Over the last few years, the Town of Brookhaven have invested about $1.5 million into the revitalization of Sandspit Marina with the addition of a new bulkhead, pavement and a renovated ferry building, with plans for an additional $400,000-plus for paving next year.

Earlier this month, according to Neil Foley, the bathrooms were demolished and will be rebuilt in about three to four months, well before the spring season. The bathrooms will be open to the public at the ferry terminal.

“The building was about 40 years old and in rough shape,” he said, happy to see the marina coming back to life. “The town is committed to making Sandspit the best marina in Suffolk County.”

The funding for the projects came from the town budget as part of their capital improvement budget. The project also included the addition of a new pump-out station, which is expected to be installed soon awaiting approvals. Ed Morris, the town’s commissioner of Parks and Recreation, said the pump-out station will be completed by the upcoming season. The cost for the pump-out project alone is about $150-70,000.

Next year, 2022, a paving project for the remainder of the lot will be completed as well, at a cost of about $400,000. The Phase 2 project will also include new drainage and is expected to be complete in the spring of next year. Additions including picnic tables and a pergola or sun share might also be added at that time, Morris said.

“It’s owned by Town of Brookhaven, but it’s in the Village of Patchogue; it’s the gateway from the bay into the village,” mayor Paul Pontieri said, happy with the new renovations since the town-village partnership on the new jetty and lighthouse at that location in 2019.

PUMP-OUT STATION:

Marine pump-out stations remove stored effluents from the holding tanks on boats.