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VILLAGE TIMES HERALD

S TO N Y B R O O K • O L D F I E L D • S T R O N G’S N E C K • S E TAU K E T • E A S T S E TAU K E T • S O U T H S E TAU K E T • P O Q U OT T • S TO N Y B R O O K U N I V E R S I T Y

Vol. 44, No. 26

August 22, 2019

Natural wonders

$1.00

Researchers conduct biological survey in Patriots Hollow State Forest — A7

Congressional sit-down

Residents stop by Setauket Fire Department to discuss issues with Congressman Lee Zeldin

Artist of the Month: Peter Hahn Also: ‘Blinded by the Light’ reviewed, Greek Festival returns to Port Jefferson, Photo of the Week

SPACE RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBER ADDRESS

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PAGE A2 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

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CORRECTION: In the Aug. 15 edition of The Village Times Herald, the first paragraph referenced physical education classes in association with a mini gymnasium at W.S. Mount Elementary School based on our reporting. According to the district, the mini gym has not been used for physical education classes. We regret the error.

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The VILLAGE TIMES HERALD (USPS 004-808) is published Thursdays by TBR News Media, 185 Route 25A, Setauket, NY 11733. Periodicals postage paid at Setauket, NY and additional mailing offices. Subscription price $49 annually. Leah S. Dunaief, Publisher. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

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AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A3

Village

Lee Zeldin visits Setauket to sit down with constituents BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Residents of New York’s 1st Congressional District took time out of their busy schedules Aug. 20 to sit down with their congressman to discuss what’s on their minds. U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY1) held mobile office hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Setauket Fire Department on Main Street Tuesday. Constituents were invited to sit down, either one-on-one or in groups, with Zeldin or one of his staff members. While many declined to discuss their specific questions, other residents waiting to speak to Zeldin said they were prepared to bring up issues such as background checks when buying guns, how to curb easy accessibility to assaultstyle rifles, Medicare, providing for veterans, immigration, health care for preexisting conditions and mandated vaccinations. One attendee wanted to know whether or not Zeldin is in favor of slashing the payroll tax and, if so, what other methods would he suggest to fund Medicare and Social Security. Among the 71 who attended, several parents had their children in tow to provide them an

example of civic engagement. Sarah, 13, daughter of former Setauket congressional candidate Dave Calone, said this was the first chance she had to speak to an elected official about an issue. “I wanted to talk with him about gun control,” she said while waiting to get an opportunity to speak with Zeldin. “I wanted to ask him about what measures the government is taking to ensure students are safe in school and other places as well.” Kathleen Thornton, of Stony Brook, was with her son Jack. “I thought it was good for him to get a sense of how government works,” the mother said. The Stony Brook resident wanted to talk to Zeldin about the Excelsior Scholarship Program in New York and the income cutoff. She said the Excelsior funds also were not released until the initial payments to State University of New York schools were due, adding she only discovered issues with the scholarship program while helping her niece with her financial aid forms. While waiting to meet with the congressman, she said she hoped that he would know the right people to connect with to address her issues with the program.

Congressman Lee Zeldin, left, meets with constituents at the Setauket Fire Department on Main Street. Photo from Lee Zeldin’s office

Barbara Kantz, of East Setauket, who waited around two hours to meet with Zeldin, said she came to him with advocacy issues related to the environment and was satisfied with the strategies Zeldin offered, including those she can use as a citizen. She said to him that she knows he is an environmentalist, and she wanted to know how, as a congressman, he translates that to action programs “when we’re living in a time when science is somewhat dismissed, and we have an EPA that actually doesn’t believe in some of the

notions of what an EPA should do.” Three Village resident George Henik, before his meeting with Zeldin, said he would like to get a time frame from him about specific indictments. “Why is [former FBI Director James] Comey still walking around and writing books and not in prison?” he asked. Henik said he believes many have used the Congress as their weapon of choice and that some politicians, such as U.S. Reps. Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler, both Democrats, are out of control. His wife Susan Henik said she also had questions for the congressman including concerns about voter fraud, especially on the federal level. The couple were optimistic about meeting with the congressman and felt they were addressing issues that people from both parties are concerned about, such as justice and voter fraud. “These two questions that we have, or topics of discussions that we brought up, no one would want their election being tampered with, no one wants a coup of the president,” Susan Henik said. According to a press release from Zeldin’s office, those interested in participating in a future meeting, including after work or during the weekend, can call 631-289-1097.

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PAGE A4 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

Town

PJS neighbors facing off for Brookhaven Council District 1 BY LEAH CHIAPPINO LCHIAPPINO@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Tracy Kosciuk, who identifies first as a wife, mother and nurse, is challenging town Councilwoman Valerie Cartright (D-Port Jefferson Station) for Brookhaven Town Council in the first district. And Kosciuk lives right down the street from the incumbent. Kosciuk said she has been drawn to political participation since childhood, as she watched her grandmother, an active Democrat, become president of her local Democratic club. “I got to see how politics ran,” she said. Having once been a Democrat, she is now challenging Cartright on the Republican ticket. “I did not leave the Democratic party, the Democratic party left me,” she said. “It’s just not the party I grew up with … I want to help make a difference and make things better and work across party lines.” Still, she said her focus is on local issues. “There are issues such as the opioid epidemic, tax increases and revitalizations that need to be done and have not been done, plaguing my area such as the opioid [crisis] that are not being addressed properly and resolved,” she said. “[Cartright] may have intentions to do things but they have not been done.” Given the fact Kosciuk grew up in Coram, and has lived in Port Jefferson Station for 25 years, the challenger says she has deep roots in the local community. She is an active member of the Comsewogue PTA, having had all of her three children attend Comsewogue schools, as well as the Drug Task Force current role as a nurse upon election, she Committee, Port Jeff Station/Terryville Civic promises the same 24/7 attention she gives Association and a self-initiated member of the to her nurses, even pausing in the interview neighborhood watch. saying she “doesn’t like to leave my nurses Most notably, Kosciuk hanging if they need has been a registered something.” nurse for over 30 years, She said she plans to after receiving her degree help streamline the tax from Suffolk County grievance process and Community College. have elderly residents call She currently works in her office to walk them maternal care at St. Charles through any questions Hospital and has been a they may have, as well — Tracy Kosciuk as advocating to get them past representative for the New York State Nurses any tax relief to which Association and the local they are entitled. union president for the last As her husband is a Suffolk County police five years. She has traveled to Albany to lobby officer, she says she understands the impact of for improved working conditions. crime, especially in Port Jeff Station. Kosciuk “I know how important it is to be someone feels that the drug epidemic is contributing to who represents something and allows members this, and that prevention education is one of of my union to have a voice, so I know how the best ways to alleviate the issue. important it is for the council district to be able to Kosciuk added that she believes she have a voice,” the challenger said. “Our district can help to make progress of revitalization has not gotten the accountability it deserves.” projects throughout the district she said have Her main initiative is to increase the been pushed aside, while remaining fiscally effectiveness and transparency of the town responsible. council. Though she plans to continue her She cites environmental preservation as

‘Our district has not gotten the accountability it deserves.’

Tracy Kosciuk will challenge Valerie Carright for Brookhaven Town Council in November. Photo from Tracy Kosciuk’s Facebook

an important issue for her and promises to ensure the maintenance of local parks as well as collaboration with the “experts’ such as Stony Brook University and Department of Environmental Conservation in order to help combat erosion as well as rust or “red” tide algae, which has appeared in Port Jefferson Harbor and Conscience Bay and is known to

suffocate fish and shellfish. Kosciuk says she faces few challenges in the race. “While campaigning, I have found that a lot of the same concerns that I had that caused me to want to run for town council are the same issues throughout the entire council district,” she said.

Past legal history between candidates Despite initial claims of a cordial relationship, when Cartright moved into her home in 2005, she inherited a lawsuit upon buying the property based on property lines that had been filed in the New York State Supreme Court. That lawsuit ended in 2008 with the judge siding with Cartright. Cartright had this to say about the lawsuit: “My first interaction with my new neighbor Tracy was surrounding a baseless lawsuit over property boundaries. Having to deal with an inherited lawsuit commenced by my next-door neighbor was an unfortunate situation and I would not wish that experience

on anyone moving into a new neighborhood,” she wrote via email. “I am thankful that the lawsuit was not representative of what I had to look forward to in my future years in Port Jefferson Station. Over the years, many of my other neighbors showed themselves to be welcoming, accepting and loving toward me and my family. The many positive interactions and relationships with other wonderful neighbors is what helped keep me here and led me to serve as councilperson of this amazing community.” Kosciuk did not return multiple calls for comment.

AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A5

Village

Fundraising campaign to begin for Setauket mill restorations BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Friends of Frank Melville Memorial Park will be invited to help restore an FMMP staple. The trustees of the park’s Frank Melville Memorial Foundation are set to send out a letter in September announcing a fundraising campaign asking the community for financial assistance to help restore the mill located on the north side of the park. The restoration, which will include shingling the roof and sides, is estimated to cost more than $60,000, according to Robert Reuter, foundation president. Reuter said the shingles that cover the roof and sides are the originals and are thicker than the average shingle. They also have irregular cuts on the ends, so rather than lining up in a straight line they have staggered bottoms. This effect will be reproduced during the restoration, according to Reuter. Restorations will also include necessary repairs to the mill’s wheel and trim elements. “It’s a building in great need of repair,” he said. Reuter explained that one thing that won’t be repaired is the ridge of the structure that has a noticeable swayback as it was designed to look that way, giving it an old mill feel. Richard Haviland Smythe designed the simulated mill in the mid-1930s to represent a series of grist mills that once existed along waterways in Setauket, including one that was constructed in 1665 and located in the park, Reuter said. Smythe was the go-to architect for philanthropist Ward Melville and designed many local buildings, including structures in Old Field Farm and stores in the Stony Brook Village Center. “It was meant to be a place marker and a reference to the mills of the past,” he said. Reuter added the mill is sometimes called a landmark folly, and it was included in the original design of the park, which is loosely based on English garden principles.

The Frank Melville Memorial Foundation board is set to begin an appeal to raise funds for the park’s mill, above. Below, a closeup of the shingles used on the structure. Photos by Rita J. Egan

“It’s a very important building in the park, and maybe the most photographed element in the park,” Reuter said. “I would say it’s one of those iconic images that everyone takes a photo of.” He believes it also serves a purpose beyond aesthetics, because even though it’s not an operating mill, it has a working wheel and the building is used for the Frank Melville Memorial Foundation’s office. The mill is also used for tours and is a stop during the annual Culper Spy Day held in September. “It allows us to tell the story of that part of our history,” Reuter said. “How the mills moved as the ponds filled in and the mills had to move down, and this represented the last position for a mill that [was in Setauket].” Three Village Historical Society historian Beverly Tyler said the mill is a stop on the Founders Day tour that the society conducts every spring for fourth graders. It’s also featured on the Woodhull tour that the TVHS offers and he leads. Tyler said the mill serves as a learning tool to teach participants about millers and craftsmen who worked in the area throughout the centuries, especially during the Colonial period. He explained millers did more than grind grains — often acting as a storekeeper and banker in town because they had the resources to loan money. “Without the mill, we wouldn’t have the ability to teach it as easily and dramatically as we can by having the mill there and explaining how the mill pond works and why there is a mill pond,” Tyler said, adding the pond exists because water was backed up by a dam to enable milling. Reuter said the board hopes to begin the restoration project this year, and two FMMF

trustees already have made a combined pledge of up to $10,000 to match donations for the restoration. Those who donate $50 or more will receive the 2020 Four Harbors Audubon

Society Calendar, which features selected photographs from the recent A Valentine to Whitman’s Paumanok photography exhibition held at the Bates House.

PEOPLE of the YEAR

2019

Nominate outstanding members of the community for

The Village Times Herald

Each year, with our readers’ help, we honor the people who have contributed in the communities we serve. ❖ The honorees are profiled in a special edition at the end of the year. ❖ Nominate your choice(s) by emailing rita@tbrnewsmedia.com ❖ Please include your name and contact information, the name and contact information of the individual you’re nominating and why he or she deserves to be a Person of the Year. ❖ DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

2019

PAGE A6 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

LEGALS HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-AF1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATE,

Email: legals@tbrnewsmedia.com TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2006-E, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2006-E,

Lane, Coram, NY 11727. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF NASSAU

ALBERT COOMBS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE

V. JEAN ROBERT LUNDI, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated May 02, 2019, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-AF1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATE is the Plaintiff and JEAN ROBERT LUNDI, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, CALENDAR CONTROL PART COURTROOM, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 10, 2019 at 11:30AM, premises known as 16 HAWTHORNE LN, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581: Section 0039, Block 0000B-02, Lot 00218: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 5786/2014. John G. Kennedy, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 813 8/8 4x vth SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 25, 2018, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED TRUST SERIES INABS 2006E, HOME EQUITY MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES INABS 2006-E is the Plaintiff and ALBERT COOMBS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, CALENDAR CONTROL PART COURTROOM, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 24, 2019 at 11:30 AM, premises known as 1865 OLIVER AVE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580: Section 0037, Block 0051800, Lot 00056: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 05397/2016. Ellen Savino, Esq. - Referee. RAS Boriskin, LLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 823 8/22 4x vth Notice of formation of Megan Bryant Softball Camp LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 08/05/2019. Office location: (Suffolk County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 49 Wellsley

838 8/15 6x vth NOTICE OF SALE

U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF10 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST Helenmarie Palmonka, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on September 5, 2014. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the CCP (Calendar Control Part Courtroom) in the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 17, 2019 at 11:30 AM premises known as 621 Robin Court, West Hempstead, NY 11552. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 35, Block 448, and Lots 242 and 243. Approximate amount of judgment $151,554.43 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #6979/2010. Gerard Bambrick, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 857 8/15 4x vth

legals@ tbrnewsmedia.com or call

631.751.7744

Police Police search for two Selden shoplifters Police are searching for two men who allegedly stole items from the Selden Target in July and a Rite Aid in August Suffolk County Police said a man allegedly stole a Seagate portable hard drive from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza, on July 15, at around 8 p.m. Another man allegedly stole 81 toothbrushes from Rite Aid, located at 229 Independence Plaza, Aug. 8, at around 12:48 p.m.

— compiled by Kyle Barr

SCPD

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

To Place A Legal Notice

Above, man who allegedly stole from Selden Target; below, man who allegedly stole from Selden Rite Aid.

Security guard arrested after fight at Mount Sinai condominium complex Police arrested a residential community security guard for allegedly assaulting a visitor Wednesday, Aug. 14. Suffolk County Police said John Ruggiero, while working as a security guard at The Ranches at Mount Sinai condominium complex, located along Route 25A, allegedly denied entry to a 68-year-old man who was attempting to visit a friend Aug. 14 at around 2:55 p.m. The two men exchanged words followed by a physical altercation, during which the 68-year-old man sustained serious injuries. Police did not release the name of the

other man involved in the fight. Police could not say who provoked the incident or threw the first punch. The visitor was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was listed in serious condition. Ruggiero, 50, of Port Jefferson Station, was treated and released from St. Charles Hospital in Port Jefferson for injuries sustained during the fight. He was charged with second-degree assault and was scheduled to be arraigned Aug. 15 at 1st District Court in Central Islip.

— compiled by Kyle Barr

Police arrest man for alleged MP Chase bank robbery Police said they have arrested a man in connection with the robbery of the Miller Place Chase bank earlier this month. Suffolk County Police arrested Raymond Peruggi, 29, in Mastic Beach Monday, Aug. 20 at around 8:55 p.m. Peruggi was described as undomiciled. Peruggi was held overnight at the 7th Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned in 1st District Court in Central Islip. He has been charged with third-degree robbery. On Aug. 12, a man allegedly entered the

Man who allegedly robbed MP bank. Photo from SCPD

Chase Bank, located at 385 Route 25A, at around 2:40 p.m. and displayed a note demanding cash to an employee. The teller complied with the suspect’s demands and gave him cash from the drawer. He then fled the bank on foot, west toward Miller Place road, police said.

— compiled by Kyle Barr

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 800-220-TIPS (8477) or texting “SCPD” and your message to “CRIMES” (274637). All calls and text messages will be kept confidential.

AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A7

Village

3VCT, DEC receive optimistic survey about Patriots Hollow BY RITA J. EGAN RITA@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Scientists have discovered natural wonders in a Setauket forest. Researchers from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry took to the 43-acre woods of Patriots Hollow State Forest, along Route 25A, across from Stop & Shop, to collect information on the forest composition and structure Aug. 8 and 9. The researchers hoped to develop management recommendations that would enhance the forest for biodiversity conservation and environmental education. The survey was funded by a grant from Avalon Park & Preserve, according to a press release from Three Village Community Trust. In 2018, the community trust set up a steering committee led by Setauket resident and former teacher Leonard Carolan to clean up the woods and add a trail for people to walk through the forest, something which is currently difficult with downed trees and invasive plants, including Norway maple, Japanese aralia, Oriental bittersweet, black locust and Japanese stiltgrass. After Carolan approached the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and state Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) to seek help in cleaning up the forest, the community trust signed a stewardship agreement with the DEC. Carolan said the initial reports are encouraging. “It looks like we’ll be able to restore it to an original native forest,” Carolan said. He added that, in the future, there would be a loop trail near Route 25A and another one near the Main Street section, but before they are created some cleanup needs to be done and funds raised, which could take years. Don Leopold, distinguished teaching professor from SUNY-ESF’s Department of Environmental and Forest Biology, along with research assistant Samuel Quinn, was among the researchers. Leopold said it was his first visit to the forest, and he was impressed with the findings. Despite invasive plants and past agriculture that didn’t leave many remnant trees, he said they discovered many beautiful oak and hickory trees, adding that he had seen black oak and sassafras all over the Eastern United States, and amongst the largest he has seen were in Patriots Hollow. “We went by some really great trees,” he said. “Ideally the trails will swing by those. They can’t miss these. There are really impressive specimens of some black oaks and some hickories, and we really enjoyed seeing them.” The researcher said they also found spicebush in the forest. “Spicebush is one of our most important

Researcher Luke Gervase, left, stands between a couple of the large trees found in Patriots Hollow State Forest. A male box turtle, above, approximately 30 years old, was discovered in the same woods. Photos from Three Village Community Trust

native shrubs,” Leopold said. “It’s so important for wildlife coming for food. It’s a source of food for the spicebush swallowtail [butterfly].” Leopold and Quinn discussed management of invasive plants in the forest with Bill Jacobs, Luke Gervase and Caroline Schnabl of Long Island Invasive Species Management Area who joined in the survey. Leopold said that they are optimistic that the invasives could be eliminated, which is vital for the growth of new trees. Leopold added that a male box turtle, approximately 30 years old, was found in the wooded area. He said the species can live to be more than 100 years old, and the one they saw in Patriots Hollow reminded him a pumpkin with legs, as it was especially big and colorful. The researcher said they encountered tick bombs while in the forest, with 100 to 200 small tick larvae starting to disperse at one time. He said when the lone star ticks are older their bites can cause problems as they can carry a disease that makes a person allergic to red meat. “Until there are trails, and until some of these issues are addressed, it would be good to not have a bunch of folks running through here because the tick infestation can be a public health hazard,” he said. Brian Leydet of SUNY-ESF will analyze ticks collected during the survey

so recommendations can be made to the community trust and DEC about ways to reduce human-to-tick contact. The 3VCT’s steering committee will look to include the community in the planning process and will work with the trust itself

to seek grants and contributions. The initial implementation of the restoration and management plan will be funded by a grant of $500,000 secured by state Sen. John Flanagan (R-East Northport) in 2018, according to a press release from the trust.

DEMAND JUSTICE Victims of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy or by authority figures at school have rights. NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY LAW HAVE EXTENDED THE TIME PERIOD IN WHICH TO FILE YOUR SEXUAL ABUSE CLAIM. ACT NOW TO GET YOUR CLAIM TIMELY FILED.

CLERGY ABUSE ATTORNEY HOTLINE 800-444-9112 ATTORNEY ADVERTISING DOUGLAS & LONDON, P.C. 59 MAIDEN LN, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, NY 10038 THE MATTHEWS LAW FIRM, PLLC, 244 5TH AVENUE, SUITE 2882, NY, NY 10001 MAIN OFFICE: 2905 SACKETT STREET, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77098

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PAGE A8 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

History Close at Hand

Pre-1800 home still stands in the Setauket Mill Pond area BY BEVERLY C. TYLER DESK@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM “November 9th, 1800. Sabath day. Wind S.W ... comes to N. W. with a squall of rain and hail. John Smith son of Dr. Gilbert Smith Drowned on the Sabath Day night at late bed time in Isaac Satterleys mill pond near where the old mill stood. It being very dark it was thought he walked off the Dam into the pond, was found toward night and buried on tuesday ...” (Diary of Doctor Samuel Thompson). The home of Isaac Satterly (Three Village Guidebook #21) is the only structure in the area of the Setauket Mill Pond that remains from before 1800. Built in the 17th century, it is the oldest house in the Original Settlement area of Setauket. Satterly was Setauket’s miller and a general store owner in the early 1800s. He came into possession of the grist mill no later than 1795 as detailed in the Town of Brookhaven records. “[I]t was voted and. agreed by the ... Trustees that whereas there has been Several Differant Regulations Concerning the Toal to be taken out of Grain Ground at the water mill in Setauket Now in the Occupation of Isaac Satterly ... It is hereby voted and agreed .... there Shall be Taken a Tenth part Out of Each & Every Bushel of any Sort of Grain that is Ground at said Mill and no more as Toal for Grinding the Same ...” The dam for this old grist mill was located on the road that now divides the two ponds. This placed the old mill directly in front of Satterly’s home. The saltbox-style house, built circa 1680, was probably built by a member of the Woodhull family. The two-story center section of the house was built in the 17th century and includes a massive fireplace in the north wall of the first floor. The west wall has the remains of a 17th-century double-casement window frame that was permanently protected from the weather when the rear lean-to section was added in the early 18th century. This addition gave the house its distinctive saltbox shape. The left or south wing appears to be an early 18th-century addition and the north wing was probably added in the late 18th century. The house is located at the corner of Old Field Road and the western end of the Frank Melville Memorial Park. At the time Satterly was living there the house most likely appeared much as it does today. Satterly was born March 10, 1765. He was 12 years old when the Battle of Setauket was fought at the Village Green, and he probably had vivid memories of that day. It was a day to remember when Patriot troops attacked Tory troops under Lt. Col. Richard Hewlett who had desecrated his family’s church by turning

The home of Isaac Satterly in an undated photo, above. Below, a part of the 1777 map of Setauket by British Maj. Holland showing the area around the Setauket Presbyterian Church that was turned into a fort. The map also shows that the Setauket Mill Pond ends with the dam at the Old Field Road bridge. North of the dam the map indicates just a stream. Above photo from Beverly C. Tyler; image below from the State University of New York at Stony Brook Map Collection

the area around the church into a fort and most likely stabling their horses in the church. Satterly married Mary Roe in 1789 and the couple had two children: John Roe, who built the house that stands next to the Setauket Post Office, and Frances. Mary died in 1795, and in 1803, Satterly married Sarah Smith. The couple raised eight more children. During the War of 1812, he was captain of a company of militia stationed at Sag Harbor. Satterly’s great-great-grandfather William Satterly emigrated to America about 1655 and settled in Setauket before 1665. William was one of three men who drowned about 1680. The story of his death was told by Kate Strong in her “True Tales.” In the early years of Setauket, the settlers would take their grain across Long Island Sound to Milford, Connecticut, to have it ground into corn meal or flour. During one of these trips a storm came up suddenly and the small boat, its crew and cargo were all lost. The only trace of the three men — Samuel Dayton, John Mosier and William Satterly — were their hats which drifted ashore. Beverly C. Tyler is Three Village Historical Society historian and author of books available from the society at 93 North Country Road, Setauket. For more information, call 631-751-3730 or visit www.tvhs.org.

AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A9

Community News South Setauket

School News W.S. Mount Elementary School

Photo from Three Village Central School District

Trash to treasure

Before the end of the school year, W.S. Mount Elementary School third-grade students helped to demonstrate the familiar saying of “one man’s trash is another person’s treasure” when they creatively invented a variety of projects using recycled materials. From paper towel rolls, plastic water bottles, discarded wood and a multitude of other

John Sini, third from left, was recently recognized as Trustee of the Year by LeadingAge New York. Joining Sini at a ceremony and reception in his honor are, from left, Robert Caulfield, president and CEO, Jefferson’s Ferry; Dan Heim, executive vice president of LeadingAge NY; Kara Hahn, Suffolk County legislator; Tim Sini, Suffolk County district attorney, who is John’s nephew; and Ed Romaine, Brookhaven town supervisor. Also in attendance were 20 additional members of the Sini family. Photo from Jefferson’s Ferry

Trustee of the Year

committee. Sini plays a vital role in ensuring that Jefferson’s Ferry maintains policies that attract and retain highly qualified individuals while meeting New York State and IRS codes for tax exempt organizations. “John serves as a drummer with clients, outside organizations and acquaintances to let people know what Jefferson’s Ferry is about and how excellent it is,” Caulfield said. “His dedication as a trustee runs deep, as demonstrated by his perfect attendance record. Over his 12 years of service, John has never missed a board meeting.” “It’s important to listen, address personal concerns, manage expectations and implement changes for the continued benefit of the entire community,” Sini said. In addition to his work on the Jefferson’s Ferry, Mather Health Systems and Mather Hospital boards, Sini has served on the boards of his local church, soccer league and other organizations. “As the treasurer of a small organization, you do everything,” he said, “but when you’re at the level of Jefferson’s Ferry or Mather, you’re overseeing management, approving the budget, projecting future financial needs and other major initiatives that will affect the long-term organizational health and stability while working with management.” John Sini also received a proclamation from Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.

Ward Melville High School International level

Ward Melville High School’s DECA team had eight members qualify and attend the 2019 International Career Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. More than 22,000 high school DECA members from the United States, District of Columbia, Canada, China, Germany, Guam, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Spain participated in the competition. During the event, Ward Melville students competed in various business topics including written tests and multiple roleplays, in which three Ward Melville members won international medals. Jade Eggleston and Jessica Guo had a top 10 placement in Buying & Merchandising Team Decision Making within the final round of top 20 teams. And, Ashley Zhang had a top 20 placement in Hotel & Lodging Individual Series.

Photo from Three Village Central School District

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Jefferson’s Ferry, a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, recently announced that John Sini, a 12-year member of its board of trustees, was recognized by LeadingAge New York, the professional association for the senior adult care industry, for his commitment to Jefferson’s Ferry and the needs of older adults as Trustee of the Year. “John Sini brings a wide view, a sharp focus and an unwavering commitment to the Jefferson’s Ferry Board of Trustees,” said Robert Caulfield, president and CEO of Jefferson’s Ferry. “Over the course of more than 12 years, John has proactively and methodically made it a priority to understand the workings and challenges of a life plan community balanced with the concerns and insights of the residents and staff in mind.” A longtime resident of Setauket who’s been extremely active in his community, Sini joined the board of trustees on the recommendation of the Mather Health Systems Inc., where he has served on the board for more than 36 years. Mather Health System is the corporate sponsor of Jefferson’s Ferry. A CPA with a solid background in not-forprofit accounting, Sini is a board leader in financial matters. He heads Jefferson’s Ferry’s audit and finance committee, which oversees the annual audit, budget and asset investment and also serves on the compensation

materials, the students created such projects as a piggy bank out of milk jugs, a basketball net out of a plant container and even a mailbox using a detergent container and various other items. The classes proudly displayed their completed projects in a hallway museum and wrote a descriptive overview of their project to best explain their piece.

PAGE A10 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

Town

Selden resident looks to unseat Romaine in upcoming election BY DAVID LUCES DLUCES@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM For Will Ferraro, a Selden resident running for Town of Brookhaven supervisor in elections this fall, his campaign is about making solutions. “I’m running for working class and working poor people who feel like this current administration isn’t listening to them,” he said. Ferraro said he is campaigning on a platform of fixing and repairing town roads as well as addressing issues with the town’s recycling system and the Brookhaven landfill. “There have been roads that haven’t been paved in years. People are sick of a supervisor who just points the finger to the highway superintendent,” he said. “On the recycling issue, he points to China and says there is nothing wrong with the landfill. My campaign is about solutions.” Ferraro and Ed Romaine (R), who is finishing his third term as supervisor, will look to secure a four-year term in the upcoming elections, a result of Brookhaven residents voting last year to add term limits to three per seat, but also double the term length for the town supervisor and other positions like the highway superintendent. The challenger was against the increase

in term length and co-funded Brookhaven Action Network, which helped organize and lead the Vote No on Prop 1 campaign against the terms extensions. Despite being ultimately unsuccessful, it proved to be a motivating factor for Ferraro’s decision to run. This will be Ferraro’s first time running for elected office, though he says his experience working in Albany as a legislative analyst for the New York State Assembly has helped in the transition. “You don’t really know what to expect until you’ve actually done it,” he said. “You’re out there on your own.” If elected, Ferraro said he would restore curbside pickup of recyclable glass on a monthly basis, make road infrastructure the top budget priority and create a task force that would expand air quality and toxicology tests in areas surrounding the landfill. “People feel like their concerns are not being heard,” he said. “This town and administration is run by one party.” Ferraro, who grew up in Port Jefferson Station, works for the New York City administration for children’s services, has a bachelor’s degree in government and politics from St. John’s University and a master’s degree

in public policy from Stony Brook University. So far, the Selden resident acknowledged he has raised far less than Romaine in political donations, but said he hopes to raise more than $100,000 for his campaign. Ferraro acknowledges that Romaine has more campaign contributions but hopes that residents will take to his message. “You have to go out there and connect with them,” the Selden resident said. “I want to show them how passionate I am about this community. This administration has not been challenged — I’m not afraid to go after his [Romaine’s] record.” Ferraro said the feedback and responses he and staffers have gotten from residents have been positive. “Knocking on doors in neighborhoods you see the level of frustration residents have toward the current administration,” he said. “We have people that really believe in our message and want to see change and believe that time is now.” Ferraro believes Romaine can be beaten. “I will provide leadership and a new beginning for the town — I want people to understand that I will be a candidate that answers to residents,” he said. “And I will call out what needs to be called out.”

Will Ferraro, a Selden resident, is running against Ed Romaine for town supervisor. Photo from Ferraro’s campaign

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Opinion

Editorial

Civics need your help

As local journalists, we spend many hours attending meetings. Many, many meetings. Our goal is to know what’s happening in our communities at every level of government, from county to town to village. A good way for people to become better engaged in community affairs is through civic groups. These groups, which are often overlooked, serve as the bridge between local government and residents. They are the closest to the ground, with their ears toward local developments, both public and private. They are meant to represent the community. They ask businesses looking to develop the tough questions, mainly how the new Starbucks or Popeyes or hotel, just to name a few, will impact people in their daily lives. Sadly, though, these civic groups often struggle with lack of participation. Groups like the Shoreham Civic Association publicly asked in a local Facebook group for people to show up, saying without participation their capacity for change goes out the window. “Without Shoreham citizen participation we can do nothing,” the group wrote on Facebook. If one were to get very Disney with their analogies, civics and civic participation are like … well, fairies. If one says out loud, “I don’t believe in fairies,” then the fairy dies. Still, it’s clear why civics lack participation. Despite reports of a strengthening economy, people continue to work long hours and, in several cases, multiple jobs. Civic meetings often take place on weekdays and, understandably, the last thing one wants to do after getting home at 5, 6 or even 7 p.m. is rush out again to sit in another hour-long-plus meeting to discuss, for example, road issues. When we attend these meetings, we see the demographics. Most people who attend are older and likely have the time to sit and discuss the issues. That’s not to say the younger generations don’t attend solely because of time constraints. In all likelihood, many community members don’t even know who their local civic leaders are, and when or where they meet. If you are asking yourself: How can I have a hand in designing my community? Or, how can I keep taxes down? Well, it starts with the civics, so reach out to your local civic group. It may also be time for civics to reach out more to their community residents, as well. As reporters, we have noticed times when local elected officials, like in the Village of Port Jefferson, have actually become active in local Facebook pages. Some of these pages are full of comments, and often facts get misrepresented. If civics would take videos of their meetings, then upload them directly to these Facebook groups. It may be a means of bridging the knowledge gap. Civic leaders need to reach out by every means possible, including social media. The issues aren’t going away. The only way to have your voice be heard is to get involved.

Letters … We welcome your letters. They should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited for length, libel, style and good taste. We do not publish anonymous letters. Please include a phone number and address for confirmation. Email letters to rita@ tbrnewsmedia.com or mail them to The Village Times Herald, P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733.

Letters to the Editor

3V chamber of commerce gives thanks The Three Village Chamber of Commerce held its 19th Community Family BBQ at West Meadow Beach Aug. 8. It was a beautiful evening with more than 400 community members attending. David Prestia of Fratelli’s Bagel Express and his staff served up wonderful meals. Thank you to the many local businesses and organizations which provided sponsorships for this great evening. On behalf of the chamber and all who attended, it is with appreciation and thanks to the following for their support of our community. Gold sponsor: David Prestia of Fratelli’s Bagel Express. Silver sponsors: Camco/Realty Three, Island Federal Credit Union, Jefferson’s Ferry, L.I. Nights Entertainment, Miller-Mohr, Selfie Shot, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Vision World, Team Ardolino/Realty Connect USA. Bronze sponsors: Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Gold Coast Bank, Holiday Inn Express Stony Brook, People’s United Bank, Stop & Shop (Pond Path, Setauket), The Stony Brook School, US Digital Sciences Corporation. Chamber friends: AMC Landscaping,

Burner Law Group, Chick-fil-A (Port Jefferson Station), Four-D Landscaping, Gallery North, Gina Motisi Photography, Mather Hospital, Montessori School @ Old Field, Printing Plus Graphic Design, Setauket Fire Department, Sunrise Senior Living (Setauket), Temple Isaiah. All proceeds from raffle ticket sales went to Ronald McDonald House at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. Thank you to the following for their raffle donations: Ace Hardware (East Setauket), Bango Bowls (East Setauket), Cactus Hair Salon; Campolo, Middleton & McCormick; Carl Bongiorno & Sons, Coach Realtors (Port Jefferson and Stony Brook), Crazy Beans, Crown Cleaners, D’Anna Landscaping & Masonry Co., Dunkin’ Donuts, Forge Fitness PT/World Gym, Fratelli’s (Stony Brook), Friendly’s, Gallery North, Gina Motisi Photography, Goldfish Swim School, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Holiday Inn Express, Hour Escape (Port Jefferson), Island Budokan Karate, Jazz Loft, Juiced Up Cafe, LA Productions Events, LDC Strategies, Long Island Ducks, Long Island Museum, Made to Move Tennis & Wellness, Madiran The Wine Bar, Madison’s Niche (Stony Brook),

Montessori School @ Old Field, Mora’s Fine Wine & Spirits, National Cinema, North Country Electric, North Shore Therapeutic Massage & Wellness, Ntrigue Hair Studio, O Sole Mio, Pure Barre (Setauket), Regal Cinemas, Rolling Smoke, Se-Port Delicatessen, Staller Center, Stone Soup, Sunrise Senior Living, TBR News Media, The Atelier at Flowerfield, Three Village Inn, TikiArcade (Centereach), Unique Cleaners, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, World Gym, Xplore Family Fun Center (Port Jefferson). We would be remiss if we did not recognize the Town of Brookhaven Department of Parks and Recreation, Suffolk County Parks and the staff at West Meadow Beach for their parts in this fun evening for our community. We are reminded that “it takes a village” to make the chamber barbecue an evening that so many can enjoy. We encourage you to support our local businesses and to shop local. We look forward to our next chamber community barbecue in August 2020. Andy Polan President, Three Village Chamber of Commerce

Newspapers have become too biased I think it is time to respond to your publisher who, over the years, I have admired because I always felt that her vision was to relay a newsworthy journal that was factual and unbiased. In her personal invitation in her Aug. 8 column for the Sept. 24 2nd annual Cooks, Books and Corks she has delivered a twofold message. While I think her invitation is for a wonderful event, and I praise her for her attempt to make her newspaper more successful, I must take her to task for her explanation and her excuses for why print journalism is on the decline. I quote her: “Once upon a time the publisher brought together talented reporters and editors with an articulate sales staff, and together editorial and advertising were presented to the reader in an attractive format that informed and enriched the community.” That statement is so far from the truth and the reality of journalism today that is so biased and left leaning so as to coin the new phase called “fake news.” In our extremely polarized nation today, by not reporting the news, but by distorting it, print journalism has lost at least 50 percent of its readership.

The letter is responding to the Between you and me column published Aug. 8. Image from TBR News Media

Just as one example, personally, I am against the possession of assault weapons in the hands of people not involved in war. Yet I do not believe we should disband our Second Amendment, which allows for our right to keep and bear arms. The press today uses its power to overwhelmingly paint our president as a racist who is responsible for the gun violence in America today. Have you read in one newspaper how the Ohio shooter was an ardent supporter of Elizabeth Warren? Have you read in

one newspaper that the Florida school shooter was a supporter of Bernie Sanders? On and on it goes. The press today is incredibly biased and the American people are on to their antics and no longer wish to get distorted news. I wish the publisher huge success in her Sept. 24 event and I hope she takes my comments to heart and begins to re-establish the honest and forthright journalism associated with her past history. Robert J. Parmegiani Setauket

The opinions of columnists and letter writers are their own. They do not speak for the newspaper.

AUGUST 22, 2019 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • PAGE A23

Opinion

Reflections on the eve of the first college drop-off

m I going to cry? That’s the question I get so often when I talk to other parents who, like me, are about to send their ﬁrst child off to college. I’m sure I’ll be more reﬂective than teary-eyed. I’ll probably think about expected and unanticipated milestones. Like a montage or a video, pictures and memories of my daughter at various ages will pass through my head. D. None I keep thinking of the above about her fourth birthday. The BY DANIEL DUNAIEF night before her party, she could barely sleep. She came into our room several

times to ask if it was time to get up yet. I told her to look out the window, past the streetlights of Manhattan, into the sky, where it was pitch dark. When it was lighter, she could get up and start preparing for the party. As soon as we got to Jodi’s Gym, which was a wonderful padded room ﬁlled with ageappropriate apparatuses, my daughter raced around the room. The party planner asked us to wait in the entrance so we could greet her guests. While we were waiting, I chased her around the table, listening to the wonderful, happy screeches that came each time I either caught up to her or got close to her. “You know,” the party planner said, “you might want to save some energy for the party.” My daughter smiled at me, shook her head and ran away, expecting me to follow her. I continued to play the pre-party game, even as the party planner shrugged. After everyone arrived, my daughter led the way on every piece of equipment, delighted that she had the chance to run, jump and scream

without waking Maryann and Frank, who lived beneath us in our apartment. Even though she can’t picture Maryann and Frank today, she knows that those were the names we used whenever she got too loud early in the morning or late at night. I also think about how enchanted my daughter was by her ﬁrst grade teacher. Mrs. Finkel delighted her students and their parents with her soft voice, her ability to focus on each student individually and the class as a whole at the same time, and her control of the classroom. While Mrs. Finkel died incredibly young after a short battle with cancer, I know her legacy lives on with the students who are preparing for college and with her husband and daughter. I am also recalling the many moments when a book captivated my daughter’s attention, causing her to read late into the night; when she caught blue claw crabs at a dock; or when she played board games with her brother and cousins at my mother’s house

during Thanksgiving. Perhaps the most recurring memory, however, goes back to when she was learning to ride a bicycle. I pushed the bike for several seconds, let go, and watched her wobble unsteadily until she either fell or put her feet to the sides. Eventually, my back hurt so much that I couldn’t bend and run anymore. “Let’s stop for now,” I gasped. “You don’t need to do it now. When you’re ready, you’ll do it.” She paused and asked me to push her one more time. When I did, she slowly circled the parking lot and stopped, a triumphant smile plastered across her face. On the walk back home, I asked her how she was able to conquer the bike. She told me she thought about how she wanted to be ready, so she did it. While I probably won’t cry when I turn around and leave her at college, I will hope that she feels as ready as she did when she conquered her bike.

The art of creating a personal profile for a dating app If you want to see what your kids really think of you and have some fun in the process, ask them to come up with a profile for you if you are single to use on an internet dating app. My children and a couple of grandchildren were here for a visit this past weekend, and that was one bit of interaction we enjoyed. I have never filled out such a profile before, and I turned to them — the generation that started using apps Between to find partners — you and me for help. Here are BY LEAH S. DUNAIEF some words they threw out. Beautiful: Well listen, if your sons don’t think you are good looking, what was the point of all that maternal sacrifice? This one is just a given.

Energetic: Of course. You have to have some measurable degree of energy in order to put yourself out there. It’s certainly easier to lay back and watch endless television or read a novel every night. And I am leaving off the comments they threw out about double chins and still having my original teeth. Good conversation: Yes, OK, but it takes two to tango. Willing to offer opinions on just about everything. And listening is at least as important. Loves to travel: That probably narrows the ﬁeld to about 90 percent of the female population. Enjoys theater: Ditto. Sense of humor: If you have to brag, not much hope. I would hate to be asked to say something funny. Probably more of a way of looking at life. Likes sailing: Although I no longer ski or play tennis, because of knees that are given to protest. That’s probably in a league with long walks on the beach. Not much personalization there. Come now, let’s ﬁnd something unique. Opera subscription: Only unique for the younger generation of Dunaiefs because they

TIMES BEACON RECORD NEWS MEDIA We welcome letters, photographs, comments and story ideas. Send your items to P.O. Box 707, Setauket, NY 11733 or email rita@tbrnewsmedia.com. Times Beacon Record Newspapers are published every Thursday. Subscription $49/year • 631-751-7744 www.tbrnewsmedia.com • Contents copyright 2018

can’t imagine thousands of people gathering to hear some fat women screech. Little do they know that the women are no longer fat, and the human voice can be one of the most exquisite instruments delivering some of the most beautiful melodies ever written. Plus operas often have profound themes dealing with universal questions. What we have here is theater, concert and choir all in one offering. They are young yet, they may come upon the bargain that is opera one ﬁne day. Well read: That’s correct if measured by the amount of newspaper articles I feel it necessary to ingest every day. Books mostly have to wait for vacations. Loves learning: Now we are getting somewhere. They say that journalists know things a mile wide but only an inch deep. That is true. From one day to the next, we have to leap from subject to subject, spending only enough time on each one to be able to write about its newsworthiness correctly before moving on to the next. And that suits me ﬁne. Where I become more interested, I can always go back and dig deeper. Meanwhile there are endless facts to absorb as I move along.

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Leah S. Dunaief GENERAL MANAGER Johness Kuisel MANAGING EDITOR Kyle Barr EDITOR Rita J. Egan

LEISURE EDITOR Heidi Sutton ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Kathryn Mandracchia ART AND PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Beth Heller Mason

Still working: Yes, that’s how one continues to learn. Independent: You bet. That is definitely a truth about yours truly, and those children of mine are probably glad that I am. Being independent, not having to live up to anyone else’s expectations, including one’s own from long ago, is hard won and to be cherished. Not having to lean on anyone for support, unless by choice, is the ultimate liberation. Loves raspberries and blueberries: Now we are getting to the heart of the matter. Yummy! Adores flowers and nature in all its magnificence: Yes, yes, yes. Good friends: You have to be one to have one. I certainly try. Love my family: And I am close to them. A most important part of my life. Optimistic and positive to a fault: I have always told my children that all things are possible. They just have to work hard to succeed. They are the CEOs of their lives. Romance: Ah, yes. What is life without an adoring someone? Worth searching for, I think.

INTERNET STRATEGY DIRECTOR Rob Alfano CLASSIFIEDS DIRECTOR Ellen Segal BUSINESS MANAGER Sandi Gross

CREDIT MANAGER Diane Wattecamps CIRCULATION MANAGER Courtney Biondo

PAGE A24 • THE VILLAGE TIMES HERALD • AUGUST 22, 2019

County Suffolk unveils ambitious plan aimed at combating nitrogen pollution BY DAVID LUCES DLUCES@TBRNEWSMEDIA.COM Suffolk County is planning to transition away from the reliance on cesspools and septic systems. It has developed the Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan, which will invest $4 billion to combat nitrogen pollution over more than 50 years. The plan sets a blueprint for the county to replace hundreds of thousands of old and inadequate septic systems. The goal is to eliminate 253,000 cesspools and septic systems by replacing them with new nitrogen reducing systems or by connecting them to existing sewers. “Scientists have warned that continued reliance on primitive wastewater disposal systems is a mounting threat to both our environment and our economy,” said Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk health commissioner. “Now, for the first time, there is a long-term plan to diminish nitrogen pollution and put Suffolk County on a path to cleaner, healthier water resources.” According to Suffolk health officials, approximately 74 percent of the county remains unsewered, so individual residences and businesses rely on antiquated onsite wastewater disposal systems. Studies show that about 70 percent of the nitrogen input to local bays comes from approximately 360,000 cesspools and septic systems. The plan highlights more than 190 individual watershed areas in Suffolk County and establishes

Above, Suffolk County demonstrates new denitrifying septic systems installed in a county resident’s home; below, a map detailing the phases of the proposed project. Images from Suffolk County

goals and recommendations for reducing nitrogen inputs into each area. If those goals are met, health officials said it will begin to reverse the decline in water quality within 10 years and bring it back to a more pristine condition. To get that process started, officials said the county will use more than $500 million in already allocated grant sources toward the replacement of 10,000 cesspools and septic systems and expand connections to sewer systems over the next four years as part of the first phase of the plan.

“This plan represents the first meaningful strategy to address legacy septic nitrogen pollution since countywide sewering objectives were abandoned some four decades ago,” Walter Dawydiak, director of Environmental Quality for Suffolk County, said. “In those four decades, we learned a great deal about how toxic excess nitrogen is to the ecosystem. However, we consistently failed to solve the single largest environmental health problems of our generation. Finally, we have a response plan that will restore our ecosystems and

Implementation Phase II III

Phase II

protect our drinking water.” In the second phase of the plan, which would begin 2024, the county will eliminate more than 177,000 cesspools and septic systems near shorelines and high priority areas. It also recommends a requirement that cesspools and septic systems be replaced with new technology when properties change hands, or when those cesspools and septic systems fail. Officials estimate that the requirement could increase the number of cesspools eliminated from 1,000 to more than 5,000 per year. The third phase of the plan tackles all other priority areas during a 15-year period. The fourth and final phase addresses the remaining areas of the county beginning in 2068. Currently, county grants of up to $20,000 are available for residents who qualify and wish to replace their cesspool. There is also an additional state grant of up to $10,000, which can mean a total of up to $30,000. As of July 1, Suffolk County residents who voluntarily decide to replace their cesspools will need to replace them with a system consisting of a septic tank and leaching pool at a minimum, according to previous reporting by TBR News Media. Contractors will need to register the system with the Department of Health Services. The plan will undergo a detailed review by the county’s Council on Environmental Quality and will include an environmental impact statement which is expected this month, according to officials. From there, a 30-day comment period will begin, with two public hearings being scheduled.

SW Priority area 1 GW Priority Area 1 0-2 Year Contributing Area

Phase III

SW Priority area 2-4 GW Priority Area 2 2-25 Year Contributing

Phase IV

Remaining Surface Water and Groundwater Protection