Cover photo: Governor Hochul with Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (Credit – Town of Smithtown)
In the wake of the flash floods that ravaged the historic Mill Pond in Stony Brook, community members have come together to initiate cleanup efforts and begin the long process of restoring one of Long Island’s cherished landmarks. The storm, brought on by Hurricane Ernesto’s proximity to the Atlantic coast, unleashed heavy rains that caused catastrophic damage, including the collapse of Harbor Road and the draining of the Mill Pond into Stony Brook Harbor.
The Mill Pond, also known locally as the Stony Brook Duck Pond, suffered significant damage when a flash flood overwhelmed the area. The surge of water was powerful enough to cause Harbor Road to collapse, leading to the pond’s water being drained into the harbor. What was once a serene, picturesque setting known for its beauty and historical significance was transformed into a muddy wasteland, littered with debris.
Homes in the vicinity were also impacted, with several residents forced to evacuate due to flooding and the risk of structural damage. Local businesses and the community’s cherished Grist Mill, which remarkably remained standing, were left to grapple with the aftermath of the floods.
As soon as the storm had passed, the community wasted no time rallying together to begin the cleanup process. Associations such as the Three Village Historical Society, The Stony Brook Yacht Club, The Ward Melville Heritage Organization and the Three Village Dads Foundation played pivotal roles in organizing volunteers and resources to clear debris and start the arduous task of restoring the area.
The Three Village Dads Foundation, a local group known for its charitable work, coordinated volunteer efforts, ensuring that teams were strategically deployed to tackle various aspects of the cleanup. Volunteers, including local residents and members of nearby communities, worked tirelessly, picking up debris, clearing paths, and assessing the damage.
The Stony Brook Yacht Club, whose members are deeply connected to the waterfront, assisted in removing debris from the harbor. Their efforts were critical in ensuring that the waterway remained navigable and that the harbor was safe for future use.
In response to the widespread damage, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) and Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R-Center Moriches) declared a state of emergency, which facilitated the allocation of local resources for the cleanup and recovery efforts. Town officials quickly followed suit, organizing emergency services to address immediate needs, including the evacuation of affected residents and securing damaged infrastructure. Local leaders such as Supervisor Dan Panico, Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley (R-Blue Point), and Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) even rolled up their sleeves to assist the local residents in their clean-up efforts as well.
Supervisor Panico said in a statement, “Sometimes the worst of times brings out the best in people. Over the past few days, I have witnessed people who don’t know each other coming together to help each other and our environment”.
The scope of the disaster prompted local leaders, including State Assemblymen Ed Flood, Doug Smith (R-Holbrook), Jarett Gandolfo (R-Sayville), Joe DeStefano (R-Medford), and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R-Baiting Hollow), and State Senators Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) and Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue), to urge Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to take immediate action and signed onto letters requesting assistance. They called for the Governor to sign an emergency order that would unlock additional state aid and resources. Although there was a delay due to Governor Hochul’s attendance at the Democratic National Committee Convention, the emergency order was eventually signed, enabling affected community members to access much-needed aid for damages.
“The announcement declaring a Disaster Emergency for Suffolk County following record rainfall on August 18-19 will offer emergency assistance to support homeowners impacted by the floods,” remarked Assemblyman Flood. He continued, “I continue to express my appreciation to the local volunteers, first responders, utility companies and officials who have shown resilience in the aftermath of the storm damages in Brookhaven and Suffolk County”.
With the emergency order in place, the community can now access state and federal assistance to help with recovery efforts. This includes grants for home repairs and other programs to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the flood. Local officials are working closely with state representatives to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
“On behalf of every Suffolk County resident who has been affected by this storm I thank Senators Schumer (D) and Gillibrand (D), Governor Hochul and all the members of Suffolk’s Albany delegation for this emergency declaration,” stated Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “We can now move forward and begin to help families and communities begin to rebuild.”
Also joining the Governor in Stony Brook on Tuesday afternoon were Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park), Smithtown Highway Superintendent Bob Murphy (R-St. James), Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick (R-St. James), Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), and Brookhaven Town Councilman Jonathan Kornreich (D-Stony Brook). Not only does the State emergency declaration unlock funds for residents and businesses otherwise lost on non-insurable claims, but FEMA assistance approved by President Joe Biden (D-DE) gives Suffolk a significant advantage in the recovery and rebuilding efforts.
As the cleanup efforts continue, there is a renewed sense of solidarity and hope among community members. Plans are already being discussed for rebuilding Harbor Road and implementing measures to prevent similar damage in the future. This includes evaluating infrastructure to withstand severe weather events and improving drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall more effectively.
The Stony Brook Mill Pond has long been a symbol of the community’s heritage and natural beauty. Its catastrophic damage is a stark reminder of the power of nature, but the response from the community has demonstrated the strength and resilience of Stony Brook’s residents.
As the sun sets over Stony Brook, the sounds of cleanup efforts continue, with volunteers working late into the evening to restore what was lost. While the scars of the storm remain visible, so does the unwavering spirit of a community determined to come together, rebuild, and protect their cherished home.
