Bird Flu Concerns, Tax Levy Update & Live After 5

Good morning, Here’s what’s happening in the community—from inspiring youth leaders and important tax updates to exciting summer events and the latest local news.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

👮‍♂️ Students from Patchogue-Medford High School became the first graduates of the Suffolk Sheriff's Youth Ambassador Program, designed to teach leadership and community service skills. The initiative aims to strengthen relationships between youth and law enforcement. Patch

🦅 Dozens of dead birds were found in Patchogue and are being tested for bird flu as officials investigate the cause of the sudden die-off. Health experts are monitoring the situation to assess any potential risks to public health. ABC7 New York

🚔 Former Patchogue-Medford school chief from Sayville faces an upgraded charge in an alleged DWI crash that left a man seriously injured. Prosecutors are intensifying the case as the investigation continues. Greater Long Island

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Local Pulse

Public Hearing on Property Tax Levy:

During the Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting on February 24, 2025, a public hearing was held to discuss authorizing a property tax levy that could exceed the limits set by New York State's General Municipal Law. This is a routine procedure carried out annually to ensure compliance with state legislation and to safeguard the village from potential penalties.

Key Details:

1. Purpose of the Hearing:

   • The public hearing was conducted to authorize the village to exceed the property tax cap set by New York State, which is a legally mandated threshold limiting the amount by which property taxes can increase each year.

   • This authorization is a precautionary measure, allowing the village the flexibility to exceed the cap if necessary, although it does not necessarily mean the tax levy will exceed the limit.

2. Reason for Authorization:

   • By authorizing the ability to exceed the tax cap, the village ensures it remains compliant with state laws, thus avoiding financial penalties or restrictions.

   • This measure is taken every year as a standard practice to provide the board with budgetary flexibility, especially in the face of unforeseen expenses or revenue shortfalls.

3. Discussion Points:

   • It was noted that the state mandates a cap on real estate tax increases, which varies annually. This year’s limit is approximately 1.7%.

   • Village officials clarified that the authorization does not guarantee that the tax increase will exceed the cap but is a safeguard to avoid complications if the cap is exceeded for any reason.

4. Community Transparency and Assurance:

   • The board emphasized that passing this authorization does not mean they plan to exceed the tax cap, but rather it keeps their financial options open.

   • This process was described as purely a formality required by state law and has been a consistent practice for several years.

5. Public and Board Reactions:

   • There were no public objections during the hearing, and the board members unanimously agreed to proceed with the authorization.

   • The board reiterated the importance of this measure to ensure financial flexibility and avoid legal issues with state-imposed tax regulations.

6. Next Steps:

   • Following the public hearing and board approval, the village will continue to review the budget and determine if exceeding the cap is necessary.

   • Should the tax levy exceed the state limit, the authorization will allow the village to implement the necessary adjustments without facing state penalties.

Alive After Five

During the Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting on February 24, 2025, exciting updates were shared about the upcoming Live After 5 events, set to take place throughout the summer. This year, the organizers are introducing themed nights to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for attendees while catering to a broad range of musical tastes and cultural interests.

The first themed night is "Downtown Nashville," designed to bring the spirit of country music to Main Street. The evening will feature live performances from local country bands, line dancing, and themed food and drink options at participating restaurants. The next event, "Emo Night," aims to attract a younger crowd and those nostalgic for the early 2000s. This night will feature music from iconic emo and pop-punk bands like My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, and Paramore, played by live bands and DJs. Local businesses will be invited to join in the fun by offering themed promotions, including specialty cocktails and branded merchandise.

The series will also include a lively "Disco Night," which promises to transform Main Street with retro music. Finally, the "Local Jam Bands Night" will spotlight homegrown talent, featuring jam bands known for their improvisation and extended live performances.

To ensure a safe and well-organized experience, the village board is working closely with event organizers and local law enforcement on logistics, including street closures, parking arrangements, and security measures. The board expressed enthusiasm for the new themes and is eager to receive community feedback. Based on the success of these events, future editions of Live After 5 may feature more themed nights or introduce new concepts.

Day in History

Patchogue Fights Reduced Railroad Station Hours

In February 1929, Patchogue's Chamber of Commerce and Postmaster Harry T. Weeks launched a campaign against the Long Island Railroad's decision to reduce operating hours at the local station. Without any public announcement, the railroad shortened the station's weekday hours from 6:20 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., impacting ticket sales, baggage collection, and mail services.

The railroad justified the change as a necessary cost-cutting measure. However, local leaders saw it as a tactic to pressure the public into accepting a commutation fare increase, which had been previously denied. The Chamber of Commerce argued that the railroad's financial difficulties did not justify reducing essential services and vowed to fight the decision. They planned to take their case to the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Public Service Commission, aiming to restore the former schedule.

The change disrupted not only travelers but also the post office. Previously, evening mail was sent out at 8:25 p.m., but the earlier closing time required the post office to find new ways to dispatch the mail, potentially leading to earlier mail cut-off times.

Miss Webb, the station agent, attributed the reduced hours to budget constraints. However, the Chamber of Commerce and Postmaster Weeks were determined to restore the original operating hours, rallying community support to preserve essential services.

The story reflects Patchogue's resilience and community spirit as residents and officials stood united against changes that disrupted daily life and commerce.

Community Highlights

• This Saturday, March 1, support the Bayport-Blue Point girls lacrosse program at a fundraiser hosted at Momo’s Too in Bayport from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Organized by dedicated parents and community members, this event celebrates local student-athletes and their love for the game while raising funds for continued program success.

• FLOW is playing on March 1 at 5:00 PM and March 2 at 4:30 PM at the Plaza MAC. This animated film by award-winning director Gints Zilbalodis follows a courageous cat navigating a newly aquatic world alongside a capybara, lemur, bird, and dog. Described as "dreamy, epic, perilous, and very beautiful" by Ty Burr of the Washington Post, it's a mesmerizing tale of friendship, courage, and environmental fragility.FLOW is playing on March 1 at 5:00 PM and March 2 at 4:30 PM at the Plaza MAC. This animated film by award-winning director Gints Zilbalodis follows a courageous cat navigating a newly aquatic world alongside a capybara, lemur, bird, and dog. Described as "dreamy, epic, perilous, and very beautiful" by Ty Burr of the Washington Post, it's a mesmerizing tale of friendship, courage, and environmental fragility.

• Get ready for a fun-filled day at the Winter Olympics: Art Dash 25 on Sunday, March 2 at the Patchogue Family YMCA. Start the day by designing your own Art Dash T-shirt with help from the Patchogue Arts Council and Patchogue-Medford Library at 11:00 AM, followed by the Fun Run and activities from 12:00 - 2:00 PM for ages 1-14.

  Don’t miss this exciting event packed with creativity, fitness, and community fun!

• Ancient Aliens LIVE is coming to the Patchogue Theatre on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 8:00 PM, featuring Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope, and Jason Martell. This ninety-minute live experience delves into extraterrestrial theories from Ancient Egypt to the moon. VIP Meet & Greet add-ons are available for an exclusive photo opportunity with the featured contributors. Tickets are priced between $60.00 - $121.00, including fees.

Community Highlights

Exploring Patchogue's Vegan Delights

Patchogue has become a haven for those seeking delectable vegan cuisine. Several local establishments have embraced plant-based dining, offering a variety of dishes that cater to diverse palates.

Dirty Taco stands out with its innovative Vegan Chorizo Taco. This flavorful creation combines refried beans, a cilantro-onion mix, and chimichurri, delivering a delightful twist on traditional flavors. With locations in Patchogue and beyond, Dirty Taco has become a favorite for those seeking inventive vegan options.

For a hearty breakfast or brunch, Toast Coffee + Kitchen offers the Shasta Scramble. This savory dish features vegan eggs blended with roasted zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and sautéed onions, accompanied by home fries. Toast's commitment to quality ingredients ensures a satisfying meal to start your day.

Jardin Cafe, nestled in the heart of Patchogue, presents the Tofu Asada Bowl. This nourishing bowl includes tofu, brown rice, black beans, pico de gallo, romaine, corn, and guacamole, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Jardin Cafe's dedication to fresh, healthy, and local food makes it a standout choice for conscious diners.

These establishments exemplify Patchogue's growing vegan scene, offering residents and visitors alike a range of delicious plant-based options. Whether you're a dedicated vegan or simply exploring new culinary horizons, Patchogue's diverse eateries are sure to satisfy your cravings.

For more details on Long Island's best vegan dishes, check out the full story here.

Local Sports

🥍 Despite a strong effort, the Maritime College men's lacrosse team fell to Stevens 17-7 at Reinhart Field. Nick LiPuma (Bayport, NY) contributed a goal and an assist, while Ryan Hannaford (Bayport, NY) distributed two assists to help the Privateers' offense. [Maritime Athletics]

🤼‍♂️ Penn's Max Gallagher, hailing from Blue Point, N.Y., earned the final Wrestler of the Week award of the season after a comeback victory over Rutgers' No. 8 Dean Peterson. With the regular season over, all eyes are on the inaugural Ivy League Wrestling Tournament on March 9. Ivy League Sports

🏀 Amir Dickerson powered Amityville to a 68-50 victory over Bellport in the Suffolk Class AA quarterfinals, scoring 31 points to secure a spot in the semifinals against top-seeded Wyandanch. Amityville coach Jack Agostino praised Dickerson's leadership and talent, calling him a "really, really talented player." Newsday

🏀 Dylan Craig and Cormac Love powered Bayport-Blue Point to a 65-54 win over Glenn, securing a spot in the Suffolk Class A semifinals. Craig scored 24 points with nine assists, while Love added 20 points, leading the Phantoms as they pursue their first county title since 2015. Newsday

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