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Port Jefferson has the funk.
The Uptown Funk, that is.
That’s the name of the village’s Upper Port revitalization initiative that involves improving infrastructure in and around the train station to coincide with private development.
Earlier this year, Port Jeff Village Mayor detailed her plans for the area, where she broke down the rehabilitation process into three phases.
Phase 1 included hefty upgrades to the Texaco parking lot, which sits alongside the new The Hills apartments, which features 72 apartments that are already all occupied.
The construction to transform that barren space into a metered lot for residents and commuters began last month.
On Wednesday, the mayor, along with other civic, business and elected leaders, marked the ongoing transformation with a groundbreaking ceremony.
“What you can see here was a brownfield and multiple parking lots that is going to be beautifully streetscaped with the beautiful and new lit sidewalk,” she said
The mayor also reiterated Wednesday the village’s plans for phases 2 and 3.
Phase 2 includes upgrades just east of Route 112 in the North, South, and East LIRR parking lots. These lots will also undergo a new layout that will feature more lighting and a plaza entry.
The final phase, or Phase 3, will see the creation a one-way road called Station Street, which will provide entry to the new railroad parking lots.
To make the initial improvements to the Texaco lot, Suffolk County awarded the village a $250,000 Jumpstart grant. [Editor’s note: We’re removed the final price tag previously reported regarding the Texaco lot while we seek further clarification.]
“In breaking ground on this project, we are reinvesting in this community and in our future,” said Suffolk County Legislator Kara Hahn (Setauket).”Suffolk County stands with the Village of Port Jefferson as a partner fully committed to the ambitious revitalization plan that is attracting both people and life back into this historic main street corridor.”
As far as the train station rehabilitation goes, the MTA has committed $1 million to improve the station.
“Uptown Funk will improve access to the Long Island Rail Road, incentivize the use of mass transit, and continue to enhance tourism in Port Jefferson,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
Top: Uptown Funk breaking ground on the revitalization project. (Credit: Nicholas Esposito)
