Bellport Village mayor Maureen Veitch got the good news about Community Center renovations last Thursday. “It was confirmed last week,” she said. “We will get the money originally put in by [former NY State Sen.] Monica Martinez for the community center in 2021. It’s a SAM [State and Municipal Facilities Program] grant for $187,500, but the estimate since then has increased to $215,000. But at least we can start the work.”

The original application was submitted by former Bellport mayor Ray Fell, but a redistricting shuffle resulted, thus the delay. Veitch inquired again and said the village is ready to push forward and sign the appropriate documents.

“Dean [NY State Sen. Murray] was really trying to get this,” she said of Murray’s persistence to see it through. “We’ll try to get another $75,000 through a grant.”

When reached by the Advance, Sen.  Murray commented that for a while, it didn’t look likely that the village would receive it.  “When I took office, we had a list of outstanding grants and tried to be creative. Between the mayor’s efforts, we found out six weeks ago that the money was coming.”

Murray stressed renovation money would have to be paid upfront by the village first, then the state would issue the reimbursement.

Veitch said the stage needed work. New insulation was needed along with electrical rewiring; curtains for the stage required an update. Also, the floors. “We don’t know if there’s enough remaining wood to sand them again or replace the floor for the main and stage floors,” she said.

There’s a hole in the ceiling requiring attention, she pointed out. “If there’s enough money for it, we’d also like new technology.”

The stately building is over 100 years old; the bowling alley recently redone is 94 years old. It was gifted by Lucy Mott, a wealthy widow and thoughtful philanthropist who lived on a 36-acre estate where Bellport’s Gateway Theatre is located.

Veitch said the village will be requesting bids soon. “Work will probably begin this summer,” she added.

Besides village board and committee meetings as well work sessions and elections, the Community Center gets regular use. “It’s already used by the wider community for groups, such as the South Bay Art Association, a senior program involving seniors from across the Town of Brookhaven, a kids’ camp that includes children not only from the village, but also Brookhaven Town. We even host a bonsai group!”