Brookhaven landfill warning and fire chasers banned

Good Morning,

We’ve got a lot to cover today. More about a hit-and-run that left two teens hurt and action on a toxic chemical plume in Brookhaven. Suffolk County is cracking down on pushy fire-chasing companies, and a well-known community leader is being honored for work in the arts.

Plus, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season: haunted houses, live music, and even a silent reading party. Let’s get into it.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🚓 Police have identified the suspect vehicle in a North Bellport hit-and-run that injured two teens as a white 2007–2017 Jeep Patriot with front-left damage. The driver fled the scene after hitting the teens at Station Road and Patchogue Avenue. [Patch]

🔥 Suffolk County has passed a new law banning aggressive “fire chasers”. These are board-up companies that swarm fire scenes to pressure families into costly contracts. The measure enforces a 1,000-foot buffer zone around fire vehicles and introduces steep fines and possible jail time for violators. [NY Post]

🌟 Patchogue Arts Council has named David Kennedy the 2025 MoCA L.I.ghts Glow Marshal, honoring his leadership and dedication to the arts and community. As Executive Director of the Patchogue BID, he’s been a key force behind the festival’s growth and impact. MoCA L.I.ghts tribute

Local Pulse

State Orders Brookhaven to Plan Cleanup as Toxic Plume Spreads from Landfill

Brookhaven officials are under a state mandate to develop a cleanup plan for the town landfill after elevated levels of toxic chemicals were discovered in groundwater flowing from the site. A draft report released this summer identified the landfill as a “contributing source” of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. Both are linked to serious health issues, including cancer.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has set a February 2026 deadline for Brookhaven to present a corrective plan, which may include closing the 192-acre landfill ahead of its expected 2028 closure. Residents living within 500 feet of the plume, which extends roughly four miles south from Brookhaven hamlet toward Bellport Bay, were notified in August.

Town officials say most nearby homes are connected to the public water supply, minimizing risk from groundwater contamination. Still, environmental advocates warn that fumes from the chemicals can enter homes and urge residents to avoid using basements without proper ventilation.

The town’s first attempt to address the contamination in a December 2024 report was rejected by the DEC for deflecting blame to surrounding industrial and agricultural sites. A revised draft was accepted in July. Now, the DEC is requiring Brookhaven to host a public meeting by December to discuss next steps with the community.

The landfill’s future—and the health of nearby residents—remains a pressing concern. Read original story by Carl MacGowan in Newsday.

Community Highlights

• The Bayport-Blue Point Library is hosting a Silent Reading Party on Oct. 3 from 6:30–8:00 PM—bring your favorite book and enjoy a peaceful evening of reading in the library after hours. [Bayport-Blue Point Library]

• Plant Nite comes to Momo’s Sports Bar and Grill Too in Bayport on Oct. 7 from 7–9 PM. Grab a drink and create your own succulent terrarium in this fun plant-and-sip event. [Eventbrite]

• The TWO-TIMERS, featuring Jeff Allegue and Gene Casey, return to the stage at People’s Pub in Bayport on Oct. 3 at 8:00 PM for a night of great live music and local vibes. [People’s Pub]

• GiGi’s Playhouse Long Island hosts its 2nd Annual 5K Run/321 Dash on Oct. 5 at Shorefront Park in Patchogue. Don your favorite superhero costume and race to support free programs for individuals with Down syndrome. [GiGi's Playhouse Long Island]

• Gateway’s Haunted Playhouse is offering a $10 discount on tickets Sunday through Thursday. Use code FEAR at checkout to save on your terrifying trip through The Harvester. [The Gateway]

• The Town of Brookhaven is accepting entries for its Recycles Poster Contest until Oct. 28. Students can submit artwork on the themes Choose to Reuse! or Recycle Right! for a chance to be honored by the Town Board and featured in local publications. [Town of Brookhaven]

• Fire Island News profiles returning cover artist Diane Keil, whose nostalgic new piece Through the Eyes of a Child graces the end-of-summer edition, with her work on exhibit at Bayard Cutting Arboretum through Oct. 19. [Fire Island News]

• Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center is showing Eleanor the Great until Oct. 8—a heartwarming drama about a 90-year-old woman starting over in New York and forging an unexpected friendship. [Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center]

• Village Hall in Bellport will close at noon on Friday, Oct 3 for staff development. [Bellport Village]

• RUMBA is throwing a massive 3-floor silent disco on Friday, Oct 10, starting at 9 p.m., with DJs spinning across three levels and channels—bar, main floor, and rooftop—for a night of dancing under the stars. [RUMBA]

• The Marshall Tucker Band returns with their soulful Southern rock classics on Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Patchogue Theatre, delivering timeless hits like “Can’t You See” and “Heard It in a Love Song.” [Patchogue Theatre]

• Blues Traveler is bringing their Hooked On The Hits tour to the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Oct 5 at 7 p.m. for a night of classic rock and harmonica-fueled jams. [Patchogue Theatre]

• The Gateway Performing Arts Center is hosting its Haunted Masquerade Fundraiser on Friday, October 10 at 6:30 PM, promising a spooky and elegant evening to support the arts. [Email or call 631-286-8851 for ticket info.]

• PAC • MoCA L.I. is hosting a Fall Felting: Painting with Wool Workshop on October 7, where artist Hillary Broder will guide participants in creating autumn or spooky-themed wool paintings using needle felting techniques. [$50 includes materials, instruction, and treats!]

• The Broadway's ROCK OF AGES Band will perform at Patchogue Theatre on December 31, delivering a high-energy New Year's Eve show packed with classic rock hits. [Broadway World]

• The Bellport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Welcome Autumn Members Network Meeting on October 8 at Porters on the Lane, featuring a hands-on brand strategy workshop led by Aditi Mukherjee of Chai Gate. Dinner is included, and attendees will leave with ready-to-use social media content. [Bellport Chamber of Commerce]

• The Town of Brookhaven is hosting its annual Ageless and Unstoppable women’s conference on Oct. 4, featuring workshops, a keynote by comedian Maria Walsh, and a morning of empowerment. Brookhaven Office of Women’s Services

• NYS Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo are hosting a Citizen Preparedness Training Course on Oct. 9 at the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library to help residents plan for emergencies and disasters. NYS Senate .

• Charlie Sheen is bringing his live show Alive On Stage to town on October 17 at 8 PM, with tickets ranging from $50 to $161. Buy Tickets

Community Highlights

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