Spoiler Alert! -Updated with new information

Update 4/30/2024

Today, the April edition of the Port Jefferson Village Voice was released. It contains an article about Lessing's contract with the Village.

I am opening this update with my "Author's Opinion" because I feel it is important that residents realize that it was highly unlikely that the Mayor, Trustees, Village Staff, and the Village attorney did not pick up on this issue concerning who could get food service at “The Turn” while reviewing the contract with Lessing. The Mayor only brought up this “error” after residents brought up the issue on social media yesterday, which leads me to believe that the Mayor is just trying to cover up an action that will most likely negatively affect her reelection campaign. 

The Mayor does not discuss the fact that there is no longer a restaurant at the facility. 

If you remember, the contract was presented to the Board of Trustees at a March 17, 2025, Board of Trustees Special Meeting. At this meeting, the contract was discussed and the Trustees voted on allowing the Mayor to sign the contract. Perhaps if the Mayor had not pushed such an important issue via a  “Special Meeting,” the Trustees would have had sufficient time to conduct further research.

The Mayor's Comments about the issue:

In the article the Mayor states, " In the days following this event, there were some public complaints that the Turn would be open only to PJCC members. While the contract indicated such, it was deemed a “scrivener’s error” and is being adjusted through a subsequent agreement between the Board of Trustees and Lessing’s. 

“Anyone who thought that Lessing’s would be asking for identification and proof of membership at the Turn or any Country Club offering is quite frankly mistaken,” said Mayor Sheprow. “Lessing’s is the most welcoming partner we could have ever imagined, and they are pursuing ideas and opportunities to build the relationship in real time.” 

Original Post

Are you looking forward to enjoying a wonderful dinner while sitting on the deck of Port Jefferson Country Club or perhaps catching a quick lunch at the Turn?  According to the lease, this is not going to happen, possibly for the length of the ten-year lease.

In Mayor Sheprow’s Facebook post (April 26 @ 10:54 am), she discusses the wonders of the new Lessing’s lease of the County Club, which states, “.......— to resurrect and reinvigorate our beloved Country Club social and hospitality services. I’m proud to say that’s a promise we made and delivered on.” 

However, she fails to mention that the new 10-year lease states there will be no restaurant and that the Turn will serve members only. 

According to the First Amendment to the License Agreement Between Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson and Lessing’s, Amendment 1 it states, “....There will be no à la carte restaurant operation inside the Clubhouse. The current restaurant space will be used to host member, resident, and private events.”

In addition, the lease amendment also states the following in Section 4 concerning the “Turn”. Lessing’s will operate the Turn “.... for the limited purpose of making food and beverage service available to Country Club members during normal hours at the Halfway House “The Turn.”

Blogger’s Opinion: 

Here is just another example of the Mayor’s interpretation of the term “transparency.” Everything she said in her post is true, but as usual, she only tells the part that she determines the Village residents should hear. But, the true defination of transparency in a business or government context refers to being open and HONEST.

The Village is spending about 5 million dollars on the portion of the total bluff restoration project to protect the Country Club building (remember FEMA grant money is taxpayer money). That is a huge investment for a place where non-member residents will enjoy and use only on occasional events at the “sole discretion of the Concessionaire” (Lessing’s).

I personally believe we need to use this election to make some big changes to who will be representing our Village after the July election.

Lessing Amendment 1 lease

Controversial Proposal for Ten-Unit Apartment Building on Belle Terre Road

 Last Chance to speak up:

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Port Jefferson will hold a Public Hearing on Thursday, APRIL 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Village Hall located at 121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson. (A pre-hearing work session will begin at 6:00PM). 

macrovector_official / Freepic.com

Applicant Arian Nawaz, M.D., is seeking a change of zoning and multiple variances to build a two-story ten-unit apartment building with a basement, on an empty lot located on the West side of Belle Terre Road, approximately 220’ south of Princess Tree Court.

The proposed apartment building is not a permitted use within the P-O Zone ( Professional use) and would require a Zoning change. 

In addition to the Zoning change, the following variances would be required to build it:

1. Lot Area requests 21,998 sq. ft., where 40,000 sq. ft. is required.

2. Lot Depth requests 171.42 ft., where 175 sq. ft. is required.

3. Front Yard Setback” requests 10 ft. where 40 ft. is required.

4. Parking requests: 14 spaces where 15 are required.

Public Outcry: During a previous meeting, when this project was first announced, many residents spoke against this project.  Their objections included the negative environmental impact that building a large structure and a parking lot on this steep parcel would have on the flooding issues in lower Port Jefferson Village and the variances that would be required (see above).

Author’s Notes:

Zoning was put in place for a reason. Changing the zoning to accommodate the whim of one person, building, or corporation is NOT a prudent practice. The Village already has more than its share of apartment buildings and apartments. If the Village allows the change of zoning for individual lots designated for other use (professional, single-family homes or commercial) to be used for mini-apartment buildings, it could start a precedent that could result in this type of complex being built everywhere in the Village. 

For example, there is currently a Presubmission Application to remove a non-rented professional building located at 116 Oakland Avenue and replace it with a three-story apartment building. The property owner stated that the professional building is no longer desired in the village since most doctors are becoming part of large health organizations such as Nortwell. If this is true, imagine how many of these small professional buildings may now become apartment buildings. 

I believe we need to speak up and stop this endless building of apartment buildings if we want to keep the charm of our historic small village. 

A good question to ask the candidates running for office in the June election is how they feel about changing zoning to allow more apartments. 

Full Public Notice

What Happened to Port Jefferson Village Code Red Alert System

 

This post is updated to supply information received by a local resident.

The resident informed me that the Village posted information about the harbor contamination on the Village's Facebook page late yesterday afternoon or early evening. The Port Jeff Alert (prior Code Red) did not go out until 6 am today. The Port Jeff Alert should have been issued at the same time.

Author's Notes:

If the Village reacted by posting the alert when they first posted it to their website, it could have prevented anyone from touching the contaminated water. One resident reported that they had their dog at the beach in the water and was taking the dog to the vet to ensure the dog was not harmed. The Village must realize that many residents do not use Facebook, nor do they follow Village News on the Village's website. A timely used emergency alert system is a must. I believe everyone should sign up for Suffolk County's system. It is also good to have a backup. (instructions below)

First, the good news! 

The Village still has an emergency alert system. It was renamed “Port Jeff Alert”. The link to register to the “Port Jeff Alert” can be found at the bottom of the home page on the Village website. Beware: it is a very small graphic located at the very bottom of the home page. Clicking on the Port Jeff Alert link will allow you to sign-up for the alerts from the system. If you already have an account on Code Red, you need not register again.  

Village's response to why they did not issue an emergency alert: 

I have reached out to Village Code and the Village Clerk's office.  The Code office informed me that the department does not handle these types of alerts. The Village Clerk, Sylvia Pirillo,  was extremely helpful and explained that the message we received was generated by the Village. The Village put the alert out at around 6 a.m this morning. She has also requested that the Village gets immediate notification of such events before it is released to news sources since the Village was not informed until last night. 

Another way to get emergency alerts is to sign up for SuffolkAlert.

SuffolkAlert is the official emergency notification system used by the Suffolk County Emergency Managers and Public Safety Officials to communicate with community residents during emergencies. Sign up now to receive free alerts from the SuffolkAlert via text message and/or voice message.

Sign up for SuffolkAlert by texting SuffolkAlerts to 67283

Complete your Safety Alert profile at Smart911.

Having a Safety Profile allows you to:

• Stay informed of weather, traffic, and other emergencies in your community

• Add your address to receive geo-targeted alerts

• Indicate what types of alerts you want to receive, including weather, traffic, emergency, and more.

• Indicate how you want to be notified by text, email, and/or voice message.

• Allow Suffolk County to assist homebound individuals during emergencies Sign up for information about Vector Control, Parks, and much more

A Resolution That Will Start Phase II Bluff Restoration Hits Opposition

 

A Resolution That Will Start Phase II Bluff Restoration Hits Opposition

At the April 09, Board of Trustees Work Group Meeting,  Mayor Sheprow presented the resolution below.  The resolution was presented once before and was tabled. Once again, it still met with opposition by two trustees, but the Mayor was then able to break the tie with her vote. 

Resolution #03-40925

courtesy of Freepic.com

Resolution approving Tasks 2,3,4, and 5 on the attached Professional Service Contract Amendment submitted by GEI Consultants, Inc. for design development, contractor solicitation, construction monitoring, and coordination meetings related to Phase II of the East Beach Bluff Stabilization project. 

Both Trustee Hill and Trustee Ugrinsky voted against the resolution for the reasons below:

When asked why they did not support the resolution, their responses are below:

Trustee Kyle Hill: “ I have been skeptical of the entire bluff erosion mitigation project, which is why I voted no. I am more than willing to invest in building a new clubhouse far enough away from the bluff so that we are guaranteed a return on investment. To break even on the project it needs to last at least 30 years. But I am concerned that the Phase 2 material and construction costs will be significantly more than the original projections, which are roughly five years old now. If I'm right, and I hope I'm not, the break-even point could be pushed out even further".

Trustee Xena Ugrinsky did not state why she voted "no" when the resolution was presented and could not provide a comment at this time. If one is provided at a later time, I will update the post (so feel free to check back)

Author’s Notes:

1, It was refreshing to hear that at least two trustees were not willing to move forward with a project that does not make sense. Remember, everyone on the Board made campaign promises that the people would be given a chance to have a say in how Phase II would proceed. Thank you both for listening to the people you serve.

2. The above resolution does not gather information to investigate other options that could be presented to the public. It is solely for the steps necessary to start the existing Phase II project of installing a steel wall to preserve the existing building. 

Planning Board to Introduce Two New Projects

On Thursday, April 10, at 6:00 pm, the Village Planning Board will introduce new proposed projects, two of which may interest you.

A Proposed New Hotel To Replace The Existing Gap Building

rwdd_studios freepik.com

“A proposal for a site plan on the vacant 105 Arden Place “Gap” building is to be reviewed so that the project sponsors may seek input from the Board on a proposal to construct a mixed-use building including first floor commercial; two floors (40 units) of hotel rooms, and a rooftop restaurant.” Per page 3 of the Agenda Package

OPINION: It sounds like that may be a good solution for a building site that has been vacant for a long time. Hotels bring people who will be spending money at our local shops, restaurants and bars. It will be interesting to learn where they will provide parking for the 40 guests’ vehicles and parking for staff. I hope it will not result in the loss of another “Resident’s Only” parking lot  (two were lost in the past year).

Introducing the “Baxter” a Four-Story 40-Unit Apartment Building in Upper Port

The Planning Board will be reviewing the preliminary site plan for 1506-1512 Main Street. “The project, known as the “Baxter” located on the west side of Main Street in the South Village C-2 commercial business district, is proposing the demolition of existing building and the construction of a 40-unit, 35,000 sq.ft. four-story mixed-use building, including in the proposal is the distribution of studio and one-bedroom apartments and 1,800 sq. ft of ground floor retail space” -per page 3 of Agenda Package. 

OPINION: Although in general, I am against more apartment buildings being built in the village, building the three proposed in Upper Port makes sense. It provides more housing for those who want to live in our Village but can’t afford or do not want home ownership. At the same time, it helps to revitalize an Upper Port that has been plagued by blight for many years."

However, I do not agree with the building being 4 stories high, and I have a fear that once this building, Port Jeff Commons (Conifer II), and another proposed apartment building on the corner of Main Street and North Country Road are completed, our gateway into the Village will resemble a road in Queens. Don’t forget the massive apartment complex planned for Jefferson Plaza in Port Jefferson Station. It will also have apartment buildings lining the roadside. I believe that after the three projects mentioned above are complete, it is time to say enough is enough. There should be sufficient residents in the area to encourage business owners to revitalize the remaining buildings and open shops.

What are your thoughts on these two proposed projects? You can respond on this blog or on the Facebook page where you read my post. 

I will update this blog post with additional information after tomorrow’s meeting.

April 09 Board of Trustees Workgroup Agenda

You May Not Have Noticed - Review of March 27 Community Forum

(A summary article was released today, April 3, Port Times Record )

The forum provided a lot of information about the Phase II Bluff Restoration. However, there were are a few points that were missing or that you might not have picked up on. 

Did The Mayor Examine Any Other Options?

In her almost two years in office, Mayor Sheprow has not demonstrated that she has ever considered any options other than the existing Phase II plans. She knew the people would never get to vote on how they would like their tax dollars spent on the bluff. 

So it’s a done deal. Phase II will proceed to move forward, and we just have to pay our taxes and move on. 

But wait, here is a killer acknowledgment:

Trustee Xena Ugrinsky said. “Phase 2 is a way to ensure that we protect the bluff so that we buy time. To decide how to deal with the building. Maybe we retrieve the building; maybe it gets moved - who knows?”

So, let's see if I got this right. The taxpayers will foot a 10 million dollar bill (remember, FEMA money is taxpayer money) to “buy time” to figure out what to do with the building. 

I believe that figuring out what to do with the building should have been “figured out” before taking the current path. In addition, keep in mind that Phase II (the wall) is not designed to preserve the bluff. It is designed to protect the clubhouse (the building). The FEMA grant was given to preserve the Club House a Village asset. 

The Mayor has also stated that she is unaware of any plans or information about other options investigated by the former administration. 

This does not make sense since Former Mayor Garant discusses a drainage plan and an architect’s Soft Review (rough cost) of retreating and adding a 6,000 square foot addition to the existing Pro Shop building in a July 18, 2022, video called, “Bluff Restoration Upland Presentation” (you can find this at the 16 minute mark of the video). 

Why wasn’t this plan investigated further and a cost analysis presented to the public. Yes, moving in another direction could jeopardize the FEMA grant, but presenting both plans to the taxpayers along with a cost analysis and letting them decide how they want to invest their money would have been more transparent and inclusive.

Don’t be fooled by the estimated tax increase of $77 per year.

This estimate is based on plans that are years old. Costs have gone up, the scope of work has increased (drainage plans and cost to repair the partial failure of Phase I.), and additional erosion has changed the topography. Where will the money come from if the cost is significantly higher?  Another bond? 

From the past actions of this administration, I don’t believe that if additional money is required and a bond is needed, the taxpayers will get a say via ballot referendum.

What's the story with the new 10-year concession lease at the clubhouse?

It seems odd to me that right before the Village's Community Forum, it is announced that the Board has approved a 10-year lease with a new vendor to run operations at the County Club. Could this have been done so it would be impossible to back out of the lease. This prevents the opportunity of reexamining other options than installing the wall.

Village Board Approves 10 year Concession Lease

If you agree with the path this administration has taken then all is well. If not, you can use your voting power to make changes at the June election.

Apartments: When is Enough, Enough?

 Apartments: When is Enough Enough?

Published in Letters to the Editor, Port Times Record, March 27, 2025

https://tbrnewsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/pt_032725w.pdf

I want to thank,  Councilmember Jonathan Korneich for his article in this week’s edition of TBR News Media, Port Jefferson Record Times (March 13), titled, “Your Turn: Overdevelopment will not solve the affordable housing Crisis”  

The article supports my ongoing concern that Port Jefferson Village should stop approving permits to build new apartment buildings. 

I recently tried to obtain the number of apartments and the number of residential homes currently in Port Jefferson Village and was told that the village does not have this information. I must ask how the planning board can make educated rulings if they don’t even know how many exist and what the Village Master Plan considers the maximum that should be allowed. If there are no limits, the trend will just continue until Port Jefferson has lost all the charm of a small, historic village.

From my research, the Village of Port Jefferson already has over 1,100 apartments located in apartment buildings. This doesn’t include the three apartment buildings now being discussed in the planning department and all the apartments that exist above the stores in our downtown and uptown. 

We are a small village and 1,100 + apartments is more than the village can hold and still maintain its history and charm. I imagine that compared to other villages and hamlets in the area, Port Jefferson Village outshines them in trying to meet the needs of people who find home ownership unobtainable.

I believe that the residents of Port Jefferson Village need to decide if they want to maintain what’s left of the Village’s history and charm or continue the trend of building massive apartment buildings and maybe one day being the new “Queens or Brooklyn” of Long Island. 

We will only be able to stop this trend by ensuring that we elect village officials who will determine the number of apartments existing and the number that is acceptable. I believe something is lacking when no official in the village can easily obtain this information nor provide a number that a Master Plan states is acceptable. 

Rob Grimm

Port Jefferson resident