Previously Published in The Messenger
Long-awaited peace of mind regarding the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is on the horizon with the news this week that Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s (D-Port Jefferson) legislation to create a perpetual conservation easement aimed to protect and preserve the Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway corridor (A.10341), and its Senate companion bill (S.10161) sponsored by Senators Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) and Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk), has passed unanimously in both houses. This legislation prevents the corridor from being converted into a vehicular bypass and preserves its longstanding use as a non-vehicular, multi-modal trail.
For many residents, the Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a vital part of their daily life and a key location for the nearby neighborhoods. Families, students, older adults, and cyclists use the Greenway every day for recreation, health benefits, and travel. Since its creation in 2009, members of the community have had an understanding that this corridor would remain a non-vehicular trail. However, as a result of discussions amongst State, County, and regional stakeholders about the advancement of the Long Island Rail Road, including planning related to the Lawrence Aviation site and associated railyard development, the corridor’s retained designation as a potential Route 25A bypass has since become a source of concern for the members of the surrounding community.
“The Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a treasured community asset that connects our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and natural spaces. For decades, residents have enjoyed this corridor as a place for recreation, connection with nature, and safe non-motorized transportation,” said Kassay in a statement. “This legislation preserves these opportunities for our neighbors today as well as future generations. Additionally, this legislation resolves a longstanding land use conflict, allowing for forward motion with adjacent efforts to modernize the Port Jefferson rail line to deliver a one-seat ride and cleaner air for local residents.”
The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a 3.4-mile community trail that connects communities, schools, and local destinations in Three Village and Port Jefferson Station. The corridor was originally acquired by the state in the late 1950s for a proposed NY-25A bypass; the corridor has evolved over the decades into a widely used trail that serves thousands of residents each year. More than $7 million in public investment supported the development of the paved trail in the early 2000s, and the Greenway now provides a safe non-motorized transportation link between neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, houses of worship, and nearby Long Island Rail Road stations.
“Decades ago, the Department of Transportation made a commitment to the residents of Suffolk County that it would provide a link from Setauket to Port Jefferson Station,” said Senator Martinez. “Over those many years, it has become clear the best way to accomplish this was not through a vehicular route, but rather a multi-modal corridor connecting these communities. The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail has been the embodiment of that promise, and now that the State has lived up to its obligation, this legislation codifies the non-vehicular nature of this transit corridor into law.”
“The trail is a true quality-of-life enhancer, combining recreation with open space conservation and environmental protection,” said Senator Palumbo. “The passage of this legislation will ensure the Greenway Trail remains a corridor for health and enjoyment for future generations of Suffolk County residents.”
The bills also have support from Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket).
Herb Mones, one of the original founders of the Friends of the Greenway, shared, “There is certainly reason to celebrate America 250! As demonstrated throughout our country’s history, effective and positive changes can be created when people come together under effective leadership. Assemblywoman Kassay’s legislation protects the neighboring communities surrounding the Greenway from ever having a highway built in their ‘backyard.’”
The legislation now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature for final approval. Assemblywoman Kassay’s office will continue compiling public comment and encourages all residents to reach out to the office to share what the Greenway Trail means to them. For more information, please reach out to Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094 or kassayr@ nyassembly.gov.