New Hotel Plan, Women's Flag Football & Bellport Grants

Good morning!

A lot going on in the community. Both Patchogue and Bellport Had Village Board Meetings. Big Hotel news in Patchogue, read the stories below.

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Village of Patchogue Board of Trustees Meeting

On October 28th , the Patchogue Village Board heard an application to review a proposed zoning change that would allow the construction of a new Hilton-branded hotel at 138 West Avenue. The development, spearheaded by Valor Hospitality Partners and supported by the Hilton franchise, aims to bring a high-quality, tourist-friendly establishment to the area.

Key points from the hearing included:

- Developer Presentation:

- Valor Hospitality Partners, an Atlanta-based hotel management company with global reach, was introduced as the management firm for the proposed hotel.

- Hilton’s Tempo brand was selected for the project, designed to cater to upscale travelers looking for local culture and easy access to attractions like the nearby Fire Island National Seashore.

- With its extensive industry experience, Valor is a preferred Hilton partner known for operating 18 Hilton hotels worldwide, bringing a track record of award-winning service and guest satisfaction.

- Project Design & Amenities:

- Originally planned as a six-story building, the hotel has been revised to five stories with a coastal design aesthetic that aligns with Patchogue’s village character.

- Key amenities include 96 guest rooms, 13 residential apartments, a rooftop restaurant and lounge, and accessible event spaces.

- Parking solutions were addressed, with 119 spaces planned to accommodate guests, alongside nearby transit options for tourists and staff.

- Local Economic Impact:

- The project is expected to employ 200 contractors during its two-year construction phase, followed by approximately 75 permanent staff upon opening.

- Valor highlighted partnerships with local institutions, including St. Joseph’s College, to provide internship and employment opportunities for students.

- Community Concerns:

- Board members and the public raised questions regarding parking adequacy, building setbacks, and potential traffic impacts.

- Safety protocols were discussed, with Valor outlining its comprehensive training for staff on identifying and handling security concerns, including potential issues like human trafficking.

- Traffic and Accessibility:

- A traffic study found that traffic impacts would be lower than if the site were fully occupied by the former bowling alley. Key access points were adjusted to reduce conflict with local traffic flow.

- Enhanced pedestrian access is planned, allowing tourists to easily reach nearby attractions, including the Fire Island National Seashore.

Link To Meeting Video

Takeaways and Path Forward

Plans for a new Hilton-branded hotel in Patchogue have sparked both anticipation and debate among village residents, with the project positioned as a driver of economic growth and tourism while raising concerns about traffic, parking, and its impact on the community's unique character.

Valor Hospitality, the developer, has emphasized a commitment to fostering local partnerships, notably with nearby St. Joseph’s College, offering internships and employment opportunities to local students, which could add educational and workforce benefits to the project.

Village officials are optimistic about the potential ripple effect for local businesses, expecting that the hotel will attract visitors to Patchogue’s downtown, supporting nearby shops, restaurants, and cultural sites.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to support a stronger economy and attract year-round visitors,” noted a village trustee. “Increased foot traffic means more support for our local businesses, which keeps our community thriving.”

Patchogue has increasingly marketed itself as a cultural and recreational destination, drawing visitors to places like the Fire Island National Seashore and the Patchogue Theater. The hotel’s prime location—near the railroad station and the Fire Island ferry terminal—is expected to appeal to out-of-state and international tourists. Additionally, the proposed rooftop lounge and event spaces could serve as new venues for the village’s popular events, like the Alive After Five summer festival, further enhancing Patchogue's appeal.

Yet, as excitement builds, some residents have voiced concerns about the project's impact on daily life in Patchogue. Questions remain about whether the hotel’s 119 planned parking spaces will meet demand during peak seasons, especially given the existing parking strain in downtown Patchogue.

Architecturally, some residents hope the hotel’s design will harmonize with Patchogue’s historic, small-town charm. In response, developers have revised the design to reflect a coastal aesthetic, with assurances that the building’s height and layout will not obstruct views. The project will undergo a thorough review by the village’s architectural and planning boards to ensure alignment with Patchogue’s character and community standards.

If approved, the Hilton hotel is anticipated to strengthen Patchogue’s position as a tourism destination on Long Island, offering a welcoming experience that connects visitors with the village’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. Residents will need remain engaged, working alongside officials to find a balance between economic growth and preserving the village’s unique ambiance.

“This hotel could be a tremendous asset for us, but it’s essential that we get it right,” shared a local resident at a recent public hearing. “We want a development that enhances opportunities and keeps our community feeling like home.”

As Patchogue moves forward, both residents and officials will need to shape this project to achieve the community’s shared economic and cultural goals.

Bellport Village Board Meeting

At the latest Bellport Village Board meeting on October 28, local leaders reviewed progress on major projects, financial updates, and public safety initiatives. With updates on the HUD Marina Project, FEMA submissions, and solar panel replacements, the Board emphasized ongoing improvements. The HUD Marina Project, backed by a $2.8 million grant, will feature a public meeting on November 14 to gather resident input on enhancing marina safety. The FEMA project, a third $100,000 submission, is also underway as state review continues.

In addition to project updates, the Board approved the 2025 golf rates and reviewed budget specifics for the golf commission. Financial approvals included major vendor expenses tied to engineering, maintenance, and new contracts, such as fire alarm installations at the Country Club and MS4 storm water management training sessions, essential for compliance.

Community updates included the success of the Halloween Parade and ongoing enforcement of trash bin regulations, which led to 33 issued violations. Resident concerns centered on trash visibility, particularly from weekend visitors, with the Board pledging continued oversight. Additionally, 40% of building permits were closed during the summer amnesty period, a significant step forward in the village’s permitting backlog.

The meeting adjourned with a reminder of the upcoming public meeting on the HUD Marina Project, encouraging residents to participate actively in shaping village initiatives. Link To Video

Local Pulse

🏈 St. Joseph’s University, New York, announced it will introduce women’s flag football teams at its Patchogue and Brooklyn campuses, making it the first four-year college on Long Island to do so. This expansion aligns with the sport’s rising popularity, especially in New York, where girls' flag football was recently recognized as a championship sport. SJC Golden Eagles Athletics

📚 Bellport and several other Long Island communities are set to benefit from a New York state grant aimed at enhancing afterschool programs across the region. This initiative will support local students by providing additional resources and activities designed to promote educational and social development. Newsday

Community Highlights

• Celebrate the power of compassion and resilience at What’s So Funny About Peace, Love & Understanding? on Sunday, Nov. 3, 7pm at the Congregational Church of Patchogue. The evening will feature inspiring art, dance, and music from legendary artists like Elvis Costello, Cat Stevens, and Bob Marley, performed by local talent. Suggested donation $10, no one turned away. Congregational Church of Patchogue

• Join the Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce for a night of laughs and support community beautification efforts at the Beautification Comedy Night on November 2nd. Enjoy a fun-filled evening with live comedy while contributing to local beautification projects. Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce Beautification Comedy Night

• AR Workshop Patchogue is offering a 2-hour Hat Burning Workshop on Friday, November 8, 2024, where participants can personalize a stylish hat using a burning technique and embellishments. The workshop is guided by experts and costs $69, with additional upgrades available.

• Join a Month-Long Artistic Journey of Women's History at Bayport-Blue Point Public Library, this November. The event will celebrate the achievements and contributions of women through various forms of art, providing a powerful exploration of women's history.

• Trunk or Treat is happening on October 31, 2024, in Patchogue, NY. Bring the family for a fun and safe Halloween experience where kids can collect treats from decorated car trunks in a festive atmosphere.

• Get into the holiday spirit with Stage Door School of Dance at the annual Holiday Parade on November 30th, where dancers will bring festive cheer to the streets. Don't miss this joyful celebration featuring local performers spreading holiday magic. Stage Door School of Dance Holiday Parade

• Blackberry Smoke brings their Rattle, Ramble and Roll Tour to Patchogue Theatre on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Experience their Georgia-inspired Southern rock with songs from their latest album, Be Right Here. Presales for fan club/PTPA members begin October 29 at 10am, artist presale on October 31, and public sale on November 1. Patchogue Theatre

• The "Endless" Auction, part of the Arts After Terry series, showcases works by a variety of artists, including Adriana Serban and Drew Kane, running until December 31, 2024. The event is held at Endless Beauty Suites in Patchogue and is free to the public, with access available via the Main Street entrance between T-Mobile & Standard Rec.

Non-Profit News

• Join the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts Virtual 5K or 10K and support local arts from anywhere! Participate anytime from October 30th to December 31, logging your distance virtually while helping raise funds for the theatre. Patchogue Theatre Virtual 5K/10K

• Kick off the holiday season at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Holiday Fair in Patchogue on Saturday and Sunday, November 2-3, from 10 am to 4 pm. Explore festive crafts, gifts, and treats perfect for holiday shopping while supporting local vendors. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Holiday Fair

• Support Boy Scout Troop 329 at their Annual Spaghetti Dinner on Saturday, November 2, from 4 pm to 7:30 pm at the Blue Point Fire Department. Enjoy a full meal of spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and desserts for $10 per person (kids under 3 eat free).

• "A Bike Under Every Tree 2024" on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 12:00 PM at Porters on the Lane, Bellport, NY. Attendees will create a 5x7 framed beach-themed Christmas tree art using sea glass, shells, and resin. Cost is $35 per person, with proceeds supporting the Angels of Long Island Holiday Miracle Toy Drive to fund bikes for kids. Attendees are encouraged to bring beachy treasures and a smock. For reservations, text MaryGrace at 631-334-9254.

• ⛳ Bayport-Blue Point boys golf team won their match against Ward Melville and will advance to play Sachem on Wednesday, October 30.

Local Sports

⚽ Patchogue-Medford’s Boys soccer season came to an end with a 3-1 loss to No. 11 Newfield, in the first round of playoffs despite a late goal by Moris Villalta. The team, finishing with a record of 9-6-2, fought hard but couldn’t overcome two early goals.

⚽ Patchogue-Medford’s Girls soccer playoff run ended with a close 1-0 loss to No. 9 Sachem North, as Addison Pitman scored the game’s only goal with 12 minutes remaining. Ryan Rosario made seven saves for Patchogue-Medford in this tightly contested Suffolk Class AAA first-round matchup.

🏑 Delaney Bowen’s shootout saves secured No. 3 Bayport-Blue Point’s 2-1 victory over No. 6 Rocky Point in the Suffolk Class B quarterfinals. Bayport-Blue Point (15-2) will face No. 2 Harborfields in the semifinals on Friday.

.🏌️‍♀️ The University of Hartford women's golf team placed fourth in the Battle at Bull's Bridge, narrowly missing a tie for third with Assumption College. Sophomore Abigail Crabtree from Bellport, NY, tied for 14th with a score of +22, contributing to the team's overall performance of +78. [University of Hartford Hawks]

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