Big Moves, Small Airport, and Girl Scout Grit

Issue #257

Author

Brian Grant
October 17, 2025

Good Morning,

This week’s stories bring a mix of concern, pride, and community connection. Seniors in East Patchogue are speaking out about safety issues in their building. Meanwhile, Long Island MacArthur Airport has been named one of the best small airports in the country. A local Girl Scout is getting creative with a project that lights up Shorefront Park. We’re also taking a look back at a Patchogue corner lot that has served drivers for nearly 100 years.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏚️ Seniors at Pinehurst Apartments in East Patchogue say broken elevators, security lapses, and deteriorating conditions have made their building unsafe. Staff cuts and alleged drug activity have only worsened fears among residents, many of whom have mobility issues. News 12 Long Island

🛫 Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Ronkonkoma has been ranked the No. 2 best small airport in the U.S. for 2025, praised for its ease, efficiency, and proximity to top Long Island destinations. Recent upgrades and new carriers like Avelo and Cape Air make it an appealing alternative to NYC’s busier hubs. USA TODAY

🌿 Sachem High School East 9th grader Ariel Diamond earned her Girl Scout Silver Award with an interactive environmental display at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. Her project features solar lighting, deer-resistant flowers, and a pebble system to track community engagement. Facebook

Day in History

Still Fueling Patchogue: A Corner Lot’s 95-Year Run

On October 17, 1930, The Patchogue Advance reported a notable real estate transaction at the corner of Waverly Avenue and Main Street. The Texas Company had reached a deal to lease the property from Mayer Tollman for ten years, with an option to buy it within five years for $32,000. That price came out to $400 per front foot—an impressive figure at the time, even without improvements on the lot.

Still, this wasn’t the highest price ever paid for land in the area. Attorney Harry A. Davidow, representing Tollman, noted that the previous year a nearby parcel at the southeast corner of River Avenue and Main Street had sold for over $500 per front foot. That lot, purchased by A. Hurd for $25,000, included 50 feet of Main Street frontage and was leased to the Sinclair Refining Company.

When the same property at 279 West Main Street changed hands again on October 27, 2019, it sold for $629,000, according to PropertyShark. The site now operates as a Shell gas station, maintaining its original use as a service stop for drivers nearly a century later.

Adjusted for inflation, the $32,000 price tag from 1930 would be equal to roughly $489,882.63 in 2019. That reflects an increase of $457,882.63 over 89 years, based on an average annual inflation rate of 3.11 percent and a total price rise of 1,430.88 percent. While inflation accounts for much of the difference, the final sale price of $629,000 suggests the property gained additional value beyond inflation. Like much of Long Island real estate, it has steadily appreciated thanks to location and demand.

Community Highlights

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association invites all to its October General Membership Meeting, held at the BBP Library and featuring a raffle drawing.

    Explore colonial fear and folklore at The Devil in New York: The Witchcraft Trial of Goody Garlick, a talk by Dr. Tara Rider on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2–4pm at the BBP Library. BBPHA

  • The Village of Patchogue is hosting a Fall Festival – Chamber of Commerce Main Street Event with a pet‑friendly costume parade, a chili & chowder cook‑off, local vendors, food trucks, live music, and a petting zoo. 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 10/18/2025 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: Main Street, Patchogue, NY

  • The Patchogue Arts Council is hosting State of the Arts on Long Island: New Data and Advocacy with Lauren Wagner of the Long Island Arts Alliance, featuring new research and policy updates to support arts education and funding. 🗓️ Date: Friday, 10/17 ⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM 📍 Location: MoCA L.I., 20 Terry St, Ste. 116, Patchogue, NY [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • South Country Concerts is celebrating its 25th year with a special performance on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 5 PM featuring works by Mozart, Baker, and Dohnányi. South Country Concerts

  • The October General Membership Meeting will take place at Cavanaugh's on October 29 at noon, featuring a presentation on the "Tax implications of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and discussions with local elected officials. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber]

  • The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Comedy Night on Saturday, October 25th from 7–9 PM at the Bayport Fire House, featuring Carrie Karavas and friends. Bayport Chamber of Commerce

  • The Heroes Off Duty Comedy Tour is bringing first responder comedians to the stage on January 29, 2026, for a night of hilarious, real-life stories from the line of duty. Tickets range from $40.75 to $70.75 and go on sale October 17. [Comedy Tour]

  • The Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting will be held in Patchogue on October 20 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, providing a forum for public input on local zoning decisions. [Patchogue, NY]

  • The Patchogue Arts Council is hosting Sweet Treat Monday: MoCA L.I.ghts Benefit Night at Ben & Jerry’s, where a portion of sales and tips will support PAC and the MoCA L.I.ghts festival. 🗓️ Date: Monday, 10/20 ⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Location: Ben & Jerry’s, Main Street, Patchogue [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • The Village of Bellport is hosting a Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treating in the Business District with a scarecrow contest, march down Main Street, and pumpkin decorating at the Historical Society. 🗓️ Date: Saturday, 10/25 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM [Village of Bellport]

  • The Town of Brookhaven’s Youth Bureau and INTERFACE Program are hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive from October 14 to November 13, collecting non-perishable food items and $10 grocery gift cards to help families in need enjoy the holiday season. [Town of Brookhaven]

  • NYS Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Joe DeStefano are hosting their 5th Annual Trick-Or-Treat Event on Wednesday, October 29 from 6–8PM at the Medford Fire Department. A free, family-friendly night of costumes, candy, and Halloween fun.

  • Support Literacy Suffolk at Disco Bingo, a glow-in-the-dark afternoon of bingo, disco music, food, and prizes at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 11/2 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM 📍 Location: 89 North Music Venue, Patchogue 🎟️ $50 includes bingo cards and entry to win [Literacy Suffolk]

  • Take a peaceful virtual stroll through downtown Patchogue in this 4K walking tour by Walking with Genny, showcasing the charm and walkability of one of Long Island’s most inviting villages.

  • The Patchogue Arts Council and Plaza Cinema are hosting the RAKU Party, a hands-on pottery experience with live music, food, drinks, and art to support local arts programming. 🗓️ Date: Sunday, 11/2 ⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Location: Private location in Patchogue (address shared after ticket purchase) [Patchogue Arts Council]

  • The Town of Brookhaven is offering a Child Safety Seat Check with certified technicians and the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office to ensure proper car seat installation and safety. By appointment only. call 631.451.5335 to reserve your spot. 🗓️ Date: Thursday, 10/23 ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Location: Safety Town, 249 Buckley Rd, Holtsville, NY [Town of Brookhaven]

  • The Gateway is hosting a Not So Scary Kids Adventure every weekend through October 26, featuring a pumpkin bounce, hay maze, games, and a Halloween-themed tour perfect for ages 3–10. 🗓️ Dates: Saturdays & Sundays, Oct 11–26 ⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: 215 South Country Rd, Bellport, NY [The Gateway]

Community Highlights

Local Sports

The Patchogue-Medford Raiders will face the Riverhead Blue Waves this Saturday, aiming to bounce back after a 42-20 loss to Sachem North. Patchogue-Medford took the win over Riverhead last year and will look to repeat history against the 0-5 Blue Waves in Saturday’s matchup. MaxPreps

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