The Village of Patchogue Community Development Agency has applied for another round of Suffolk County Down Town Revitalization grant funding. If awarded, the Community Development Agency (CDA) will match the $25,000 to complete a new archway to be installed at the beginning of the Roe Walkway situated between Toast Coffeehouse and  Stanley’s Furniture on Main Street.

The Roe Walkway received funding to install the original archway in 2016, and extension work with pavers and lighting the following year in 2017. The walkway itself was renovated in 2008. A Suffolk County grant and CDA funds allowed for a complete $200,000 revamp of the alley to ensure safety. The arch was a beautification addition.

Rachel and Tim Miller, from Spirit Iron Works in Bayport, known for their elaborate metal designs including the Bellport Village sailboat sculpture and the Staudinger Walkway arch on Main Street in Patchogue, will once again be tasked to fabricate the arch.

According to Marian Russo, executive director of the Community Development Agency, the installation will probably break ground sometime in 2022, if and when the county awards the funding. Village of Patchogue BID executive director and county revitalization committee member Dennis Smith said funding will likely be announced in October.

“I think it’s a great project and a culmination of a lot of work,” he said. “A lot of money has gone into that walkway; this is the crowning jewel.”

The piece will be stylistically different from the first, with a paintbrush, geometric shapes and rulers, in honor of the old Roe tape factory.

“It will be colorful and different, and about the same height,” Russo said. “It’s going to be gorgeous and beautiful. We are so excited about it.”

“It also has an element in reference to the Roe tape factory,” village clerk Lori Devlin added, explaining that metal rulers were invented in Patchogue and were manufactured in that location. 

The Roe Walkway second-part arch will launch a series of archways to be created in the downtown, Russo explained, in addition to the original Staudinger arch farther west on Main Street. Additional possible future locations include the Patchogue Theatre for Performing Arts walkway, the post office and laundromat, and possibly the Bank of America walkway, depending on Tritec’s participation.

“The public art is unique and creates a sense of place,” Russo added. “We want to keep bringing the art out so that everyone can embrace and enjoy it.”