Councilman Kicks Off Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub Study

A new project will explore the ways the Town of Brookhaven can reverse what Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld described as "haphazard development and the lack of a community-based plan" that has led to sprawl, traffic congestion and blight within the Port Jefferson Station area.

The Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub Study, a concept that developed out of dialogue between Fiore-Rosenfeld and the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association, will focus on improving Main Street (Route 112) between the Long Island Rail Road station and Route 347.

“With the right mix of incentives and community support this commercial corridor has such great potential to be revitalized given its proximity to the LIRR station," Fiore-Rosenfeld said in a statement.

The study kicked off March 6 with a gathering of stakeholders including representatives of the Comsewogue School District; the Terryville Fire District; the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association; the North Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce; Comsewogue Library; and Cumsewogue Historical Society.

"Smart development will result in a community that we can all be proud of. I am
looking forward to working with Brookhaven Town and the various committees that will guide this study,” said Ed Garboski, President of Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association. “I am very proud of the efforts put forth and the commitments made from our residents who have gotten involved with the study and know with full certainty that together we will make a positive difference and have a say in how our community is developed.”

At its inaugural meeting, the Port Jefferson Station Commercial Hub Study Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) heard a presentation from planning consultant Dr. Lee Koppelman, who is director of the Center for Regional Policy Studies at Stony Brook University; Thomas Chawner, Brookhaven town Long Range Planning; and CAC chairman Charlie McAteer.

McAteer said the timing of this hub study couldn't be better, as a similar project is already under way for Upper Port Jefferson north of the LIRR station.

The Citizens Advisory Committee has opened an invitation to residents who would like to help in the process; those who are interested can send an email to charles.mcateer@stonybrook.edu and fiore-rosenfeld@brookhaven.org.