Sheprow opened theMay 28th Town Hall acknowledging the “amazing turnout” and thanking everyone for coming. She was joined by Treasurer Ga ga and Trustees Juliano, Kassay and Loucks. e Mayor explained that the Board was present only to listen to what residents have to
say about the future of the East Beach Blu , not to provide opinions or conduct o cial business, in order to comply with open meetings laws.
e Mayor then relayed that Phase 1 of the East Beach Blu Stabilization Project would remain dormant until a plan for Phase 2 was determined. “But before we commit to a plan, we really wanted to hear what taxpayers have to say about all of this.” She informed the residents that the Administration has been working with FEMA to secure grant funding for Phase 2, which would involve a steel wall, and plantings, among other components.
A brief overview on the financial status of the Blu project was provided
Village Voices
by Treasurer Ga ga. He reported that expenditures, so far, on Phase 1 and design work for Phase 2 totaled over $6.2 million, which includes close to $650,000 in engineering and design fees. Interest costs to date have been $299,000, with an additional $1.5 million in interest projected through 2037, when the bond will be paid o . Should Phase 2 construction proceed as designed, 75% of the cost will be reimbursed to the Village through a federal grant, up to the appropriated amount, e.g., if it costs $5 million, $3.75 million would be reimbursed a er completion. e Mayor went on to emphasize that the goal was not to use any taxpayer funds to repair Phase 1, which was significantly damaged by multiple severe weather events. “ e bo om line is we don't want another penny coming out of the resident’s pockets to fix the first phase of the project.”
Before handing the microphone over to the residents, the Mayor o ered some insights into the information gathering the Administration’s been doing, like visiting other blu stabilization projects to collect ideas, including an award-winning blu project in Fort Salonga. ey’ve also reached out to coastal environmental engineers at Stony Brook asking for an informal review of the project design. She also reported that they are investigating a promising new technology that uses an innovative, reusable honeycomb-shaped “frame” to help adhere root systems for what amounts to an “eternal reforesting.”
Here’s just a small sample of what some of our residents had to say. To view the meeting in its entirety, go to h ps://youtu.be/ryQKHdiY47c?si=CU-jG7Q9vfIANtNY
“ is club is a wonderful asset. I support trying to save it. It's one of the reasons I moved here.”
“I’d like to call for an independent review. It’s a good way of moving forward because they consider risk analysis, contingency plans and mitigation. Only then can we pick the proper solution.”
“Mother Nature is laughing at us that we're throwing good money a er bad. If Phase 1 didn't work, I'm skeptical Phase 2 or anything else is going to work.”
“It's all about the angle. Remove the tennis courts so that the blu is at an incline and no longer so steep. It will be less expensive to build and maintain, because you're not working against nature.”
“ e beaches are not going to go away. ey can be reconfigured. Maybe we should ask the Danford’s owners to buy the building, so they can maintain it and the blu .”
“We haven't discussed a retreat plan. What would it cost to rebuild this Clubhouse? We need to hear from all the experts in order to make a proper decision. is is the resident's money. I am fully on board with a referendum.”
“ e golf course isn't falling into the Sound. e building might fall into the Sound. So we should be very clear about what we're talking about and not try to pull other things in just to make emotional points.”
“I went to a meeting about o shore wind where they set up di erent stations, so you could speak to di erent experts about all the interacting factors. We have to think about this in a more complex way. It’s not a simple binary, yes or no, choice.”
“I want to thank you for the opportunity for us to participate in this conversation. It’s one of the first times I can remember that we’re actually discussing the pros and cons of the issues as a community.”
ETHICS