Bargain hunters across Long Island are probably thinking the same thing: Finally
a discount retail favorite across much of the country
with new stores opening soon in Farmingville and Hempstead
Ross will take over a one-story space inside Expressway Plaza at 2280 North Ocean Avenue — next door to Skechers and a few doors down from Burlington
located at the southwest corner of North Ocean Avenue and Horseblock Road
also includes LA Fitness and Stop & Shop
Brookhaven Town officials approved the site plan for the store earlier this year
Town Councilman Michael Loguercio said he has been actively assisting in adding new tenants in Expressway Plaza
and that he is excited to have Ross Dress for Less as the latest arrival
with the renovation of the location currently in progress,” he told Greater Long Island
and offer a product to the community that everyone is looking forward to.”
A new Ross location is also coming to Hempstead Village Commons at 340 Peninsula Blvd.
where its neighbors include an Aldi food store and discount retailer TJ Maxx
Long Island Business News reported that Ross would open four Long Island stores in 2025
It remains unclear when the stores in the two other locations — Bohemia and Islandia — will open
The company has not responded to requests for comment from Greater Long Island
Ross Dress for Less is the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the country — bigger than Marshalls
With more than 1,800 stores in 44 states and territories
home goods and accessories at 20% to 60% off department store prices
but the franchise relies on thrill of the hunt to keep shoppers coming back
Tap here to see what’s happening
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 20-year-old Long Island man who regularly broadcasts his illegal street takeovers was busted racing 90 miles per hour on city streets
seen in an illegal street takeover (left) and in the Suffolk County Sheriff's impound lot (right)
was arrested following a traffic stop on the I-495 Service Road in Farmingville late Wednesday night
according to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
who frequently posts videos of illegal street takeovers
hit speeds of nearly 90 miles per hour while racing another car just before midnight Wednesday
He was driving on a suspended license and had an active warrant for a prior reckless driving charge
Mulligan was charged with engaging in an unlawful speed contest and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
chastised street racers as endangering both themselves and other drivers
“Our deputies remain vigilant in stopping reckless drivers and ensuring the safety of Suffolk County’s roadways,” he said
Amazon has canceled plans to open an Amazon Fresh grocery store at this site on North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville
The opening of the Amazon Fresh supermarket planned for Farmingville has been canceled nearly two years after the building's construction was completed
Amazon officials "actually reached out to me to talk to me about the Farmingville location and indicated that
it is not going forward," said Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico
adding that the conversation took place Jan
After pausing the opening of new Amazon Fresh grocery stores in early 2023 to revamp the format
which allows customers to pay digitally without going through traditional checkout lanes
In October, two Amazon Fresh stores opened on Long Island — in East Setauket and Plainview — at least a year and a half after renovation work had been done on the shopping center spaces
But the Farmingville building remained empty after its construction on vacant land was completed in spring 2023
Owned by developer North Block Ventures LLC in Islandia
the 35,053-square-foot Farmingville building at 3017 North Ocean Ave
bears Amazon Fresh’s signature look outside — gray and light green paint and clusters of large windows
Amazon routinely puts nondisclosure agreements in place with the landlords of properties where it plans to open stores
declined to comment specifically about Amazon Fresh
but said he was told about a week ago by "the tenant for that space" that it would not be moving into the Farmingville building
"It’s not perfect when you spend that many years and do all that work and spend all that time and money and the tenant just decides against it
It’s rather annoying," said Garritano
who declined to disclose the cost of the project
North Block Ventures will begin marketing the property to other potential tenants
"It’s a great location with over 80,000 cars a day ..
passing the intersection of North Ocean Avenue and Horseblock Road," he said
Of the 62 Amazon Fresh stores in eight states
The only Amazon Fresh supermarkets in New York State are the three on Long Island
including one that opened in Oceanside in 2022
The first Amazon Fresh store opened in Woodland Hills
Disappointed with the grocery chain's performance
Amazon announced a pause on opening new stores in February 2023
when there were 44 Amazon Fresh stores in eight states and Washington
That pause led to lawsuits by retail landlords in several cities that accused the e-commerce company of breaching contracts by delaying Amazon Fresh openings or pulling out of leases completely
One lawsuit was filed by a Long Island real estate company
which sued Amazon in March 2023 alleging a breach of contract over a lease signed in April 2022 to open an Amazon Fresh in East Meadow
Amazon says it had the right to terminate the lease because it never approved the initial landlord’s plans
Amazon rolled out changes to the Amazon Fresh format that included an expanded grocery selection and lower prices on more items
three smaller Amazon Fresh stores were closed in Seattle; Washington
Amazon announced that Amazon Fresh would no longer use Just Walk Out technology
which tracked what consumers put in their shopping carts without the need to scan items’ bar codes and allowed shoppers to pay digitally without going through checkout lanes
which are "smart" shopping carts with screens that show running cost totals
Customers scan the barcodes of products using cameras on the carts
and then exit the stores through Dash Cart lanes that charge them using the payment method linked to their accounts
Amazon Fresh stores also have traditional checkout and self-checkout lanes
retail and all things business across Long Island
By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy
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
2025 at 1:34 pm ETA 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with taking part in an illegal speed contest on the service road of the Long Island Expressway in Farmingville on Wednesday
(Suffolk County Sheriff's office)The man
was stopped by sheriff's deputies for speeding at around 90 MPH while racing another vehicle just before midnight
and he was caught with a suspended license and had an active warrant for reckless driving
(Suffolk County Sheriff's office)He was charged with engaging in an unlawful speed contest
aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle
and the execution of the active warrant for reckless driving
(Suffolk County Sheriff's office)FARMINGVILLE
NY — A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with taking part in an illegal speed contest on the service road of the Long Island Expressway in Farmingville on Wednesday
was stopped by sheriff's deputies for speeding at around 90 MPH while racing another vehicle just before midnight
He was charged with engaging in an unlawful speed contest
His vehicle was impounded due to its involvement in the illegal speed contest
said the his client maintains his innocence and "we believe this will all be worked out."
Toulon commended the deputies for their swift response
“Street racing is not only illegal but incredibly dangerous
putting both participants and drivers at risk," he said
"Our deputies remain vigilant in stopping reckless drivers and ensuring the safety of Suffolk County’s roadways
Toulon's office is urging all drivers to obey traffic laws and report any observed reckless or dangerous driving behavior
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Executive Circle Awards
Sign up for your daily digest of Long Island Business News
Listen to this article Long Island Business News has announced that it has chosen this year’s winn[...]
The financial landscape of Long Island continues to evolve through the leadership of the remarkable [...]
Long Island’s business landscape contains a remarkable tapestry of organizations that have stood t[...]
Celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by showcasing the extraordinary wo[...]
Listen to this article Lorraine Gregory Communications will be holding a blood drive at its Edgewood[...]
Long Island lost 3,100 construction jobs year-over-year in March
ending a 12-month streak of gains,[...]
Kids Empire and My Gym are opening at Mayfair Shopping Center in Commack
Chick-fil-A opens its 12th Long Island location in East Meadow
creating 80 jobs and supporting loca[...]
Realty Three plans $120M South Village at Station Crossings with 273 rentals
Amazon plans to purchase 26.7 acres of Massapequa’s Sunrise Mall site to build a new South Shore d[...]
Our mission at Long Island Business News is to be the vital business news and advertising source to Long Island’s most influential readers
Get our free LIBN e-alerts & breaking news notifications
Subscribe for access to the latest digital and special editions
All in anticipation of a new-age Amazon Fresh supermarket coming to North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville
So announced Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico on his Facebook page Thursday
The proposed spot for Amazon Fresh was just north of Horseblock Road
“Although this may have been the intention last year
the once proposed Amazon Fresh location in Farmingville is not going forward,” Panico wrote
“I spoke with members of Amazon’s economic development team last week who reached out to give me the news.”
He also said there is some interest in the location
where the building and huge parking lot still sits vacant
“But nothing to confirm at the moment,” he added
When one Facebook commenter asked Panico why the deal fell through
he said the information was “internal,” but added:
“They are also going to be meeting with me in the coming weeks on a larger distribution project for an existing industrial building
but did not elaborate more than that.”
According to Long Island Business News
retail development plans at the property date back to 1999
Amazon Fresh opened two new stores on Long Island on the same day last year
The first Amazon Fresh store on the Island opened in Oceanside in 2022 and initially featured “Just Walk Out” technology.” In 2024, the Oceanside store held a grand reopening to introduce the new Dash Carts
which is also used in the company’s latest locations
The East Setauket store measures 43,000 square feet and is located at 4054 Nesconset Highway
where a Waldbaum’s had sat vacant since its departure in 2015
The 33,000-square-feeet Plainview location is at 50 Manetto Hill Road
There’s also an Amazon Fresh warehouse in Bethpage
Greater Long Island has reached out to an Amazon Fresh representative for additional details
Top: Amazon Fresh shoppers in East Setauket on Oct
Chick-fil-A on Thursday unveiled its opening date for the highly-anticipated new location at Expressway Plaza Shopping Center off County Road 83
According to a Facebook announcement
the Island’s new Chick-fil-A franchise is slated to open Thursday
“Join us for a fun-filled day with face painting for the kids and plenty of smiles to go around!” reads the post
The operator of this location is Rod Singleton
“Rod and his wife, who you’ll often see at the restaurant, are all about creating a warm, family atmosphere,” reads a post about the owners on the restaurant’s Facebook page
they’re dedicated to making everyone— both our team and guests— feel valued and at home.”
Construction began last November at the Expressway Plaza Shopping Center off County Road 83
The restaurant is being erected at a previously unused section of the center
adjacent to the recently renovated Burger King
According to plans submitted to Brookhaven Town
the restaurant covers approximately 4,776 square feet
with 70-80 indoor seats and 28 outdoor seats
Chick-fil-A has been rapidly expanding on Long Island in recent years
“We are excited about the prospect of joining these communities
where each locally owned and operated restaurant creates 80 – 120 jobs,” stated Chick-fil-A
“We look forward to serving new Long Island Guests delicious food in an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.”
Chick-fil-A made its debut on Long Island in 2015 with the opening of its Port Jefferson Station store at 5184 Nesconset Highway
Tap to read
Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Greater Long Island Media Group:
You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails
For information about our privacy practices
We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp’s privacy practices
Top: Outside of the new Chick-fil-A location in Farmingville
Click here for Greater Long Island newsletters. Click here to download the iPhone app
TGI Fridays has further scaled back its presence on Long Island
closing its Riverhead and Farmingville locations on Monday
This leaves the casual dining chain with just two restaurants in the region: one in Central Islip at Central Islip Town Center and another in Valley Stream at the Green Acres Mall
A TGI Fridays employee confirmed the closures
explaining that a new local ownership group has taken over the remaining locations and plans to keep only these two operating
with hours of operation running from 11 a.m
The closures come amid ongoing financial struggles for the Dallas-based company
TGI Fridays has been working to reduce debt following several tough years
In early 2023, the chain announced a restructuring effort that resulted in the closure of 36 underperforming locations
In November, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Earlier this month, a bankruptcy court approved the sale of nine corporate-owned restaurants, including locations at the Dallas-Fort Worth area and in Maryland
TGI Fridays, founded nearly 60 years ago in New York City, brought back former CEO Ray Blanchette to manage the company through its bankruptcy, according to The Wall Street Journal
Outside of the now shuttered Bay Shore location
2025 at 6:27 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}A male walked into a medical office in Farmingville
seeking treatment for a stab wound on Tuesday afternoon
NY — A male walked into a medical office in Farmingville
Officers were alerted to the stabbing by a call from the North Ocean Avenue medical office at around 2:19 p.m.
told them that the stabbing took place while he was walking to his car on Provost Avenue in Bellport earlier in the day
His injuries were described as not serious
and he declined to be transported to the hospital for further treatment
Chick-fil-A’s footprint on Long Island is getting bigger
The fast-food chicken chain is set to open a new location in Farmingville later this year
signage for the new Chick-fil-A outpost was hung up
“It’s our pleasure to share that a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Farmingville is slated to open this fall,” said a representative from Chick-fil-A
the restaurant will cover approximately 4,776 square feet
Top: Chick-fil-A Farmingville progressing along Route 83
By: Max Gillespie 7:30 am on July 18
split between two and three-bedroom townhomes
30 units are reserved for workforce housing
Residents will have access to 7,500 square feet of shared amenity spaces
The property also features a seven-acre public park
“The Brookhaven IDA is proud to have played a role in the Arboretum at Farmingville project,” said Frederick C
proximity to the LIE and a brand-new public park makes this a beautiful addition to the Farmingville community.”
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
this beautiful community is good for them: Thanks
ga('send', 'event', 'beautyofblock', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Standard_336x280-100-2.jpg', { nonInteraction: true });
ADVERTISEMENT
ga('send', 'event', 'PCRichards Builders Division', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/PCR_Beko_Compact_YIMB_336x280.jpg', { nonInteraction: true });
ga('send', 'event', 'yimby+', 'Impression', 'https://newyorkyimby.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/image.png', { nonInteraction: true });
Follow on Instagram var sb_instagram_js_options = {"font_method":"svg","placeholder":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/instagram-feed\/img\/placeholder.png","resized_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sb-instagram-feed-images\/","ajax_url":"https:\/\/newyorkyimby.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php"}; © COPYRIGHT New York YIMBY® LLC
YIMBY IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF NIKOLAI FEDAK / NEW YORK YIMBY LLC
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. — A 22-year-old Farmingville man has been indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree robbery
for allegedly robbing a Flanders deli at gunpoint
and later being found with drugs and weapons in his home
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A
is accused of entering El Quetzal Deli on September 23
wearing a mask and winter coat while brandishing a handgun equipped with a laser sight
Prosecutors say Weston threatened the store clerk
stole approximately $6,000 from the register
and pistol-whipped the victim before fleeing
law enforcement executed a search warrant on January 8
where they allegedly discovered a loaded handgun matching the weapon used in the robbery
before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A
and criminal possession of a controlled substance
He is being held on $1 million cash bail and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted
MacDonald was indicted separately and arraigned February 18, 2025, on drug and child endangerment charges. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, she was released without bail under New York State’s bail laws and faces up to nine years in prison if convicted
Weston is scheduled to return to court on February 26
The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Crime Enterprises Bureau of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
© 2008-2025 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd
Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwich is a staple menu item at the fast food chain
opened its latest Long Island fast casual spot in Farmingville on Oct
bringing the chain's other Long Island locations to 10
The new Expressway Plaza store features seasonal menu items including the return of last year’s honey pepper pimento chicken sandwich as well as a banana pudding milkshake
The honey pepper pimento chicken sando ($7.99) is piled high with creamy
tangy pimento cheese and doused with honey
which offsets the kick of the pickled jalapeños
pair it with the vintage banana pudding milkshake ($5.65)
mixed with banana and vanilla wafer cookie crumbles
topped off with whipped cream and a cherry
The banana frosted coffee ($5.55) adds cold-brewed coffee to the mix
These offerings are in addition to Chick-fil-A’s regular menu of chicken sandwiches
with a side of Chick-fil-A’s tangy signature sauce — a mixture of honey mustard
the Chick-fil-A company was founded in 1967 by S
Farmingville will be overseen by Rod Singleton
Chick-fil-A, 2280 N. Ocean Ave., chick-fil-a.com
A 19-year-old gang member confessed to fatally shooting a man outside a Long Island nightclub and injuring two others
pleaded guilty in the fatal shooting of Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera outside the Minx Nightclub in Farmingville in December 2021
pleaded guilty to manslaughter and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday
in the death of Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera
Prosecutors said Trent – a member of the criminal street organization
“No Fake Love,” or “NFL” – was with several other gang members outside the now-closed Minx nightclub in Farmingville on Dec
when they got into a confrontation with Barrera and his friends
The argument turned physical and Trent retrieved a gun from his car before shooting Barrera
Trent and his associates then kicked the man while he was on the ground before Trent stood over Barrera and shot him to death
Trent and his associates then got into their car
where he leaned out a window and fired several shots as the vehicle drove away
Two other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries
Trent also admitted to his role in the assault and carjacking of a Lyft driver in April 2022
and Corey Foggy – lured the Lyft driver to an address in Wading River on April 13
Roy repeatedly struck the driver in the head and body while Trent pointed a gun at the man’s head
Foggy eventually pulled the victim out of the vehicle before Roy got into the driver’s seat and drove away
Roy then ripped out the dashboard camera and threw it onto the road
Suffolk County Police later recovered the camera
Both Roy and Foggy previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the robbery and carjacking
Trent pleaded guilty to the following counts:
He is expected to be sentenced to 28 years in prison when he’s back in court on Wednesday
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the type of case is why he began the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau on his first day in office
“Violence like this will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,” Tierney said
“This case should serve as a warning to those gang members who would seek to establish dominance by committing acts of violence in Suffolk County: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
is congratulated after graduating from the Basic Mortarman course aboard Camp Geiger
Credit: Marine Corps Combat Service Supp/Cpl
arrived in Selden at the age of 4 and today runs a personal training business in Farmingville
There's quite a life story in between
which you can catch on "Journey to America: With Newt and Callista Gingrich" airing on WNET/13 at 10 p.m
Hosted by the former House Speaker and the nominee to serve as U.S
Marines history to join the infantry through its brutal entry-level training process — is singular:
were born in a prison in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk
were placed in an orphanage when they were 2
The siblings were later adopted by a family in Selden
she said she ran away from home by the age of 15
and ended up at Port Jefferson Station's Sunshine Prevention Center over what she now calls anger-management issues
(Bullying at school and difficult home life
"I needed a mom and Nancy was willing to be my mom," she says
Daume had always been athletic — she was a standout on the Newfield High School Wolverines' girls basketball
field hockey and soccer teams — but especially impressed a pair of Marine Corps recruiters as a 12-year-old student when she effortlessly polished off a set of pull-ups
"What's better than serving my country
[And] the infantry looked like so much fun."
which met the rock-solid resolve of Daume's own pushback
I can do this job better than half the men here." After her graduation from Camp Geiger's (part of Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville
North Carolina) School of Infantry in March 2017
the Voice of America lauded her completion of "one of the most difficult military operational specialties the school has to offer." As a Mortar Marine
she was part of a quick-strike reaction force
but never saw action during her eight years of service
(She received an honorable discharge in September at the rank of sergeant.)
Any argument over whether women should be in combat has long been settled
she does have an opinion on women in the military
"I do not believe females should be in the infantry
Not that they don't have the ability to do it
but it's the way the military runs itself — and the politics."."
Daume — the mom of 3-year-old Isabella — also leaves the impression of someone who can handle herself
she has plans to become a competitive bodybuilder
The Suffolk Times
The former Southold High School math teacher arrested following a fatal crash in Jamesport this past January pleaded guilty Monday to a misdemeanor Driving While Intoxicated charge in connection with the crash
Appearing before Judge Allen Smith in Riverhead Town Justice Court Monday
O’Neill admitted to drinking two glasses of white wine before getting behind the wheel to drive home
she said she wished to express her “deepest sympathy to the Kurovics family.”
my dad and my husband of 40 years so I know how to grieve loss,” she said
Assistant District Attorney Daniel Cronin said there was not enough evidence to consider an upgraded charge against Ms
O’Neill’s blood alcohol level of .08 percent and the fact that she immediately stopped and notified police made the prosecution comfortable accepting the guilty plea Monday
Speaking both inside and outside the courtroom
Kurovics’ family expressed disappointment with the disposition of the case
your personal connection to George doesn’t compare to that of the people who love and miss him,” Mr
“You took his life and the punishment doesn’t equal the pain and suffering we endure
later told a reporter he wishes there were “more justice.”
said not a day goes by she doesn’t think of her father
who at the time of his death was still working five days a week at George’s Rocky Point Barbershop on Broadway in Rocky Point
“I loved him and he touched so many lives.”
Kurovics said she hopes other drivers learn from what happened to her husband so that “something good comes out of it.”
who had entered a not guilty plea in January
retired from her job in the Southold School District soon after her arrest
She had taught there for more than 20 years
Top Caption: Diane O’Neill enters court in Riverhead January 14
nsmith@timesreview.com
Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize teachers and show them how much they’re valued and appreciated
This submission comes from Ana Steiger who nominated Mrs
How do you know the teacher?My son had her for 4th and 5th grade
What does this person teach?Special education
Why do you believe the teacher should be recognized or honored
She cares about her students — treats them like her own
She sees their strengths and weaknesses and finds a way to make each child feel confident in themselves
She gets to know the children so well that she knows what triggers them and what motivates them
She communicates with parents and also knows all the resources available to help children succeed
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher?She’s more than just a teacher
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile
Know an outstanding teacher who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.
Ridgefield, CT
In a statement, Ms. Doty shared her excitement for her new role: “I am thrilled and honored to continue working with the Farmingville community as the Assistant Principal. Over the past ten years as an RPS Literacy Coach, I have developed strong relationships with students, teachers, and families. I am excited about our school’s future growth and look forward to all the wonderful opportunities and experiences that lie ahead.”
Ms. Doty’s colleagues within Ridgefield Public Schools have expressed high praise for her appointment. Elementary Supervisor Linda Johnson wrote in a recommendation letter, “Ms. Doty brings an exceptional instructional background and a strong commitment to students’ and teachers’ success. She is the type of leader who makes other individuals want to grow professionally.”
Sandy Clouse, Literacy Coach at Ridgebury Elementary, described Ms. Doty as “a lifelong learner” and “a natural leader,” highlighting her generosity with her knowledge and her trustworthiness, as well as her excellent listening and communication skills.
Farmingville Principal Nancy Caron added, “Ms. Doty is an educator who is reflective and thinks deeply to solve problems. She works collaboratively to ensure that students receive the best instruction possible.” Principal Caron also acknowledged Doty’s contributions to the district, particularly her significant involvement in the Planning and Placement (PPT) process.
Ms. Doty will officially begin her role as Assistant Principal on September 15.
HamletHub invites you to contribute stories, events, and more to keep your neighbors informed and connected.
Don’t miss what’s happening in your community.Subscribe to receive a daily digest of the people, places and things that make our community great.
Copyright ©2025 HamletHub™
2024 at 1:19 pm ET.css-79elbk{position:relative;}"She is also a great colleague to work with." (Courtesy Anna Coppola)FARMINGVILLE
we're fortunate to have teachers like Dana Kearney
who nominated Dana Kearney of Farmingville
She goes above and beyond for her students
even going home to four young kids of her own
What's one thing you want everyone to know about the teacher
She is also a great colleague to work with
The new chamber of commerce headquarters at The Aboretum at Farmingville
/ Courtesy of Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce
New chamber of commerce HQ opens in Farmingville
A 292-unit housing development was official opened in Farmingville on Thursday
community members and developers marked the opening of the 292-unit Arboretum in Farmingville on Thursday
townhomes and detached single-family houses for rent
The $150 million development, which is more than a decade in the making
is built on 62 acres off Horseblock Road that was formerly a farm and nursery
“This is a transformative development that's going to change Farmingville,” Michael Kelly
president of Stony Brook-based Kelly Development
Kelly is a former member of the Suffolk County Planning Commission and former board member of the Brookhaven IDA
After an initial plan for condos was scrapped and Kelly's development partner Michael McHugh died in 2018
he sold the property to Manhattan-based BRP Companies
Rents start at $3,650 a month for a 1,400-square-foot
two-bath apartment and rise to $5,400 for a 2,300-square-foot
three-bedroom single-family detached house
Some of the units include bonus space that could be used as an office
The development will appeal to downsizers and people faced with few options for larger rental homes on Long Island
they may not want to buy right away,” he said
“This is a good opportunity because you can lease a townhouse or an entire single-family house.”
Schwanbeck acknowledged the limited supply of housing on Long Island
“We work with experts and the latest market data
and we understand that's where the market is at right now.”
fitness center and coworking area as well as plans for tennis and pickleball courts and a putting green
Kelly continues to develop 24,000 square feet of commercial space at the entrance of the site
which will include a restaurant and office space
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico commended the design of the community
which has houses with backyards along its perimeter
“It shows that you can build housing in communities that conforms with the character of the existing community and make it work,” he said
Panico told Newsday that while other towns around Long Island talk about building housing
board member of the Farmingville Historical Society
praised the developers for preserving Hanrahan Firehouse
which the group feared would be leveled in the process
Brookhaven Town Clerk Kevin LaValle, who previously represented the area in the Brookhaven Town Council, called the project “the jewel” in a plan the community put forward to redevelop Farmingville when there are “so many projects nowadays that communities are coming out against with housing and 'not in my backyard,' " LaValle said at the event Thursday
Investors in the project included Blackrock
Lenders to the developer included Santander Bank and City National Bank
The developer agreed to a 15-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes agreement with the Brookhaven IDA
revised in 2020 to reflect the change in ownership
that includes about $10 million in foregone property tax revenue
a $5 million sales tax exemption and a $658,000 exemption from mortgage recording taxes
BRP was required to rent 10% of units at affordable rents based on federal guidelines
It worked with Long Island Housing Partnership to hold a housing lottery for 30 units — a mix of two-bedrooms and three-bedrooms
LIHP said it received 781 applications through its October deadline for the lottery and is working through its waitlist to find eligible tenants
Rents for those units ranged from around $2,600 for a two-bedroom townhouse to $2,900 for a three-bedroom townhouse or detached home
a couple needed to earn between $66,480 and $98,500 to qualify to rent the two-bedroom units
Income criteria depends on the size of the household
Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition, who supports increasing housing opportunities on Long Island, says the Arboretum provides a great opportunity for families who can't afford to buy homes after recent increases in prices and mortgage rates
Ideally the developer could have set aside 20% of units as affordable rentals
Given opposition to housing in other Suffolk communities, including Southampton Town's recent rejection of a 50-unit affordable housing complex with half the units set aside for veterans
“Until we start having more affordable ownership opportunities
and developments like this can create some type of relief for people,” Gross said
the development will anchor a revitalization for Farmingville
president of the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce
"This is now the core of Farmingville," said Wentz
is a former member of the Suffolk County Planning Commission and former board member of the Brookhaven IDA
Suffolk police investigating at the scene of a fatal crash on William Floyd Parkway Sunday
A Farmingville man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Shirley Sunday night
was driving a 2015 Infiniti Q50 south on William Floyd Parkway
struck a metal guardrail and overturned multiple times
The Infiniti was impounded for a safety check
Vera Chinese joined Newsday in 2017 after working as an editor for the East End lifestyle publication northforker and a general assignment reporter for the New York Daily News
Laurette LaPrarie was inspired by her family to become a teacher
Fourth-grade teacher Laurette LaPrarie was something like a child whisperer
“You would never know that the child had struggled the year before because they did so well in her class,” said fellow fourth-grade teacher GraceAnn Agueci
“If she had to correct them or talk to them about something
The way that she spoke so coddlingly to them
A 25-year veteran at Ridge Elementary School
about a month after being diagnosed with sarcoidosis
the same inflammatory disease that struck her brother
physical education teacher Jacque LaPrarie Sr.
who died unexpectedly at his Smithtown home on Dec
LaPrarie hadn’t intended to become a teacher
getting a business degree from Rutgers University
then working about 10 years at the Internal Revenue Service reviewing tax returns
had been a school guidance counselor and her siblings were teachers
getting a master’s degree in education from Dowling College and a job in the Longwood Central School District
where her two sisters taught and her father had also been a teacher
LaPrarie’s classroom was next to the classroom where her youngest sister
From breaking news to special features and documentaries
the NewsdayTV team is covering the issues that matter to you
After it was suggested during a professional development course that educators should lead with positivity or be a “marigold” flower
who never wanted credit for always being helpful
It was customary for LaPrarie to chair school committees and accept challenging students
the school recognized her leadership qualities and she was quoted in a newsletter saying it is hard to sleep the night before the first day of school and that she still got butterflies
“Anyone who came in contact with Laurette would be instantly welcomed with the warm smile that was always on her face and would leave her feeling like they just made a new best friend,” Superintendent of Schools Lance Lohman posted on the district’s Instagram account
LaPrarie didn't have her own children
but she had plenty of kids to look after in her favorite role as “Aunt Rette.”
The time King had twin sons 14 months after giving birth to a daughter
LaPrarie was at her sister’s home to help the day the newborns arrived
“My mom always said I couldn’t have done it without her
and it was absolutely the truth,” recalled King
LaPrarie attended all her nieces’ and nephews’ events
sometimes leaving one event early to rush to another
If they called to ask her to go to Starbucks
a few weeks after an autopsy diagnosed the cause of her brother’s death
a fatigued LaPrarie went into the hospital and a biopsy of a piece of her heart revealed sarcoidosis
LaPrarie and her family thought she was going to beat the disease and talked about all the upcoming niece and nephew occasions she would attend
along with the usual vacation with the extended family
She missed attending niece Shayla King’s cheerleading victory this month
when her Sachem High School East team won its second consecutive state championship
“She was like my best friend,” said Shayla
talked about life and got up early for quiet walks during family vacations
“It’s just like there’s a missing piece in my heart.”
of Rocky Point; and three nieces and three nephews
A wake was held March 27 at Branch Funeral Home in Miller Place
A funeral Mass was celebrated March 28 at the Roman Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Holbrook
Correction: Laurette LaPrarie lived in Farmingville
An earlier version of this story had an incorrect community
Fun, creativity and cooperative play abound at Farmingville Elementary School. The school's playground was updated with a new universal access play structure, a spinner, and a net climber thanks to contributions from the Farmingville PTA, the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation, and the Ridgefield Board of Education.
Farmingville Elementary School is located at 324 Farmingille Road in Ridgefield.
Police say 38-year-old Iran Palmer lost control of his car and crashed into a guardrail just north of Robinwood Drive
They say the vehicle Palmer was driving overturned multiple times
By: Sebastian Morris 7:00 am on July 19
Construction is now underway at 510 Horseblock Road, the site of a new 292-unit garden-style rental community in Farmingville, Long Island
the property previously functioned as a farm and spans roughly 62 acres
BRP Companies
the current owner and developer of the project
after the previous owner Kelly Development Group turned its attention toward another complex
The Arboretum’s 292 residences will include a mix of standard and loft-style apartments
A total of 30 units within the complex will be reserved for workforce housing
Residents will have access to an assortment of amenities including a pool
a fitness center with rooms designed for virtual programming and yoga
and a 7-acre park with walking trails and picnic areas
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating this groundbreaking milestone as we move one step closer to delivering a much-needed residential offering as well as a park amenity to the Town of Brookhaven,” said Meredith Marshall
co-founder and managing partner of BRP Companies
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to be able to deliver such an impactful development to the community.”
Rendering of a model home at The Arboretum – BRP Companies
local officials and other members of the project team at a ground-breaking ceremony for The Arboretum – BRP Companies
BRP Companies secured a $91 million construction loan provided through Santander Bank and arranged by JLL Capital Markets
Total project costs are estimated at $147 million
WHY ISN”T THERE SOLAR ON EVERY ROOF!!
Actually just drove thru it today..the gate was open…it’s a beautiful place now and it’s not even complete…it will be an awesome place to live…as a resident of Farmingville for 36 years I’m excited to welcome our new neighbors
A 292-unit housing development opened in Farmingville in June
The 292-unit Arboretum in Farmingville is wonderful “New LI housing opens,” LI Business
The $150 million project is on 62 glorious acres
and you can rent one of these units for the starting price of $3,650 a month for a two-bedroom
you can price up to $5,400 for a three-bedroom detached house
I don’t know anyone who can afford these wonderful units
the workers living in their vehicles will not be moving into any of the units [“A desperate reality: Workers living in cars,” News
We are driving our young people off Long Island because there’s hardly any affordable housing for them
When greed builds palaces for the well-off and shuts out the working class
we may as well give our kids a ticket out of town when they graduate from high school so they get the opportunity to live comfortably in another place
They won’t be doing that here as long as luxury housing is what’s mostly being built
A roundup of highlights from Newsday's Opinion Department
Long Island home prices set a record [“LI home prices hit new highs,” News
Remember the maxim about a rising tide lifting all boats
Things have a way of canceling themselves out
The only people celebrating should be those who own more than one house
particularly a vacation or retirement home out of state
So a home is now worth significantly more than it cost
Sell it and walk away with a big pile of cash
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO JOIN OUR DAILY CONVERSATION. Just go to newsday.com/submitaletter and follow the prompts. Or email your opinion to letters@newsday.com
Submissions should be no more than 200 words
phone number and any relevant expertise or affiliation
Include the headline and date of the article you are responding to
Letters become the property of Newsday and are edited for all media
readers are limited to one letter in print every 45 days
Published letters reflect the ratio received on each topic
A Chick-fil-A is in the works for Farmingville — and we just got a peek at what it could possibly look like
Spokespeople on behalf of Chick-fil-A stood before the Brookhaven Town Planning Board on June 5 to discuss the site plans for the project
The approximate 4,776-square-foot location is proposed for an unused portion of Expressway Plaza Shopping Center off County Road 83
The restaurant would be built in front of the new Burlington clothing store and adjacent to the recently remodeled Burger King
said they plan on using the “latest and greatest technology” when it comes to servicing both lanes
instead of using a traditional pickup window there will be a sliding door where employees can walk food out to each lane
“This is something that is being introduced throughout the country
even here on Long Island,” said Martinez
“It really reduces the drive-thru queues.”
The current plans allow for 70-80 seats indoors
members of the Planning Board unanimously voted to place the matter on their decision calendar
Long Island now counts eight Chick-fil-A locations
including restaurants in Port Jefferson Station
The company is phasing in new eateries and recently announced plans to branch out to West Babylon
Chick-fil-A opened its newest location on the island in Huntington Station this winter
Feature photo: Chick-fil-A in Port Jefferson Station (Facebook)
forcing his way inside of a Long Island apartment
but left an infant less than a year old unharmed
Suffolk County police said Friday afternoon
Kevin Beyrer said police responded to the Overlook Drive home in Farmingville at about noon after a relative called 911
alerting them that they went to check on them and believed them to be dead
Police did not say what room the infant was in at the time of the shooting and noted the child is at the hospital waiting for relatives
Investigators have initially determined someone possibly kicked in the door to the apartment and broke the doorjamb to gain access inside
It is not clear if the shooting was targeted
Police said the victims’ backgrounds will help them make that determination
Police closed off the street where the apartment was located
as family members and neighbors watched police continue their investigation
Two women getting out of a car identified themselves as family members
and one of them told a reporter that she was not supposed to speak to anyone
Newsday reported that Jacqueline Wiggins, a family friend, learned of the deaths from her son. She told the outlet the couple inside the home were young and about to get married
“There is a lot of heartbreak here,” she said
CBS Radio's Sophia Hall reported that the infant was the couple's child
said the apartment complex has been relatively quiet and shocked by the incident
She said she was on her way home from McDonald’s when she saw a squadron of police vehicles “flying by” headed down the roadway with sirens blaring passing her car
said she returned home from the gym to see the police scene unfolding before her eyes
She said there have been other incidents at the complex in the past that have made her feel uneasy and now she does not feel safe walking outside her own home at night
“It’s crazy; nobody wants to talk,” she said
The shooting was the second fatal incident in the area in a matter of hours. A woman was found stabbed to death in Holtsville on Thursday night
The shooting was the fourth fatal one in Suffolk County since last weekend when two people were shot within hours of each other in West Babylon and Amityville. A man was also killed in Wyandanch Wednesday morning
A total of six people have been killed altogether
In total, there have been six shootings, including one in Center Moriches on Sunday and another in Holbrook on Tuesday
They are asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS
Farmingville Starbucks becomes latest LI store to unionize
David Trent is led inside Judge Anthony Senft’s courtroom at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on Monday
A Mastic Beach teen authorities said is a member of a violent street gang pleaded guilty on Monday to first-degree manslaughter and other charges in connection with the 2021 fatal shooting of a man outside a Farmingville nightclub
is one of 18 defendants indicted in 2022 following a sweeping investigation into crimes committed by a gang called "No Fake Love," also known as "NFL." He pleaded guilty in Riverhead before acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft and is scheduled to return to court on Oct
Trent is expected to be sentenced to 28 years in prison
According to court documents — and Trent’s own admissions in court on Monday — Trent and his associates were gathered in the parking lot of the Minx nightclub in Farmingville on Dec
when they got into an argument with another group
retrieved a firearm and shot Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera
Trent and another individual kicked Barrera while the victim was on the ground and then Trent stood over Barrera and shot him again
After Trent and his associates got into their vehicle
the teen leaned out of the window and fired multiple shots while fleeing the scene
Two additional victims suffered nonfatal injuries
Follow the latest developments in the Gilgo Beach killings investigation
Suffolk District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement: "This case should serve as a warning to those gang members who would seek to establish dominance by committing acts of violence in Suffolk County: we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law."
Trent also pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree attempted murder
two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon
first-degree robbery and third-degree grand larceny
said the alleged gang member has admitted his crimes and hopes to learn from them
"David acknowledges he owes a debt to society and he will be sentenced to 28 years of incarceration," Gioe said
"David plans to use this time to devote himself to becoming a better person
so that when he returns to society he doesn’t repeat any of his past bad acts."
Prosecutors also said Trent and co-conspirators Shati Roy Jr
and Corey Foggy ordered a Lyft car to an address in Wading River on April 13
and hopped into the back seat of the vehicle
Roy repeatedly struck the driver’s head and body
Trent and Roy then pointed guns at him and said
Get out of the car," to each other and the driver
Foggy left the vehicle and forcibly pulled the driver out of the car
Roy jumped into the driver’s seat and drove off
The camera was later recovered by investigators
Roy and Foggy have previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robbery and carjacking
Trent was one of 18 "No Fake Love" gang members charged in a 148-count indictment in December 2022
Other members in that indictment were charged with the shooting of two teens outside former Rep
The arrests were the result of a long-term investigation conducted by the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and police in Suffolk
as well as the district attorney’s office and other agencies
The NFL was a turf-based gang that considered Mastic and Shirley its territory
although its members committed crimes throughout Suffolk and Nassau
It includes members of other criminal street organizations
respect and direction from established high-level gang members throughout Suffolk
Michael O'Keeffe covers Suffolk County police and other Long Island law enforcement agencies
He is an award-winning journalist and the co-author of two books,"The Card" and "American Icon."
The popular chicken sandwich chain broke ground in November at the Expressway Plaza Shopping Center off County Road 83
The restaurant is being constructed in a previously unused portion of the shopping center
just adjacent to the recently remodeled Burger King
When will it open? Greater Long Island reached out to Chick-fil-A for the answer
“It’s our pleasure to share that a new Chick-fil-A restaurant in Farmingville is slated to open this fall,” reads an email statement from the company
“We look forward to joining the community and serving all of our Guests with our delicious food in an environment of genuine hospitality.”
A spokesperson for Chick-fil-A said they expect to create 80-120 jobs in the area
the restaurant will be approximately 4,776 square feet
with 70-80 indoor seats and about 28 outdoor seats
Chick-fil-A has been making a strong push onto Long Island in the last few years, especially recently. Last year, the company announced plans for West Babylon, Riverhead, and Selden
while opening its latest spot on the island in Levittown this September
Chick-fil-A also opened in Huntington Station in December 2022