The Old Mentz Heritage Center’s move to a new building sets the stage for a special event honoring Centerport’s forgotten history A talk titled “The History of the Hamlet of Centerport” will take place May 17 at Port Byron Village Hall faded away after the Erie Canal’s closure and competition from nearby towns Historian Dawn Roe uncovered colorful local stories Organizers say Centerport’s legacy deserves to be remembered capturing the heart of a place once brimming with life Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad) FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]. Vanderbilt II’s estate overlooks Northport Harbor in Centerport A transformation of the waterfront is part of a long-term plan for the Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium in Centerport — which began as a summer home for William K Vanderbilt II more than a century ago — could see a more complete return to the splendor of its early days under the county's latest restoration plans Those plans include restoring the boathouse and seaplane hangar on the historic property once Vanderbilt's "Eagle's Nest" estate to the estate's Northport Harbor waterfront The boathouse at the estate is included in restoration plans the estate could include a waterfront with a boardwalk restoration and improvements to the superintendent’s cottage and interior and exterior renovations to the planetarium building The county legislature approved appropriating $1 million for a comprehensive design plan for the waterfront on Tuesday It's the second step in the multimillion-dollar idea to transform the waterfront the legislature approved $300,000 for a feasibility study for the waterfront plan and the plan is to build a boardwalk and possibly use the seaplane hangar as an educational space or museum.” The seaplane hangar has been closed for decades The $46.8 million has been earmarked in the 2025-27 capital budget to restore the museum property She said the cost of the final plan could be far less and the county will be applying for state and federal grants to offset it listed on the National Register of Historic Places was established in 1910 as the summer home for the great-grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt it was transformed over the ensuing 30 years into a 24-room Spanish-Revival mansion The architects of the home also included museum space to display the thousands of natural history and cultural specimens that William K a Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum trustee and former board president said the boathouse and hangar have been closed for decades He said opening the waterfront with restored buildings and public access would complete a visit to the museum “It would bring it all together to give a full feeling for the estate The county is also moving ahead with some maintenance projects officials appropriated a $1.25 million bond to pay for a new roof at the planetarium but now it’s at the point they have to replace the roof,” Bontempi said county officials also appropriated a $50,000 bond to repave a brick walkway on the grounds The main reason Suffolk can move forward with fixing its historic properties? The county’s credit rating has improved, Bontempi said. In September, the county received a credit rating increase from A- to A from Fitch one of the three major credit rating agencies Better operating efficiencies and more conservative revenue forecasts were cited as reasons for the upgrade Bontempi said the county received a $500,000 matching grant from the state Office of Parks and Historic Preservation in the fall to help stabilize the boathouse on the property Huntington Town Historian Robert Hughes said it’s exciting that the boathouse and seaplane hangar could be restored and opened to the public He said he often tells people they don’t have to go to Newport to see storied coastal mansions because there's one in Centerport “We have so many of these Gold Coast mansions and this is one that survived and is open to the public as it was Suffolk County officials are considering transforming the waterfront on the grounds of the county-owned Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium There are also plans to restore the boathouse and seaplane hangar on the historic property Vanderbilt II's "Eagle's Nest" estate Updated now LI Works: Where the bison roam .. Get the latest news and more great videos at NewsdayTV Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories The Newsday app makes it easier to access content without having to log in Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months ContactDigital Edition/ Legals SearchJellyfish Lawsuit Filed Against Huntington Town OfficialsMaureen DalyNov 28 20244 min readBy Maureen Daly and Niall Fitzgerald A lawsuit alleging the suppression of residents First Amendment rights by Town of Huntington officials involving a four story apartment complex application has further exposed Huntington officials and the influence of a secret land use syndicate called “Energeia.” Centerport resident Anna Mallet filed a Federal lawsuit against the Town for suppressing her and other residents first amendment rights when the Chairman of the Town's Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) barred residents from speaking a Town ZBA meeting on a proposed four story apartment complex on the "Jellyfish" property on 25A in Centerport The proposed Jellyfish four story apartment complex is on an extremely narrow winding stretch of 25A - abutting an environmentally sensitive pond in-between a restaurant and a wedding catering hall with no on-street parking The property was once the Mansion of Charles Morse Whitney a prominent corporation lawyer in Manhattan the property was re-opened as the Jellyfish restaurant leaders of the Centerport Harbor Civic Association (CHCA) and residents came out in droves to the ZBA meeting with numerous concerns regarding the impact the Jellyfish four story apartment complex would have on safety that the northern end of the Jellyfish lot is actually Town-owned land - area that the developer was claiming was their property The ZBA Chairman refused to allow residents to speak at the meeting - after dozens of speaking slips were filled out - by “ruling” the meeting was for administrative business only ZBA rules and state law require public input limiting residents to three minutes and their attorneys ten minutes Asher only “allowed” the land use attorney for Jellyfish and their environmental analyst - to speak Asher began by saying “the misinformation surrounding this property is legion” - which many saw as an effort to discredit Berger’s presentation before it even started Berger’s remarks were then met with “hostility” and frequent “interruptions” by Asher - according to the Court papers - even attempting to “humiliate” Berger by asking him to surrender the microphone to Jellyfish’s land use attorney “This is highly improper,” said Berger at the meeting Asher then welcomed the Jellyfish’s land use attorney for his counter-argument without any “interruptions” or “objections.” This paper has previously reported on a disturbing meeting at Town Hall after the ZBA meeting and Town Supervisor Ed Smyth (R-Halesite) and Councilman Sal Ferro (R-Commack) After being called to Town Hall to speak about “Centerport issues,” Smyth and Ferro engaged in personal attacks on Berger They also asked the civics leaders to support their completely unrelated Melville mass apartment re-zone was appointed by Smyth and Ferro at their first meeting in office in 2022 - after the spot was vacated by Ferro who served on the ZBA until he took office That appointment by Smyth and Ferro was seen as a “coup,” removing Huntington resident John Posillico whose philosophy aligned more with protecting the community from over-development - and who refused to play “Tonna’s game.” "Tonna" is Paul Tonna (R-West Hills) a former Suffolk County Legislator and current South Huntington/Melville Water Commissioner Tonna got his start in politics in the early 1990’s when he was chosen to be the nominee for Suffolk County Legislator Asher was then the Vice-Chair of the Huntington Republican Committee a secret "invitation only" construction developers land use and government regulators club - with deeply religious "secret society" overtones - that members have described as "creepy," and a "cult-like" scheme to push for mass apartment construction while enriching certain of its member-Trustees Tonna enlisted Ferro as a member of Energeia before Ferro went on the ZBA and Town Board The land use attorney for Jellyfish is also - coincidentally - a member of Energeia and construction groups pay a five-figure “access” fee to join Energeia’s network procured by Tonna Elected officials and government planning officials who enlist pay no fee an online video has resurfaced from two land use attorneys someone who is part of Energeia is able to deliver.” “It’s really impressive…the governmental agencies they are involved with…what a powerful group.” referencing the People's Temple Cult that saw 909 devotees commit mass-suicide in 1978 by drinking arsenic-laced Kool-aid The Mallet first amendment lawsuit has been assigned to Federal Judge Nusrat Choudhury who was appointed by President Joseph Biden in 2022 Judge Choudhury spent her legal career working for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) where she oversaw a team advancing civil rights Ferro and other Town officials are expected to commence soon Receive emails and newsletters to keep in touch with I LOVE NY This event has passed; please visit our main Events page for upcoming events Tickets are Required Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Former Director of CERCOM (Center for Environmental Research and Coastal Oceans Monitoring) at Molloy University will give a talk on his latest book The Redesigned Earth: A Brief Review of Ecology for Engineers The book provides engineers with the problem-solving methods ecologists use to conserve natural systems introduces conservation biology and ecology as a mainstay concept of engineering education and contains practical life-experience case studies based on a 47-year career in ecology and teaching at the university level a former Research Associate at the Wildlife Conservation Society Aquarium for Wildlife Conservation-Osborn Laboratories of Marine Science visiting scientist at The American Museum of Natural History in the Department of Invertebrate Zoology; Research Associate at the Lamont Doherty Earth Observatory and co-chair of the Conservation Committee of the Explorers Club He was a Research Ecologist for 26 years in the National Park Service serving as Chief of the Division of Natural Resources and as one of the NPS’s Coastal Natural Resource Specialist duty stationed for 9 years at the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Navy Flight Meteorologist “Hurricane Hunter” and received his doctorate in Environmental Health Engineering He has led many international academic travel programs to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy 800 CALL NYS · info@iloveny.com did not appear at the hearing and has remained in custody since she drove the wrong way on the parkway and caused a four-car collision that killed her son "I know you have been quite diligent in your investigation of the case," Horowitz said to Bedrick's lawyer state troopers found Bedrick standing outside of her black 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and found Eli in the backseat with a seat belt fastened including two counts of second-degree murder and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child She pleaded not guilty to the charges and Horowitz also suspended her license According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney which the indictment said she was found in possession of She also had 56 prior suspensions on her driver's license a Suffolk County deputy sheriff was patrolling the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway when he observed Bedrick driving westbound at a high rate of speed in a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse on the eastbound lanes of the parkway When he spotted Bedrick driving the wrong way activated his lights and sirens and attempted to stop her car as she continued to drive towards oncoming traffic Bedrick reportedly accelerated and drove around the deputy’s vehicle as he attempted to guide her car safely off the road The deputy sheriff continued to travel behind Bedrick at a safe distance for more than five miles as she reached speeds of about 100 miles per hour Other vehicles traveling eastbound swerved to avoid being struck by Bedrick and the deputy sheriff entered the westbound lanes in order to maintain sight of Bedrick’s vehicle as she continued to drive the wrong way on the eastbound lanes of the parkway Bedrick struck multiple vehicles; the crash ended with Bedrick striking a Mercedes GLS SUV head-on The force of the impact caused "catastrophic damage" to both cars and ejected a large field of debris across the roadway The engine of Bedrick’s vehicle was launched into the woods When law enforcement approached her vehicle they saw Eli unconscious in the backseat passenger seat he was taken to South Shore Hospital where he was pronounced deceased Two other drivers involved in the collision were treated at local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries Multiple pills were recovered from Bedrick's vehicle in a prescription bottle with the name peeled off Bedrick was taken to an area hospital where it was confirmed she was impaired by the use of a drug and placed under arrest A review of Bedrick’s driving history revealed that she had 56 suspensions on eight separate dates Bedrick was charged with two counts of second-degree murder Class A felonies; one count of aggravated vehicular homicide a Class B felony; one count of second-degree manslaughter a Class C felony; one count of first-degree vehicular manslaughter a Class C felony; one count of second-degree assault a Class D violent felony; one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter a Class D felony; one count of first-degree unlawful fleeing a police officer a Class D felony; one count of first-degree reckless endangerment a Class D felony; one count of aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child a Class E felony; one count of driving while ability impaired by a drug an unclassified misdemeanor; two counts of third-degree assault Class A misdemeanors; one count of endangering the welfare of a child a Class A misdemeanor; one count of seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance a Class A misdemeanor; one count of second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle an unclassified misdemeanor; one count of reckless driving an unclassified misdemeanor; one count of operating a motor vehicle without a license a traffic infraction; one count of operating a motor vehicle without an inspection certificate a traffic infraction; one count of operating a motor vehicle without insurance a traffic infraction; and one count of operating an unregistered motor vehicle She faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. SearchHuntington Senior Killed by Prison Parolee in Town ProgramMaureen DalySep 4 20241 min readBy Maureen Daly and Grant Lally A Huntington Senior participating in a program at the Centerport "Senior Beach House" branch of the Town Senior Center was killed by a prison parolee in the Town's Prison Release program last Friday and was "covered up" for five days by Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth's office which finally admitted that "an incident happened" when confronted with the facts by the Leader The incident involved a prison parolee who was working for the Town as part of a prison work release program administered by Town Human Resources Director Kevin Thorbourne - a Smyth appointee The prison parolee was driving a Golf Cart at the Senior Beach House when he struck and gravely injured the senior According to former staffers on the Huntington Town Board the prison parolee program was started without authorization by the Town Board "The incident is being investigated by the Town and by the Second Precinct," stated Huntington Communications Director Chris Geed "I will get you more information when I can." The Centerport mother accused of killing her 9-year-old son in a wrong-way crash on the Southern State Parkway last month was arraigned Wednesday on a 21-count grand jury indictment charging her with depraved-indifference murder aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child for the Aug Prosecutors said Bedrick's blood tested positive for methamphetamines which her defense attorney and family said she was prescribed "This defendant traveled for miles in the wrong direction while impaired by methamphetamine and with her child in the backseat," Suffolk Assistant District Attorney James McCormack told acting State Supreme Court Justice Richard Horowitz during the arraignment in Riverhead "This horrific crash caused [Bedrick's] child to suffer fatal blunt force injury." Bedrick faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge McCormack said last month's crash was not the first time Bedrick attempted to evade police pointing to additional charges she had faced following a 2012 DWI arrest Follow the latest developments in the Gilgo Beach killings investigation By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy "Her criminal conviction history reveals that the defendant was convicted in 2012 for driving while intoxicated," the prosecutor said "She was also charged with attempted escape in the second degree and resisting arrest [in 2012]." and ordered her remanded to the Suffolk County jail Bail had previously been set at $1 million in a lower court "Not only does the nature of these charges show an unwillingness to submit to the jurisdiction of the court and law enforcement but I've now been made aware that in her previous driving while intoxicated case that there was also a charge of unlawfully fleeing and resisting arrest," Horowitz said "So I'm not convinced that she'd appear." Horowitz also ordered Bedrick's license to be suspended which prosecutors said has previously been done 56 times adding it was already suspended the morning of the 2 a.m said his client is distraught over the loss of her son "How do you measure how devastated someone is?" Zerner said in response to a television reporter's question about his client's grief "The maximum amount someone could be devastated?" Eli was in the back seat of his mother's 2022 Mitsubishi SUV after she allegedly sped west in the eastbound lanes of the parkway near Carleton Avenue in Islip A Suffolk deputy sheriff assigned to DWI enforcement spotted her heading west in the eastbound lanes just after 2 a.m the officer was also driving the wrong way on the Southern State trying to pull her over to the shoulder when he had to stop because of oncoming traffic McCormack said Bedrick ultimately passed eight cars while speeding up to 100 mph in the opposite direction Eventually a pickup truck swerved out of Bedrick's way before her vehicle was struck by a Honda Civic that had its passenger-side doors "sheared off," McCormack said The crash ended in a head-on collision with a Mercedes SUV in the eastbound middle lane of the parkway who police have said was asking officials to help her son as they arrived at the scene told investigators she had taken methamphetamines at 8 p.m who was pronounced dead a short time later at South Shore University Hospital McCormack said the patient's name was ripped off a prescription bottle containing pills that tested positive as methamphetamines "I honestly don’t know," McCormack said Zerner declined to answer that same question outside the courtroom He declined to say for which ailment she was allegedly prescribed methamphetamines In pleading with the judge to set cash bail Zerner called the crash "a horrific accident." a motor vehicle accident," Zerner told Horowitz stood by her daughter's statement that she only used prescription drugs "It was prescription medications and she's devastated just like the rest of us," Diane Bedrick said She described her grandson as an "innocent  Bedrick is also facing felony charges for assault and unlawful fleeing an officer along with more than a half-dozen misdemeanor charges related to the fatal crash Bedrick also has eight other open cases since 2023 for aggravated driving without a license She faces misdemeanor charges in those cases Updated 1 minute ago LI Works: Where the bison roam .. 2024 at 1:48 pm ETMaggie's Mission held its gala in Centerport on May 31 The Harborfields-based charity fights pediatric cancer research in memory of Maggie Schmidt (Christopher Appoldt)Maggie's Mission held its gala in Centerport on May 31 NY — Maggie's Mission raised $120K for pediatric cancer research and financial aid for families facing the cancer diagnosis of a child at its "Seven in Heaven Angelversary Gala" held on May 31 at the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport The gala was held in memory of Maggie Schmidt a local Harborfields student who died of malignant rhabdoid tumors on June 1 Maggie's Mission was founded by her parents, Donna and Steve Schmidt. Maggie's Mission has been funding cancer research and helping families in need since 2017 "I think it was a wonderful event," Donna told Patch "I couldn't be happier with how it turned out." was "phenomenal" and did a "fantastic job with the food," Donna said live band that played at cocktail hour and LED light-up dancing robots were all a big hit The Coachella-themed gala plays on Maggie's love of music "She listened to music before she got sick and during her illness This Coachella theme was really nice and harkened back to her Click here to read a Q&A and learn more about Maggie's Mission Guests being asked to wear white also harks back to when Maggie was a bridesmaid in her Uncle Michael and Aunt Alicia's wedding The gala is held under a tent near the water "I know Maggie was there in spirit and dancing with us," Donna said the organization has raised nearly $2.5 million Donna said she is excited to get closer to $3 million Maggie's Mission funds malignant rhabdoid tumor research at Memorial Sloan Kettering primarily with some funds having gone to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory The charity also provides financial aid to families who have a child fighting cancer Other funds are used to provide meals at the Ronald McDonald House-New York and Memorial Sloan Kettering Food Pantry as well as scholarships to Harborfields students Ten families who have a child fighting cancer attended the Angelversary Gala including a mother and father who lost their son less than two years ago to DIPG cancer which carries a 100 percent mortality rate "It felt really beautiful to connect with them at the event and just talk," Donna said "There were a lot of pediatric cancer families who came and had a really great time There were quite a few families affected by pediatric cancer out there on the dance floor living a good life and having fun Donna is always planning galas and events that represent who Maggie was Next year's gala is called "A Trip to the Pyramids." It is scheduled for May 30 Visiting the pyramids was on Maggie's bucket list Donna said sponsors have approached Maggie's Mission and said they want to take on a larger role with the gala next year which she said she is "super excited for." She is also thinking about opening the gala to all children next year Her 2-and-a-half-year-old nephew attended this past gala and had a blast "People on our board had young children who wanted to come so badly," Donna said Maggie's Mission is supporting Memorial Sloan Kettering's research project that features Maggie's own tumors Doctors Alex Kentsis and Yaniv Kazansky are using Maggie's cells to try and save the lives of future malignant rhabdoid tumor patients Kazansky attended his first Maggie's Mission gala and wrote what Donna called a "beautiful email" that she shared with Patch "It was my sincere honor and pleasure to meet you and take part in the Seven in Heaven Angelversary last week," Kazansky wrote to Donna and Steve "Learning about Maggie’s story and meeting you was especially moving for me given the privilege I have had for the past four years of working with Alex on new therapeutic approaches for this terrible disease." Kazansky and Kentsis's research involves them studying samples of patient tumors stored at Memorial Sloan Kettering in order to try to uncover why some responded to the drug tazemetostat while others did not Maggie’s samples were among the first that Kazansky analyzed and among those referenced in their recent study she helped us move the field forward," Kazansky said the chance to work on such an important question for far too many children with cancer and would not have been possible without your support Learning more about Maggie — about her energy and her remarkable family — has brought an irreplaceable warmth and humanity to the science we do." Maggie's Mission continues to work on organizing community events Some include the Maggie's Sunset 4K scheduled for Sept Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Bedrick is walked out of New Yor State Police barracks in Brentwood on Thursday A Suffolk County grand jury voted this week to indict the alleged wrong-way drugged-driving Centerport mother whose 9-year-old son died in a head-on crash on the Southern State Parkway whose license the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said had been suspended 56 times are not expected to be unsealed until next week when she is due back in court prosecutor Laura Newcombe told the judge the district attorney’s office would be seeking homicide charges Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney James McCormack declined on Tuesday to say what new charges were added told Newsday that she was overwrought about the death of her son "She’s very upset about the death of her 9-year-old son," he said after the hearing Bedrick was arraigned Friday and pleaded not guilty to methamphetamine possession aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle felony aggravated DWI with a child under 16 Eli died in the back seat of her 2022 Mitsubishi SUV after she allegedly sped west in the eastbound lanes of the parkway near Carleton Avenue in Islip A Suffolk deputy sheriff assigned to DWI enforcement spotted her just after 2 a.m Suffolk County Deputy Undersheriff John Becker said the officer came upon a four-car crash in which the Mitsubishi SUV had glanced off one car and then slammed directly into an oncoming Mercedes-Benz When the officers and other emergency responders got to the wreckage Bedrick was standing outside the car asking them to help her son but he died shortly after at South Shore University Hospital Police found a plastic Ziploc bag with 4.4 ounces of the powerful stimulant methamphetamine in the car which she told them were prescription drugs Officers at the scene said she showed signs of drug intoxication She could not tell authorities when she took the drugs or where she was headed "I honestly don’t know," she said when asked where she was coming from and where she was going Zerner said his client suffered from a number of medical conditions which he said would be a factor in his defense In addition to the charges stemming from last week's crash Bedrick has eight open cases from the fall through March for driving without a license or car insurance in an unregistered vehicle The Town of Huntington's Senior Beach House on Thursday in Centerport where a man was hit by a golf cart An 83-year-old Huntington man died after being struck by a golf cart at the Senior Beach House in Centerport last week Town of Huntington officials released a statement Thursday afternoon identifying Danny Demopoulos as the man who died in the Aug "We offer our deepest condolences to his family and all those who were touched by his life," the statement said Demopoulos was an active member of the town's senior community at its two locations the Flanagan Center and the Senior Beach House officers responded to a call for medical assistance at the center and confirmed  "an elderly man," identified only by age died after being transported to a hospital politics and crime stories in Suffolk County Police said detectives are investigating what appears to be a "noncriminal" incident According to the statement released by the town Demopoulos was hit by the golf cart operated by a young man who was not a town employee but a participant in a Suffolk County Department of Labor program for the economically and educationally disadvantaged to learn a skill to gain long term employment Town spokeswoman Christine Geed said in addition to the police investigation The identity and age of the person driving the cart were not released Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth said his understanding is Demopoulos was accidentally bumped by a golf cart The Senior Beach House on Little Neck Road beach front and facilities" open to town residents ages 60 and above A town senior membership card is required for access Get important news about your town as it happens Get the top stories from across our network Are you sure you want to unsubscribe from daily updates A 32-year-old man has died following a single-vehicle crash on Long Island succumbed to injuries sustained when his Chevrolet pickup truck struck a tree on Greenlawn Road near Ducharme Lane in Greenlawn The wreck happened at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, as Daily Voice reported Scappatore was heading northbound on Greenlawn Road when his vehicle left the roadway He was taken by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital in critical condition No other vehicles were involved and nobody else was injured It was not immediately clear whether speed or impaired were factors in the crash Detectives asked anyone with information to contact Suffolk County Police at 631-854-8252 Additional details about Scappatore’s life were not immediately available. Loved ones are invited to share a statement, funeral details, and/or photos by emailing mmashburn@dailyvoice.com. Brian and Jessika Mcgunnigle of East Northport celebrated the opening of their craft beer bar and tasting room We rely on your support to share good news! Become a supporting member today. It’s been a dream of Brian Mcgunnigle for years – a place to sample high-quality craft beers and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and community vibe of breweries he’s visited throughout the northeast Brian and Jessika Mcgunnigle met in Manhattan where they lived for about a decade before settling down in East Northport Brian was born in Northport and graduated from Cold Spring Harbor High School Before he made the transition to business owner working long hours and commuting every weekday to the city ‘I gotta put on my monkey suit and go to work,’ and it felt like he was wearing a uniform that wasn’t him,” Jessika told the Journal While Brian’s heart and soul weren’t in the job it would take challenging and painful circumstances for him to leave his routine and pursue a longtime dream “I got intense headaches and neurological symptoms but never found out what it was because Covid tests weren’t even out then,” Brian said his symptoms in those months are undiagnosed but they were so severe one to Covid and the other to a drug overdose Then another tragedy: Brian’s 17-year-old sister passed away and I thought ‘What is the purpose of this all?’” That’s when Brian says he began to reassess his life; it “gave him the kick he needed,” he explained and led to his decision to follow through on an idea that he’d had for years “I have family in North Carolina and take road trips constantly to taste local beers – it’s unbelievable the quality of beer all around us and the vibe in those places,” Brian said He really wanted to bring “that kind of feel” to Huntington: “It’s my hometown and I’m excited to do it,” he said an East Northport elementary school teacher though she admits she was nervous about the endeavor Brews will be a place where a couple with kids can go on a date night or visit with their family for a casual setting and board games “It’s not a club and it’s not too quiet or stuffy,” Jessika said “It feels like there’s a need for that here and the possibilities are endless.” The couple wants their business to be a community space for meet-ups and celebrations The Centerport location is special to Brian and Jessika; their kids learned how to swim at Fleets Cove Beach and Brian would often take them to the neighborhood bake shop “It’s always been empty and I thought it was a great spot for something,” Brian said While he and Jessika considered other locations they kept going back to the space in Centerport The couple signed the lease on the location in January 2022 and spent the next year obtaining permits and architectural plans It took another six months to completely renovate the space “There were so many things to think about that I did not consider when I first did this but it’s great and I’m loving every moment of it,” Brian said Brews has a craft beer bar with 20 rotating taps offering seasonal and well-loved beers from the northeast and beyond “It’s mostly New York on the board for the first go,” Brian explained with many award-winning craft breweries featured A separate food counter where customers can order and bring items back to their tables is “like a food truck french fries and more fan-favorite bar foods There’s also a gaming counter with board games for all ages a chess board (hand-painted by their daughter) Tables and seating nooks are plentiful throughout the space along with band posters and original artwork by Northport resident Jaime Kraft on the walls A bottle shop offers options for beers to go and live music can be expected in the near future “The positivity from the community has been amazing and everyone seems excited and friendly,” Jessika said Although the kids are still too young to work they’re receiving plenty of early training and this has surely been an experience that has brought the family closer together sparked by loss and a desire to find purpose… for Brian Brews is a major accomplishment that he can enjoy with a community of thirsty neighbors U.S. Brews is located at 109 Mill Dam Road in Centerport and is currently open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 10pm and Sunday from 11am to 9pm. For more information, visit their website here. U.S. Brews at 109 Mill Dam Road in Centerport features a 20-tap craft beer bar, food counter and tasting room. Get the latest news delivered to your inbox. Copyright ©2025 Northport Journal. All Rights Reserved Blondie's Bake Shop in Centerport is closing its doors for good today with today – Valentine’s Day – being its very last shift when owner Jess Riordan put her passion for baking and all things dessert into a small welcoming bakery on Washington Drive in Centerport Blondie’s has since become a go-to spot for cookies “I adore all things baked and sweet. Perhaps even more, I adore what they can mean. Whether it’s the centerpiece of a grand event or a few bites quickly taken on the way to meet the school bus, a sweet treat is a moment or two of plain and simple delight,” Riordan wrote on the Blondie's website Last week, the baker announced that she’d be closing for good with an Instagram post, and over 160 comments of heartbreak followed. “The past 12 years have been a literal dream come true. But despite our very best efforts, the cost of doing business has become too great for us to continue,” the post reads. “The love and support we’ve experienced here on Washington Drive has meant the world to us. We will always be grateful.” A proposed plan for the vacant Jellyfish Restaurant property in Centerport would remove the existing structure and create a new three-story mixed-use building with a walk-out basement 2024: A public hearing regarding plans for the vacant Jellyfish property on 25A in Centerport will take place this Thursday The proposed plan for the location would remove the existing structure and create a new multi-story The first floor is slated for non-medical office use with typical 9-5 hours Michael McCarthy; it is not intended for retail or “wet use.” The second floor would have six apartments with the third floor housing three additional one-bedrooms A public hearing originally scheduled for August of last year was delayed due to the inclusion of inaccurate information in a legal notice at the time a proposed plan for the vacant Jellyfish Restaurant property came before the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) by applicant RT 441 Owner LLC The hearing notice inaccurately stated that the applicant sought a special use permit related to the property depth extension The ZBA recessed the hearing for a future date at which time it will determine the next steps for a project that has raised concern among community members in Centerport and beyond The date of that hearing has yet to be announced The plan proposed would remove the existing structure and create a new three-story The plans were designed by Hoffman Grayson Architects LLP who has done work for the Paramount Theater and fully comply with the town code for new mixed-use buildings in the C6 zone “The building was designed to meet all code requirements,” he said McCarthy also noted that a steep slope analysis should not be mandated because his client is not requesting a zoning variance “We are not requesting any variances of the town code,” McCarthy said; instead the applicant is requesting permission to proceed with the elimination of restrictive conditions that were set in 2011 for the Jellyfish Restaurant The applicant also requested that the board reaffirms the business depth extension that was granted in 2011 which McCarthy says allowed for automobile parking and would serve that purpose under the proposed plan The Jellyfish Restaurant opened in 2012, after a year-long legal battle related to parking, outdoor dining and deck use. At that time, Town of Huntington officials granted Jellyfish owner Ralph Colamussi a variance to allow for additional parking and outdoor dining. Jellyfish closed in 2014. The building has since gone into foreclosure and was purchased by principal owners of the neighboring Mill Pond House. In describing the transition from restaurant to the proposed plan for office space and apartments, McCarthy said, “It’s going to be much more benign and much more sleepy.” Nearby residents and members of the Centerport Harbor Civic Association, however, voiced their concerns about the project, especially those related to the steep slope, parking and traffic, stormwater runoff and drainage, an increased burden on the environment, overdevelopment in historic areas, and whether there are other plans in the works that will impact the same area, particularly rumored plans for the Mill Pond House and a proposed walkway along the harbor, behind the buildings. Neighbors also voiced concerns about the Jellyfish property parking lot currently being used by adjacent businesses Mill Pond and Water’s Edge, a wedding venue. Without that vacant space, one man suggested, cars from the restaurants may have to park on residential streets. Many also made note of the safety concerns along that area of 25A, which they said has become much more crowded in recent years, and the increase in neighboring wildlife, including the Centerport bald eagles. The applicant is not requesting a special use permit or expanded parking of any kind, said Gerard Asher, chair of the zoning board. “There will be an opportunity for people to weigh in on the steep slope, height, and anything else depending on what the applicant proposes when he puts his final plan together and presents it to the planning board and planning staff,” Asher said. At the end of the hearing, Chairman Asher announced that the zoning board decision would be recessed. The legal notice for the zoning board public hearing included inaccurate information, indicating that the applicant was pursuing a special use permit. Many residents who spoke asked for additional time before a decision was made, allowing people to obtain accurate information about the proposed plan. The view of Twin Ponds South from the Betty Allen Nature Preserve in Centerport And I’ve been tired and a bit lazy this summer some plans that fell through in the early morning last weekend forced me to find something to do while I waited for the local bakeshop to open and I knew one nearby that was quick and manageable where I could ease back into our Walks in the Woods column The preserve was named for Betty Beckwith Allen; a sign on the property describes Betty as an environmentalist and co-founder of the Huntington Audubon Society civic activist and “friend to all living things.” According to the Town of Huntington’s trail guide the pond was formed by the damming of nearby streams the TOH purchased the land with a 50% matching grant through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund I had never been to the preserve before but heard it was picturesque You’ve likely driven past it hundreds of times and getting to see this little retreat off a very beaten path An easy-to-follow loop less than half a mile long traces the perimeter of the preserve’s central pond with multiple docks and overlooks to view the water and its inhabitants – including plenty of ducks grass and wooden planks that helped navigate some smaller waterways and muddy areas and can imagine my kids enjoying the trail’s simplicity Which left me thinking – why can’t we carry out what we carry in a new dam and fish ladder were installed to allow alewives (a species of herring) to travel into the pond providing them new habitat and spawning grounds and allowing visitors new opportunities to fish I also confirmed with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) that the pond is stocked in the spring and fall with trout extending the fishing opportunities to more than the resident species the best fishing is near the dam on the north side of the pond The trail at this time of year is rich with greenery One of the many little streams and waterways that run off from the pond Get the latest news delivered to your inbox 2023 at 11:46 am ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}Centerport firefighters battled a brush fire on Tuesday afternoon NY — Centerport firefighters extinguished a brush fire on Tuesday The fire broke out on Prospect Road near Keith Court around 3:30 p.m. If you, like many Long Islanders, are a fan of colorful drives through the region's tranquil roads, you have likely seen glimmers of blue-green beaches clapboard farm stands, and more between Huntington Village’s shops and Northport’s waterfront Before leaving the museum, find a spot to sit down and glimpse Centerport's stunning harbor. dotted by boats during summer months. From high above on the museum's grounds, look east to Northport and north past Eatons Neck Lighthouse to the Connecticut shore Eatons Neck is one of only two remaining 18th-century lighthouses still operating in New York State; Montauk Point lighthouse is the other Eatons Neck is viewable only from the water; the 126-foot tower, operated by the Coast Guard, is not open to the public RELATED: Great things to do in Montauk with kids Centerport Beach Park on Little Neck Road has a swimming area that is staffed by lifeguards during the summer months Bikers and amblers will delight in the trail lined with oak forest and mountain laurel trees Town of Huntington residents can purchase seasonal beach passes for $40; nonresidents can purchase day passes for $35 RELATED: Greenport offers all-season fun for families For music and theater lovers, the John W. Engeman Theater in Northport is a family-friendly culture hub where kids can enjoy live musicals such as Newsies The Children’s Theater features performances such as Shrek and tickets are only $15 for children and adults no matter where you sit season-ticket holders get an additional 20 percent off children's shows actors form an autograph line, where kids can ask the actors to sign merchandise and take pictures Each musical is accompanied by a live pit orchestra to interest budding instrumentalists.The Engeman is also a great place for junior birthday parties and the cast and characters will sing to your honored guest from the stage at the end of the show For an elegant seaside lunch, visit the award-winning Mill Pond House, where parents can enjoy littleneck clams and shrimp wraps and kids can choose a fresh burger or loaded baked potato The view of the mirror-glass Long Island Sound and live music get rave review from customers For a more casual atmosphere, check out Jimmy's Pizza Kids will love specialty pizzas such as chicken bacon or classic pasta dishes like spaghetti and meatballs or baked ravioli Parents will appreciate a nice variety of salads and you can sample delicious gluten-free pizza or whole-wheat pasta if you are hungry If you are looking for something different and delicious, check out Lai Lai Kitchen a local Chinese-American favorite with quick delivery and generous portions and it is a great stop for a pre-theater bite or a post-museum nosh Delis abound in nearby Greenlawn and Northport should you desire to pack a picnic and head for the harbor RELATED: Visit Port Washington, a family-friendly hamlet on Nassau's North Shore  With homemade gelato, vegan ice cream, and Italian ices, Lics is the perfect pick-me-up after a day of sightseeing Try seasonal flavors like peach-and-mango gelato or caramel apple ice cream for something super-special take Route 25A east through Huntington to Little Neck Road and into the community take the Long Island Expressway or Northern State Parkway to Route 110 north and make a right onto East Pulaski Road and a left onto Broadway (Centerport Road) You can also take the Long Island Rail Road's Port Jefferson Branch to the Greenlawn Station and take a quick cab ride to your activity of choice Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker SearchJellyfish Apartments Centerport Plan WithdrawnMichael O'ReillyJan 30 The plan to build a multi-floor apartment complex on the site of the shuttered Jellyfish restaurant in Centerport has faced intense community opposition and has been withdrawn “for the present time.” At a public hearing last week at Huntington Town Hall spirited arguments were made in opposition of plans to convert the property known as Jellyfish restaurant into a three-story mixed-use apartment building with a walk-out basement While some seemingly sound arguments were presented by attorney Darrin Berger who represents local homeowners opposing the apartment development The Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Chairman Gerard Asher a retired State Supreme Court Justice said “The misinformation surrounding this property is legion.” But Asher confirmed that the development plans submitted in 2023 have now been withdrawn He argued that the ZBA erred by not reviewing the application under the “slope rules” (which in essence states that no application to build on a hillside property in Huntington shall be approved by any agency unless a variance or special use permit has been granted) Berger to specify what he wanted from the board “What is your prayer of relief?” an exasperated Asher asked The main concern of those opposing the plan is the lack of parking that such a mixed-use building would produce the added traffic and density on a critical choke point on Route 25A as well as storm water runoff and the increased burden on the environment into the Mill Pond in Centerport. nor the attorney for the would-be developer could confirm whether any new plan would be filed to replace the one withdrawn SearchMan Rescued from "Quicksand Mud" in Centerport HarborNolan ClearyJul 20, 20221 min readBy Nolan Cleary Centerport firefighters rescued a man trapped in deadly "quicksand mud" at low tide at Centerport Beach. The man was already waist-deep in the sticky mud slurry - and sinking fast - when firefighters arrived to rescue him. He was trapped and helpless, and every movement he made sank him deeper into the mud. The incident occurred on the morning of Friday, July 15th, according to officer Steve Silverman. The man, in his 60s, was "stuck pretty good” according to Chief Kyle McLaughlin. "He was relieved and said, 'Thanks for rescuing me.'" According to McLaughlin, the man went into the end of Little Neck Road in Centerport. He attempted to walk into the shallow areas. McLaughlin said every movement the man took sank him deeper into the mud. A couple living near the beach noticed the incident, and called 911 at around 7:30 AM. The Centerport Fire Department was assisted by the Halesite Fire Department, which providing a rescue hovercraft. A paramedic unit was was also called in by Centerport firefighters. Quicksand is described by scientists as a colloid mix of water and fine granular material such as sand or mud. It creates a liquid-soil that cannot support weight, so people and animals get trapped and sink until they reach a level of buoyancy - usually only 5%. Because the quicksand surrounds people and animals, they often struggle and thrash around until they die of exhaustion or hypothermia. © 2023 Lally Communications, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED owner of Coquus Bookstore in Northport Village Anna Mallett of Coquus Bookstore – and her collection of books and provisions for cooks – are moving out of the alley on Northport's Main Street.. “I have nothing but love for Northport and I am so grateful to have started here,” Anna told the Journal during a visit today Mallett is anticipating a mid-May opening in her new location at 90 Washington Drive in Centerport (next to Blondie's Bake Shop); Coquus will likely be open just one more week in Northport Village once home to Coquus and The Mindful Rabbit The Journal could not confirm if new tenants for either location are in the works The Mindful Rabbit is now located at 691 Fort Salonga Road in Northport Follow Anna and Coqqus on Instagram here SearchCenterport Bald Eagle Found DeadNolan ClearyJan 4 A famed bald Eagle from Centerport was reported dead last week The male bald Eagle - nicknamed “Dad” - had reportedly produced 13 eaglets over the course of five years The Bald Eagles of Centerport Facebook page made the announcement in a recent post though he did claim it had showed signs of decline in the final days of its life “Over the last week to 10 days he was unable to keep his balance He was having a hard time sticking landings The eagle was found in the Spring Pond by Schwartz’s wife Liz Robert Horvath from Wildlife In Need of Rescue and Rehabilitation removed the eagle from the water bringing Horvath to a hospital where he was treated for hypothermia Dad and the eaglets gained popularity after Swartz spotted them for the first time more than five years ago The birds have gained mass attention from photographers A Huntington-based developer plans to raze the shuttered Jellyfish restaurant in Centerport and replace it with a three-story Development company RT 441 Owner LLC is preparing an application it plans to submit as soon as possible to the Huntington Town planning board for site plan review said Michael McCarthy the attorney representing the developer “This plan is a wonderful opportunity to beautify the streetscape and provide much-needed housing,” McCarthy said is in the general business district zoning category so permission of the zoning board of appeals is not needed to add apartments the town attorney for the zoning board of appeals John Bennett said whose principals include those who own the Mill Pond House Restaurant Jellyfish restaurant opened in 2012 with support from the community after a legal battle with the town over permits and variances for such things including parking and outdoor dining It went through a series of high-profile chefs who also owned the Thatched Cottage catering venue next door in 2018 pleaded guilty in federal court to forced labor charges for his treatment of staff from the Philippines that he used at Thatched Cottage He was incarcerated at the time of his plea and in 2022 was sentenced to time served The proposal calls for a building that features six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom apartments on the top two floors with nonmedical business use on the ground floor Route 25A fronts the building with the Mill Pond in the back It sits between the Mill Pond House Restaurant and Water’s Edge catering venue The project would be connected to the Centerport sewer district the zoning appeals board lifted seven previously recorded covenants and restrictions on the property all dealing with the operation of a restaurant The board also voted to continue a special use permit for a business depth extension for a residentially zoned piece of the property vice president of the Centerport Harbor Civic Association which she said has a membership of about 125 people said McCarthy gave a presentation to the group on July 24 “We have not taken any general consensus of the general membership,” she said “We are at the point where we are gathering information.” She said the group plans to reach out to the state Department of Conservation because the location is in mapped wetlands and the application includes a bulkhead replacement She said the group also plans to reach out to the state Department of Transportation because Route 25A is a historic road McCarthy confirmed the state DEC has jurisdiction and will either have to approve the project or a letter stating that a permit or variance is not needed He said that because Route 25A is a state highway the DOT will have to approve such things as curb cuts Updated 2 minutes ago LI Works: Where the bison roam ..