Good morning neighbor,

From solar power in Brookhaven to sidewalk makeovers in Patchogue, our local villages are buzzing. Bellport’s rewriting the rules, oysters are thriving, and even the flower beds are getting some love. Let’s dive in.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🍳 Buttermilk’s Farmhouse is bringing its beloved breakfast and lunch dishes to Bay Shore with a new location opening August 29. Known for its cozy charm and home-style meals, this marks the second spot for the Patchogue-based eatery. [WhatNow]

☀️ A massive new solar farm in Brookhaven is now generating nearly 40 megawatts of clean energy. That is enough to power 7,000 homes by using 16,000 solar panels atop a capped landfill. Officials say it marks a major step toward a greener future for Long Island, with benefits ranging from cleaner air to potential lower energy bills. [Town of Brookhaven]

Local Pulse

🌟 Patchogue Village Updates: Growth, Grants & Green Projects in Motion

Patchogue’s Board of Trustees meeting August 11 highlighted several exciting projects and improvements that directly impact the look, feel, and future of our downtown. Here’s what you need to know:

🏙️ Business Improvement District (BID) at Work

• The BID is updating its bylaws for the first time in a decade, ensuring the group that oversees beautification, events, and business support remains up to date.

• The Village is expecting a $100,000 county grant to fund new streetlights and sidewalks along Waverly Avenue. The plan is to start at the traffic circle and extend toward downtown, giving Patchogue’s main artery a stronger sense of place and better connection to Main Street. The improvements also open the door for hanging baskets and seasonal décor similar to what makes Main Street so inviting.

• The Farmers Market continues to shine, drawing visitors from Bayport, Blue Point, Sayville, and beyond. It runs every Sunday through October 12, bringing local produce, baked goods, and local goods to the village green.

🚻 Restrooms, Arches & Beautification

• Trustees are exploring innovative public restroom solutions. One option called Throne offers turnkey, modular bathrooms used in other U.S. cities; another idea, inspired by Japan, features smart-glass walls that frost for privacy when occupied.

• Patchogue is quickly becoming the “Village of Arches.” The newly finished Theater Walkway Arch now complements existing walkway arches, creating a distinct downtown motif. Officials are eyeing more spots such as the walkway between Bank of America and Hoshi for additional arches that could become a fun “photo trail” for visitors.

• Landscaping improvements are also on the table, including plans for irrigation upgrades in the Terry Street parking lot, ensuring flowers and plantings thrive all summer.

🦪 Oyster Restoration at Mascot Dock

• Patchogue’s oyster project is thriving, with shellfish growing healthier and faster than expected.

• In addition to placing oysters on the bay bottom, researchers want to experiment by attaching oyster spat (seedlings) to pavers along the living shoreline. If successful, Patchogue would be among the first villages to try this method.

🌊 Living Shoreline Project: Phase One & Beyond

• The protective fencing around new plantings has now been removed, opening up beautiful water views. A few trees will be replaced, and repairs are being made to the kayak launch to reduce algae and seaweed buildup.

• Phase Two discussions are underway for the area east of Little Creek, including reimagining the old ballfield into a more versatile community space. Ideas range from new recreation options to environmental upgrades, with engineers and planners set to explore possibilities.

• The Village has recently submitted several grants:

  • New equipment for Shorefront Park

  • A feasibility study on reducing stormwater runoff into Little Creek

  • Sewer connection funding for key downtown development projects

✨ Taken together, these efforts show Patchogue balancing its historic charm with forward-thinking projects.

See the full meeting on You Tube

📰 Bellport Village Board Meeting Recap

Bellport Village’s board meeting on August 25 covered everything from new leadership appointments and community projects to road repairs, code enforcement changes, and upcoming grant-funded upgrades. Here’s what you need to know:

Community Recognition

• Lena Tanaka Shaw Honored – A local resident was recognized for her letter urging better recycling at Ho-Ham Beach. In response, the village is adding new covered bins to prevent contamination and encourage responsible recycling.

Leadership & Appointments

• Deputy Mayor Sworn In – Nathan Roar took his oath of office as Deputy Mayor.

• New Village Attorney – Larry Davis, long-time municipal and zoning expert, was sworn in. His retainer agreement was unanimously approved.

Bellport Village Program Fund

• Celebrated its 15th anniversary of supporting local projects.

• Next project: new swing sets at the marina, delayed but scheduled for installation this week.

Code Enforcement & Village Laws

• Code Enforcement Changes – Insurance liability issues ended firearm coverage for officers, leading to resignations. Recruitment for new officers is underway.

• Code Book Overhaul – The outdated 1970s village code is being rewritten by General Code, with a first draft expected October 1. The process will take about two years.

Grants & Infrastructure Projects

• HUD 2024 Grant – Focus on Howell’s Creek dredging and three flood-prone road endings (Otis, South Howell’s, Thornhedge). Work with VHB is moving forward.

• Golf & Tennis Upgrades – Consultant recommendations received; public forum planned for mid-September to gather community input.

• Road Work – This year’s projects are South Brewster (nearly complete) and Colonial Lane (ongoing). A larger grant for $500k was cut at the federal level.

• Suffolk County Coordination – Productive meeting secured commitments on fixing a storm drain near Howell’s Creek, addressing idling buses, exploring smaller/on-demand buses, and repaving South Country Road with sidewalk improvements and new safety lighting at key crossings.

Community Facilities

• Community Center Renovations – $187,000 in grant-funded upgrades begin Sept. 8. Senior programs will temporarily run at the firehouse. Interior designer Philip Thomas is advising on finishes.

Public Safety & Quality of Life

• Bike Safety Reminder – Children under 14 must wear helmets; infants under 1 cannot be carried on bikes.

• Leaf Blower Debate – Board is reviewing stricter regulations, possibly encouraging electric models. Residents urged to ask landscapers not to blow dirt into roads.

• See the full meeting on You Tube

Community Highlights

• The Village of Bellport has continued its Sanitation Sunday Program, allowing residents to drop off household garbage, recycling, and landscaping debris every Sunday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at 1 1st St, Bellport, NY, through September 7. [Village of Bellport]

• Enter now for a chance to win two tickets to see Blues Traveler live at the Patchogue Theatre on October 5. [Live For Live Music]

• Get WILD Game Night: Reptile Edition invites nature lovers to CEED for a night of trivia, games, and live animal encounters on Wednesday, September 3 at 6:30 PM. [CEED]

• The Lone Sharks will bring their rockabilly sound to the Bellport Summer Bandshell Concert Series this Friday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. [Village of Bellport]

• The Village of Bellport is hiring part-time Code Enforcement Officers to help uphold local regulations and community standards. Learn more about the position and how to apply. [Village of Bellport]

• 🎶 The Music of Genesis by Seconds Out is coming to 89 North Music Venue on Sept. 13, with Long Island's own Seconds Out performing classics from both the Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins eras. [Patchogue Patch]

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is screening The Last Class, a documentary exploring the life and impact of economist and public intellectual Robert Reich, from August 22 to 28. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Experience is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for an electrifying tribute show on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00pm. [BroadwayWorld]

• EagleMania: The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute is coming to the Patchogue Theatre for a one-night performance on Friday, November 14. [BroadwayWorld]

• The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is hosting its August General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, August 27 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at People’s Pub, featuring half-price beer and wine from 6–7 PM and complimentary appetizers. [Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce]

• A new temporary exhibit opens August 16 at the William Floyd Estate, showcasing life on the historic property and recent rehabilitation efforts. The exhibit runs weekends through September 27. [Fire Island National Seashore]

• The Patchogue Arts Council and Greater Patchogue Chamber of Commerce present LED: Light Evoking Dreams, October 23–28, transforming Patchogue into a surreal dreamscape with projections, performances, interactive art, and a new Let’s Get Weird Film Festival. Don’t miss this glowing celebration—mark your calendars and plan your visit! [Patchogue Arts Council]

• The Gateway Playhouse will present Phantom by Maury Yeston and Arthur Kopit, a lush and emotional retelling of the Phantom story, running from August 1 to 31 with a 24-member cast and grand stage spectacle. Long Island Advance

• The Patchogue Arts Council is accepting submissions for Arts on Terry 2025, a curated contemporary art street fair on September 14, featuring booth space for fine artists. [Patchogue Arts Council]

Community Highlights

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