EAST PATCHOGUE - "THE POOR SIDE OF TOWN" --  Do you like that reputation for us?   Many times we have received emails complementing us on the good work Focus has been doing for our community. We certainly thank you for the kind words. Currently we have a decision to make, as a community, and it requires the hands on support of many of us. The first is the installation of a sewer line under the street of the Main Street Road Project. The second is the rebuilding and widening of the Hospital Road Bridge. In view of the government funds headed all over the country earmarked specifically for public works projects, there is no perfect time then now to have this work completed. If we turn our eyes away from these vital issues and do not demand that our elected officials appropriate the funds to have this work completed, then it will likely never become a reality. Have you not noticed that East Patchogue is most often forgotten as compared to other parts of the Town of Brookhaven? Even Suffolk County has East Patchogue off their radar. Newsday recently published an Editorial noting that our Governor will send only 154 million dollars, of the Federal Money given for public works, to Suffolk County. Of that money none was given to the East Patchogue Area, yet a sizable amount will be used to take care of the North Shore portion of Route 112 heading toward Port Jeff. I have no issue with funds being used for this project. Most of our Town Roads are in terrible condition but that is our highway supervisor’s responsibility. East Patchogue, however, has been in need of revitalization for more years than you can imagine. Our former Supervisor, who lives not far from West Patchogue, did nothing for us. Years ago, as far back as 1999, we were promised a new Main Street with underground electric to rid the landscape of all those poles. We were promised new underground utilities so that Suffolk Water, Cablevision, Verizon, and Key Span, now National Grid, would not have to dig up the road constantly for repairs. He gave us lip service for 12 years as our legislator. We were then abandoned. Eventually we were told that the Main Street project was going to be cancelled. Legislator Jack Eddington explained that he had worked a deal with County Executive Steve Levy to save the project. Eight million dollars was allocated for this work. The work was going to be stripped of any so called frills such as underground sewer lines, underground electric, new street lighting, etc. As we understood the project after the public hearing last year, the job would consist of new roads and sidewalks, the repositioning of Avery to Grove and Washington by National Grid. New traffic signals are included. The new road would be a wider in areas to accommodate a center turning lane. As for a sewer line, Legislator Eddington would work to acquire ‘right of ways’ to install a sewer line along the south side behind the buildings probably near the RR tracks. This work would have to be accomplished within the next few years after the completion of the road work. I would hope that you have read engineer Tom Dixon’s letter to our community. Tom has been involved in many engineering jobs throughout Long Island. The plan for a sewer line installed in the Main Street project was originally discussed with Mayor Pontier, about four years ago. We all agreed, at that time, that it was most important for the future of our community. What can any investor do with the TruValue property or the Plaza property? Without a sewer connection, the County Health Department will not allow any construction. Thus any revitalization will be hopeless. As Tom expressed in his letter, “Without the availability of sewers there is really no chance for the redevelopment of the vacant properties. Article 6 of the Suffolk County Sanitary Code will restrict the redevelopment along this corridor if sewers are not available”. We need to appeal to all the County Legislators and ask for their financial support to add the funds needed to have a sewer line installed with the Main Street work. This is paramount to our future. We also need the support of our State representatives to be sure we obtain some added funds to have Hospital Road widened. Prior to the Congress passing the stimulus package, we had sent our letters to all our elected officials. We received a reply from everyone except Senator Foley. All had pledged their support except Senator Foley. The money is out there and if we are to obtain what we need it will require your united support. We need to lobby over and over to be sure we are not forgotten any longer. When Congressman Bishop’s office answered our letter concerning the stimulus funds, we were informed that Mr. Bishop had already obtained almost 5 million dollars for the widening of the Hospital Road Bridge over 3 years ago. We were also informed that the Town of Brookhaven has responsibility for this bridge construction not the State or County. Hospital Road is a Town Road. Why then didn’t our former Supervisor address this issue with Mr. Rouse? The reality is that we have been neglected and forgotten. What will we do about this? You can ignore our problem or help solve them. It’s your choice. We welcome all suggestions. (tb)