Sunrise Wind Starts, Local Entrepreneur Grows

Good Morning

Welcome to the end of a week that started with a heat wave.

Today we cover the groundbreaking of the largest offshore wind project and an expansion by a local farmer in Patchogue.

Also, take a look at a history of a local hospital that started back in the 1950’s.

-Brian Grant, managing editor, writer

📆Event Calendar - Be In the Know -Click Here

Construction Commences on New York’s Largest Offshore Wind Project: Sunrise Wind

On July 17, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the groundbreaking of Sunrise Wind, marking the start of construction for New York's most ambitious offshore wind project to date. The announcement was made at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellport on Long Island, where the Governor highlighted the project's potential to provide 924 megawatts of clean energy, powering approximately 600,000 homes once completed in 2026.

Developed by Ørsted, Sunrise Wind represents a substantial investment in New York’s green economy, aiming to create over 800 direct jobs during its construction phase and bringing significant economic benefits from the Capital Region to Long Island, including a $700 million investment in Suffolk County alone. The project is set to be built with strong labor agreements ensuring local union participation in all construction phases.

Strategically located 30 miles east of Montauk, Sunrise Wind will connect to New York's electricity grid via the Holbrook Substation in Brookhaven. The project has already achieved major federal and state permitting milestones, receiving approval of its Construction and Operations Plan (COP) from the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on June 21, 2024.

Governor Hochul emphasized New York's leadership in clean energy, stating, “We’re growing New York's green economy, building clean energy, and expanding economic opportunities for all New Yorkers. By breaking ground on Sunrise Wind and advancing the next wave of offshore wind projects, New York is passing a tremendous milestone to combat climate change. These projects will create good-paying union jobs and demonstrate that New York is leading the nation to build the offshore wind industry.”

In conjunction with the groundbreaking, Governor Hochul announced New York's fifth offshore wind solicitation, an initiative administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). This competitive solicitation is designed to advance the state's renewable energy sector, with proposals due by 3:00 p.m. ET on September 9, 2024. An informational webinar will be held on July 22, 2024, to provide further details.

This project is a testament to New York's commitment to a sustainable future, supporting the state's climate goals and fostering economic growth. For more information on the offshore wind solicitation see the nyserda release.

Business Spotlight

Local Entrepreneur Expands with New Facility to Meet Growing Demand

Urban Fields Agriculture, a vertical farm in Patchogue, Long Island, is nearing the completion of its new 4000 sq ft facility. Founder Cory Mahony, a Patchogue native, shares plans to start planting in early August and expand produce variety with the new space.

The vertical farm, founded by Cory Mahony in September 2019, began as a project on Ryder Avenue while Mahony was bartending. Motivated to do more with his time, Mahony dabbled in hydroponics, quickly finding that his friends loved everything he grew. With a family background in entrepreneurship and roots in Patchogue, the transition to a full-scale vertical farm was natural.

Currently, Mahony's farm operates from its Ryder Avenue location, supplying restaurants and grocery stores from Sag Harbor to Queens. With the new facility, Urban Fields will have 30 grow racks designed by Mahony, enabling a weekly harvest of around 1000 pounds of basil. The expansion also allows for the return of lettuce production, focusing on Romaine, Butterhead, and Frisee varieties. The move, however, is not without challenges. Mahony highlights the difficulty of managing construction while maintaining product quality and customer service, a hurdle recently mitigated by additional hiring.

Urban Fields recently garnered recognition by winning the L.O.C.A.L. Small Business Grant, reflecting growing community support and business acclaim. Mahony hints at upcoming significant partnership announcements, underscoring the farm's promising future. See the feature on Corey in VerticalFarmDaily.com.

For more information:
Urban Fields Agriculture
Cory Mahony, Founder, and CEO
Tel.: +1 631 655 6425
[email protected]
www.urbanfieldsag.com

Local Pulse

🌟 A Bellport mother took the stage at the RNC, using her platform to call for change. Her emotional speech highlighted personal struggles and a push for community improvements. News 12 Long Island

🥪 Fadeley’s Deli Pub is set to return to Patchogue this summer, bringing back its beloved sandwiches and local charm. The reopening has excited many residents who fondly remember the original spot. Greater Long Island

🐾 Max Kjeldsen, a young animal lover from Long Island, is making a big impact with his Almost Home Animal Rescue and Adoption. His dedication to saving animals has garnered significant community support and attention. Newsday

🚔 The Suffolk County Police Department combined Narcan training with the Purple Rock Project at Patchogue Alive After 5, training more than 360 people. This initiative aims to combat the opioid crisis through community engagement and education. LongIsland.com

🌷 The Bayport-Blue Point Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to keeping Montauk Highway beautiful year-round. Their efforts include planting flowers, maintaining greenery, and organizing clean-up events to enhance the area's appeal. Suffolk County News

🎶 The Great South Bay Music Festival has kicked off in Patchogue, featuring a diverse lineup of musical acts and family-friendly activities. This annual event promises four days of entertainment along the scenic waterfront. Long Island News 12

Charity Drive

A History of Long Island Community Hospital

Early Beginnings

Long Island Community Hospital, originally known as Brookhaven Memorial Hospital, has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the Patchogue area since its inception. The hospital's journey began in the early 1950s when the need for a local healthcare facility became increasingly evident. In July 1954, bids were opened for the construction of a new 96-bed hospital in East Patchogue. This marked the final step in overcoming the major obstacles facing the hospital's establishment. Groundbreaking ceremonies had already taken place on June 26 of that year, and the project was well-supported by the community.

Growth and Development

The hospital officially opened its doors in 1956 as a modest two-story building. Over the decades, it expanded its facilities and services to meet the growing needs of the community. Significant milestones include the addition of an emergency room and the establishment of the Knapp Cardiac Care Center. The hospital also expanded its hemodialysis capabilities, doubling the number of chairs in January 2018.

Rebranding and Modernization

In February 2018, the hospital underwent a significant transformation, changing its name from Brookhaven Memorial Hospital to Long Island Community Hospital. This rebranding was more than a mere name change; it represented a renewed commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services. Richard Margulis, CEO and President of the hospital, emphasized that the new name was part of embracing a broader identity and responsibility within the community.

Affiliation with NYU Langone Health

The most recent and significant chapter in the hospital's history is its affiliation with NYU Langone Health, a partnership that was officially announced after receiving state and federal regulatory approvals. This affiliation marks a new era for Long Island Community Hospital, integrating it into NYU Langone’s extensive healthcare network. This collaboration brings advanced resources, technologies, and capabilities to the more than 400,000 in the communities served by the hospital.

Dr. Joseph Greco, Senior Vice President and Chief of Hospital Operations at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership in expanding healthcare services across Long Island. The affiliation aims to transform the hospital's facilities, technologies, and processes, positioning it as a leading healthcare provider in Suffolk County.

Looking Ahead

This historical overview of Long Island Community Hospital underscores its evolution from a small local hospital to a key player in a prestigious healthcare network, reflecting its enduring commitment to community health and well-being.

Community Highlights

• Thelma is a thrilling film that follows the story of a young woman grappling with her supernatural abilities and her repressed feelings. Don't miss this captivating tale of self-discovery and power at Plaza Cinema.

• Legendary heavy metallers Stryper have announced their new album, When We Were Kings, set for release on September 13th via Frontiers Music SRL. Fans can look forward to an exciting live performance in Patchogue as part of their promotional tour.

• The Specialists are set to perform at Blue Point Brewing Company on July 19, 2024. Don't miss this energetic show at one of Patchogue's favorite venues.

• 10cc has announced their 2024 summer tour dates with special guest Robin Taylor Zander, including an exciting visit to Patchogue. Don’t miss this legendary band live for an unforgettable performance.

• House of Yes presents "For the People," an electrifying event featuring DJ sets and immersive performances on July 22, 2023. Head to Fire Island for an unforgettable night of music and dance.

• Gershow Recycling has awarded environmental conservation scholarships to local graduating high school seniors. This initiative supports students in Patchogue and neighboring areas committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

• Sign up for a charity basketball tournament in Patchogue to support local causes and enjoy a day of fun and competition. Get involved and make a difference on and off the court.

• Join AR Workshop Patchogue on July 24, 2024, for a Christmas in July where you can create personalized home decor. Sign up to unleash your creativity and take home a unique piece made by you.

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