Frozen pond will aid cleanup of phragmites

On Monday, Jan. 6, at the Bayport-Blue Point Library, the Blue Point Civic Association held their first monthly meeting of 2025.

Mary Bailey, president of the Bayport-Blue Point Heritage Association, was in attendance and provided an update on the Five Mile Look project at the end of Blue Point Avenue, just before the fishing pier. 

The main portion of the wall restoration has been completed, although additional work performed at a future date will include concrete globes on top of the posts, as those were part of the original construction. 

A decorative plaque is being produced, which will be installed at the property, outlining the history associated the project. 

The civic has completed and filed with the NYS DEC a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement, which will allow the civic association, in conjunction with the Town of Brookhaven, to maintain the area around the wall that has been cleared. 

Bailey is also working with the Town of Brookhaven to get a sign installed at the Blue Point Pier detailing the history of the Blue Point oyster.

The Dunkin’ Donuts construction located at the corner of Montauk Highway and Blue Point Avenue at the former Chase Bank will continue construction on the exterior of the building. 

The interior of the physical store has been renovated and the site work will continue, weather permitting, with the goal of the store opening within the next 60 days.

The civic’s 60th anniversary will be celebrated this year after its founding in 1965. According to president Jason Borowski, “Details will be forthcoming about events and ways in which the community can participate.”

During the civic’s December meeting, a community member expressed concerns about a sick raccoon on their property. After reaching out to the Suffolk County Police Department, the civic was told to recommend that anyone noticing a similar situation should contact Suffolk County Animal Control. 

Anyone with follow-up questions is welcome to attend the February meeting (date TBD) where a 5th Precinct community liaison officer will be in attendance.

With the streak of cold weather, the civic is hopeful that McGill Pond on Blue Point Avenue will freeze over, as this will allow access to the phragmites overgrowth from inside the pond without having to don waders. “Ideally, we’d like to have the pond cleared out before the weather starts getting warmer again in the spring,” said Borowski.

A tentative date of March 1 is planned for a Creek Defender Day with Save the Great South Bay to clean up Stillman Creek, with the meet-up location being at the Blue Point Pier.  “Once the date and time are finalized, we’ll make a formal announcement at our next meeting and on our Facebook page,” said Borowski.

Additional carry-over items from last year are scheduled for meetings and updates this year, including the redevelopment of the former gas station property at the corner of Montauk Highway and Kennedy Avenue, and the extension of water to the fishing pier for wash down at the fish-cleaning stations.