Councilwoman Jane Bonner (second from left) and Supervisor Mark Lesko (second from right)
 celebrate the ribbon cutting with volunteers and Town staff at the Mt. Sinai Harbor Marine
Environmental Stewardship Center at Cedar Beach.

Farmingville, NY – On October 28, Supervisor Mark Lesko and Councilwoman Jane Bonner joined Parks Department staff, volunteers, community leaders and residents to celebrate the grand opening of the Mt. Sinai Harbor Marine Environmental Stewardship Center at Cedar Beach. The new center will house marine-based displays and provide marine stewardship learning opportunities for residents, schools, and private organizations, with a focus on the Long Island Sound.

“I am so happy that we were able to save and restore a building that has such a special meaning to so many people who live in the peninsula,” said Councilwoman Jane Bonner. “This is a very unique example of a public/private partnership that in these tough economic times can be an effective option for local government to find innovative ways to improve infrastructure that makes sense for the taxpayer.”

Supervisor Mark Lesko said, “The educational programs that will be run at the Mt. Sinai Harbor Marine Environmental Stewardship Center will be a great complement to our nature-oriented programs offered at the Town’s West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook. The fact that this center exists today is a credit to Councilwoman Bonner, our Parks Department, Randy Hagerman and the many volunteers who spent their own time and money to make it a reality.”

Randy Hagerman said, “I am thankful for all the help from Jane Bonner, Lori Murphy and the Parks Department. This was a unique and successful partnership and what we accomplished will be enjoyed by residents for years to come.”

Brookhaven resident Randy Hagerman has been the driving force behind renovating the building, which was closed two years ago due to mold and its deteriorated condition. Hagerman took the lead in refurbishing the structure he fondly recalls as a little Cape Cod, originally built by his father in 1960 that his family called home. Shortly after moving in, the Town acquired the home and property by eminent domain in order to create Cedar Beach. Randy, a professional carpenter, volunteered countless, uncompensated hours in the building’s renovation and remediation. Click here to see Randy Hagerman’s photo album that includes before and after photos of the renovation.

For more information about the Mt. Sinai Harbor Marine Environmental Stewardship Center at Cedar Beach and West Meadow Beach in Stony Brook, call 451-TOWN or visit www.brookhaven.org. For information about the Town’s beaches and destinations, visit www.visitbrookhaven.com.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258