Music, Art, Sports, and New Housing

Issue #31

Author

Brian Grant
May 20, 2024

In This Issue of Patchogue Live Local

🧟‍♂️"Zombie House" in Medford

🎶Music and Art

🏠Affordable Housing Development

🏆Best Places to Live

🥍 Local Sports

 đź“† List of Events in the Greater Patchogue Area!

The Arts

Brookhaven Town Demolishes Longtime Vacant "Zombie House" in Medford

On May 14, Brookhaven Town took action to improve the Medford community by demolishing a longtime vacant "zombie house" at 56 Barbara Lane. Town Supervisor Dan Panico was present as the dilapidated property, which had been abandoned and exposed to the elements for years, was torn down. The house had become a community blight, drawing numerous resident complaints about issues such as squatters, rodents, and illegal drug activities.

The demolition was carried out under Chapter 73 of the Town Code, which allows for a "fast track" removal of unsafe structures, ensuring neighborhoods remain safe and pleasant. The costs associated with the demolition, debris removal, and land restoration will be borne by the property owner.

Residents can watch the demolition and learn more about similar efforts in the Town of Brookhaven on the Town's website or Brookhaven Cable TV Channel 18. .

The Arts

Enjoy Music and Art at the Great South Bay Benefit Concert

Get ready for an unforgettable day of great music, art, and community spirit at the Great South Bay Benefit Concert on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 2:00-6:00 PM. This event supports MoCA L.I. and the Patchogue Arts Council, dedicated to building communities and providing opportunities for everyone to experience the arts.

This year, it’s back to the beach for an exclusive musical experience at a private location overlooking the stunning Great South Bay. Enjoy special performances by the PAC • MoCA L.I. house band The 'Conversation,' Nick Russel & Friends, and Ape Theory.

The event will also feature exciting art activities, including a raffle of original art and live painting by a local artist to be announced.. With your ticket purchase, you’ll receive a free beverage of choice, and snacks and bites will be available for purchase. The Great South Bay Brewery will provide a selection of beers to enjoy.

Space is limited, so make sure to get your tickets soon.

Community

Governor Hochul Launches Construction of Affordable Housing Development in East Patchogue

Elected officials, state and local leaders joined developers Friday for a groundbreaking of The Grove, a $33.75 million affordable and supportive housing project in East Patchogue. This development will create 150 construction jobs and seven permanent positions, with an expected completion time of 18 months.

The Grove, a 55-unit mixed-use development, aims to provide much-needed affordable housing, with 17 units dedicated to residents requiring support services. The three-building complex will feature environmentally sustainable elements such as on-site solar panels and Energy Star appliances.

Part of Governor Hochul's $25 billion Housing Plan, The Grove contributes to the effort to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations. All 55 apartments will be available to households earning up to 90% of the Area Median Income. Support services for 17 units will be provided by New Ground Inc., a Long Island non-profit, offering financial literacy and career development assistance.

The project is financed with $21.1 million in Federal and State Low Income Housing Tax Credit equity, $2.4 million in state subsidies, and $1.8 million in loans from Suffolk County. The development also includes nearly 1,000 square feet of commercial space.

Aligned with the town of Brookhaven’s Montauk Highway Corridor Revitalization Plan, this initiative aims to enhance neighborhood walkability and reduce blight.

For more details, visit the New York State Homes and Community Renewal website.

Best Place to Live

Nassau and Suffolk Counties Rank Among Best Places to Live in NY

Nassau County has been ranked #1 in the "Best Counties to Live in New York" by Niche, earning an impressive overall grade of A+. With a population of 1,389,160, Nassau County boasts highly rated public schools, vibrant nightlife, and a family-friendly environment. The county is home to many bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, making it a desirable location for young professionals and families alike. Residents here tend to have moderate political views, and the diversity and job opportunities contribute to its high rating.

On the other hand, Suffolk County has been ranked #13 in the same list, receiving an overall grade of A-. With a larger population of 1,524,486, Suffolk County also offers excellent public schools, numerous recreational amenities, and a strong sense of community. While the housing grade is lower at a C, the county still provides a good quality of life with a mix of urban and suburban living options. Suffolk County residents, who often lean conservative, enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, making it another attractive option for New Yorkers.

Both counties offer distinct advantages and are celebrated for their vibrant communities and quality of life, solidifying their status as some of the best places to live in New York.

For more detailed information, view the full report cards on Niche:

Local Sports

Bayport's Niblock and Teammate Heaney Earn National Postseason Lacrosse Honors

Bayport's Alexis Niblock and her USC lacrosse teammate Ella Heaney have earned prestigious national postseason awards. Heaney, a graduate student attacker from Garden City, NY, was named to the Inside Lacrosse Women All-American Honorable Mention list. Both Heaney and junior defender Niblock, from Bayport, NY, were honored on the IWLCA All-West/Midwest Region Second Team on May 16.

Heaney, the Pac-12 Attacker of the Year, scored 73 points for the Trojans with 43 goals and 30 assists, earning three Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week awards. Niblock, who led the team with 26 caused turnovers and picked up 41 ground balls, was twice named Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week.

This marks the first All-Region honors for both players, contributing to USC’s tally of 36 all-region certificates. Despite finishing the season with a strong record, the Women of Troy narrowly missed an NCAA tournament bid.

For more on USC women's lacrosse, visit USCTrojans.com and follow @USCTrojansLax on Instagram and Twitter.

Patchogue-Medford Falls to Half Hollow Hills in Suffolk Class A Flag Football Final

Despite a valiant effort, Patchogue-Medford was defeated by Half Hollow Hills with a score of 6-19 in the Suffolk Class A flag football championship on Friday, May 17, 2024. The game, held at Half Hollow Hills, saw Patchogue-Medford display determination and skill throughout, but ultimately, Half Hollow Hills emerged victorious.

Though the outcome was not in their favor, Patchogue-Medford's players left everything on the field, showcasing their dedication and teamwork. The team can hold their heads high, knowing they reached the championship and played with heart and tenacity.

Upcoming Local Events

May 21st

Blood Drive - Bellport Community Center, 4 Bell St, Bellport, 1pm-7pm

May 22nd

COUNTRY NIGHT W/ LESLIE - 89 North, Patchogue, NY, 7PM

HS POPS Concert Fundraiser #2: Symphony Orchestra, Chorus, Symphonic Band - Bayport-Blue Point High School, 8pm

May 23rd

Paint Nite Brand Creative Events - Arooga's, 1 W Main St, Patchogue, NY, 7pm

May 26th

Tour of Patchogue Bar Crawl | 11:00am - Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, 11:00AM

Tour of Patchogue Bar Crawl | 12:00pm - Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, 12:00PM

Tour of Patchogue Bar Crawl | 1:00pm - Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, 1:00PM

May 28th

Dave Mason's Traffic Jam - Patchogue Theatre, 71 E. Main St., Patchogue, 8:00PM

May 29th

Patchogue Family YMCA Active Older Adults Day - Patchogue Family YMCA, 255 W Main St, 9AM

May 31st

Head Automatica - 89 North, Patchogue, NY, 7PM

June 2nd

FREE Family Fun Fest - Grace Gospel Church, 214 Falcon Ave, Patchogue, 12:30pm

June 4th

Paint Nite Brand Creative Events - Momo's Sport Bar and Grill Too, 667 Montauk Highway, Bayport, NY, 7pm

June 6th

AARP CAREversations: A Family Caregiving Event - That Meetball Place (Meeting Room), 54 West Main Street, Patchogue, 6pm

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