ST. JAMES – St. James’ quaint Lake Avenue corridor has been under redevelopment for several years. What was once a desolate Main Street with empty storefronts is now transforming itself into a walkable downtown with populated store fronts and community involvement.
Part of that plight is getting the sewer line over the final hurdle to greatly expand the capacity and variety of businesses downtown St. James can accommodate and to further wean Suffolk off costly and antiquated septic systems.
In November, Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James) joined Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park) and members of the Smithtown Town Council to announce the delivery of an additional $300,000 in State funding to support recently installed sewer infrastructure in St. James, bringing the total secured for this project thus far to $900,000.
The latest injection of funds was part of a $3.9 million grant secured by former Senator John Flanagan (R-East Northport) to offset costs of work along Lake Avenue that was delayed by the State due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Mattera, with the passage of the 2026-27 State budget, is keen on shepherding the project through its final stages.
“The Town of Smithtown was promised state support for this critical infrastructure investment, and I remain committed to ensuring that promise is honored for our residents,” said Mattera in a statement. “This project has helped bring both residents and local businesses into the 21st century, and I am proud to work with Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board as they strengthen the business district while protecting our environment. With Smithtown’s strong leadership and strategic investment, St. James will continue to grow and create a cleaner, more prosperous future for our community.”
The Lake Avenue sewer project runs in tandem with Smithtown’s largest roadway improvement effort in more than forty years. The already-upgraded roadway has offered better interconnectivity for shoppers directly to the boutiques, restaurants, and professional offices that maintain the hamlet’s historic charm.
“Senator Mattera has never forgotten the promise made to the people of Smithtown. Year after year, he has fought to make our community whole after we lost this critical grant funding during the COVID pandemic, which happened before his time in office. His persistence is unmatched — he is truly unstoppable when it comes to delivering for our residents and small businesses,” said Supervisor Wehrheim in a statement. “The Lake Avenue sewer project is vital to the long-term success of the St. James business district, and thanks to Senator Mattera’s unwavering advocacy, we are once again seeing the State honor its commitment. On behalf of the Town Board and our entire community, I thank Senator Mattera for standing with Smithtown and ensuring these funds are restored where they belong.”
These funds specifically will go to new sidewalks and the installation of two pipes that will live about seventeen feet underground. That infrastructure will go to water and wastewater services. Among the upgrades are improved accessibility through the relocation of utility poles that had once blocked sections of curb ramps. It’s also an improvement in pedestrian safety that is indispensable in pursuit of a walkable downtown.
But the broader hope is that these upgrades will serve as a catalyst for further revitalization. Upgraded wastewater infrastructure means that larger businesses, such as unique restaurants, and other forms of entertainment can now inhabit the main street that had been quiet for far too long. It’s also a quality-of-life upgrade for residents of the area.
“New York State must honor its commitment to the residents of the Town of Smithtown and, working with Supervisor Wehrheim and his team, we will make sure that this money is delivered. This money was promised and that promise must be fulfilled. My office has continually been able to chip away but it is time for New York State to honor its work,” added Mattera.
Senator Mattera added his by praise for Supervisor Wehrheim for keeping the project moving during the pandemic-related pause.
“Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board stayed focused on completing this important work and that saved time while preserving the jobs of the hardworking men and women in our region,” said Mattera. “That level of commitment must be matched by New York State by fulfillment of the grant promised in 2019, and I will continue fighting to ensure the State follows through. This funding is not just about pipes in the ground; it is about laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow in the Town of Smithtown.”
