Homes, Help & Hope: Big Changes Across Medford & Beyond

Good Morning,

From new housing to solar power and community support, here’s what’s happening in our neighborhoods today.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

Local Pulse

🏗️ Construction has begun on Medford Gardens, a $40 million all-electric apartment complex that will offer 66 affordable units for seniors, including supportive housing for those facing homelessness and mental health challenges. The development, part of Governor Hochul’s broader $25 billion housing plan, is scheduled for completion in summer 2026. [Office of the Governor]

🍕 A pizza delivery driver was robbed of cash and a cell phone Sunday night in North Bellport after two men falsely claimed they had ordered the food, Suffolk police said. The robbery on Michigan Avenue is the latest in a string of similar incidents, though the victim was not injured. Patch

🔆 UGE has hit the Notice to Proceed milestone for its 1.3MW rooftop community solar project in Medford, NY, paving the way for construction to begin atop the Medford Logistics Center. The clean energy project will power around 200 homes annually and support T-Mobile’s renewable energy goals. [Fox 5]

⚖️ Antwane Lee, 31, of Bay Shore has been indicted for second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Justin Evans after an argument at the Heatherwood Apartment Complex in East Patchogue. Prosecutors say Lee allegedly used a serrated hunting knife during the attack, later dropping Evans at a hospital before fleeing the scene. [Patch]

🏡 King Quality Roofing & Siding will donate a brand-new roof for a Habitat for Humanity home in Bellport, helping a local family move one step closer to homeownership. The project is part of the company’s continued support of community-based initiatives across Long Island. LongIsland.com

🚓 Two people have been charged following police raids at foot spas in Medford and Selden, where investigators say illegal activity was taking place. Suffolk police conducted the searches as part of an ongoing investigation into unlicensed massage parlors. Patch

Community Highlights

• La Plage Bistro, a new French-inspired restaurant, is set to open this May at 14 Station Road in Bellport, occupying the former Bellport Brewing Company location. This venture is the latest project from Wayne Wadington, the longtime owner of La Plage in Wading River, and is described as a "passion project" years in the making.

• The Village of Patchogue is hosting its 25th Annual Bunny Run on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Father Tortora Park. This free outdoor event features egg hunts, raffles, a jelly bean count, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Children aged 4–6 can participate at 12:00 PM, while those aged 7–9 can join at 12:30 PM. The first 50 kids in each age group will receive a special goodie bag. Don't forget to bring your egg basket!

• Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine is celebrating its 3-year anniversary on April 26 with live mariachi, a DJ, brunch, drink specials, and more at their Patchogue location. Come join the party and toast to an incredible journey with the Ruta family! [Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine]

• The Village of Bellport is hosting its Arbor Day celebration with a tree planting at Village Hall on April 25 at 11:00am. A great way to honor the importance of trees in our environment. [Village of Bellport]

• Catch 2U The U2 Show with guests STEELY BAND, a tribute to U2 and Steely Dan, live at 89 North Music Venue in Patchogue on April 17 at 7:00pm. Enjoy back-to-back sets of classic hits from two top-notch tribute bands. [89 North Music Venue]

• The Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the Town of Brookhaven are offering free rabies vaccinations for pets on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Brookhaven Animal Shelter. [Patch]

• Blues songstress Beth Hart is set to perform at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on April 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM. Don’t miss the chance to see her live! [Patchogue Patch]

• The Bellport Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Easter Bonnet & Crazy Hat Parade on Saturday, April 19, 2025. Participants are encouraged to showcase their most creative and whimsical hats. The parade will begin at 11:00 AM at the Firehouse.

• The Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association is hosting Murder at Meadow Croft, a live-action CLUE-inspired mystery night on May 17, 2025, where guests can explore the historic estate to solve a whodunit. Tickets go on sale April 15 and include two evening sessions for sleuths aged 12 and up. [Bayport Blue Point Heritage Association]

• The Friends of the Bayport-Blue Point Library are hosting the Bayminster Dog Parade & Artisan Fair on April 27, 2025, from 1–4 PM, featuring a dog parade with ribbons in multiple categories and a local artisan fair. Suggested donation for parading pups is $20. [Bayport-Blue Point Library]

Local Sports

Here’s your Patchogue Live Local recap for Monday, April 14—big performances all around as our schools continue to shine across the board. Let’s check out the action:

Girls Flag Football
Patchogue 20 North Babylon 0

Softball
Bayport-Blue Pt 9 Babylon 5
Bellport 12 Southold/Gpt/Matt 0
Patchogue-Medford 12 Brentwood 4

Baseball
Bellport 2 Smithtown West 12
Patchogue-Medford 9 William Floyd 6

Girls Lacrosse
Bayport-Blue Pt 18 Miller Place 8

Boys Lacrosse
Bellport 2 Commack HS 17
Patchogue-Medford 6 Riverhead 10

Boys Tennis
Patchogue-Medford 3 Comsewogue 4

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