Port Jefferson Station, a 'hub' poised for new development

THE SCOOP

Though not as well-known as its neighbor to the north, Port Jefferson Station is a diverse hamlet with highly rated schools, plenty of pocket parks and a variety of businesses.

"You can’t get to Port Jefferson without going through Port Jeff Station," says Jennifer Dzvonar, president of Port Jefferson Station Chamber of Commerce, referring to traveling to the hamlet by main roads or the Long Island Rail Road. "Port Jeff Station is your main hub."

Noting that there are some abandoned commercial buildings on Route 112 between Route 347 and North Country Road, Dzvonar says delays in expanding the sewer district have been holding back revitalization in the hamlet. That expansion should be completed within five years, according to Joseph Brown, Suffolk County commissioner of public works.

Also, a new Brookhaven Town zoning code created last year would allow property owners to propose new homes and other uses for abandoned strip malls and stores.

The hamlet comprises a traditional suburban area with single-family homes and a shopping district along the Route 112 corridor.

"I think for people who are looking ahead and looking to buy a house, it’s just a great place for your future values," says Brookhaven Councilman Jonathan Kornreich.

One recently completed development is Liberty Station, a 77-unit rental complex for veterans and those with incomes that are less than 50% of the region’s median income.

Originally called Comsewogue, a Native American name meaning "a place where several paths come together," Port Jefferson Station earned its current name with the 1873 arrival of Long Island Rail Road service to Port Jefferson.

Terryville, a historic area south of Route 347 that shares a ZIP code with Port Jefferson Station, features a union hall dating to 1887 and a restored train car that the chamber of commerce uses for visitor information and events.

Port Jefferson Station remained a farming community until the 1950s, when Nesconset Highway was constructed, giving greater access to the area. It has a notable equestrian history, including the landmarked Gentlemen’s Driving Park, a Victorian-era harness racetrack.

Currently under construction is the North Shore Rail Trail, a 10-mile walking and cycling path that will run from Mount Sinai to Wading River, just a mile from the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway, which offers 3.4 miles of trails.

Homes in the hamlet are mostly Colonials and split-levels and range from about $400,000 to $650,000, says Paul White of Signature Premier Properties. "You’re close to the water" in Port Jefferson Station, he says, "but you’re not going to pay the taxes that you normally would."

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are seven condos on the market ranging in price from $312,000 to $499,990.

SALE PRICES Between Aug. 31, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2021, there were 358 home sales with a median sale price of $433,250, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $200,000 and the high was $780,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier there were 262 home sales with a median sale price of $385,000. The price range was $180,000 to $692,000.

OTHER STATS

Town Brookhaven

Area 2.7 square miles

ZIP code 11776

Population 7,397

Median age 39.8

Median household income $93,542

Median home value $460,000*

Monthly LIRR ticket from Port Jefferson $405

School districts, graduation rate Comsewogue (92%), Three Village (96%)

Parks Washington Avenue Park, Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway

Libraries Comsewogue, Emma S. Clark Memorial

Hospitals Mather, St. Charles, Stony Brook University hospitals

SOURCES: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; OneKey MLS; LIRR, data.nysed.gov

*Based on 170 sales in the past six months, according to OneKey MLS

NOW ON THE MARKET

$539,999

With five bedrooms and 2½ baths, this 2,700-square-foot Colonial has a permitted 500-foot accessory apartment with its own kitchen, living room and separate entrance. The home has crown molding in the kitchen and hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining room. The 0.35-acre property has a wood deck and above-ground pool. Taxes are $10,706. Paul White, Signature Premier Properties, 631-360-2800.

$499,999

Sited on a 1-acre horse property, this expanded Cape, built in 1928, has four bedrooms, 3½ baths, full finished basement and a two-stall stable. The house is under contract. Taxes are $4,879. Richard Bitzer, H & G Realty New York, 631-345-5600.

$424,990

Sitting on a flat 0.17-acre property, this renovated ranch has three bedrooms, 1½ baths, cathedral ceilings, a kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, full basement and screened-in porch. The home has about 1,200 square feet of living space. Taxes are $12,281. Oakar Reinstein, Realty Connect USA, 631-881-5160.

RECENTLY SOLD

$755,000

Address Hansen Ave.

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3½

Built 1988

Lot size 1.16 acres

Taxes $14,286

+/- list price Sold for asking

Days on market 24

$525,000

Address Mark St.

Style Ranch

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 2

Built 1962

Lot size 0.42 acre

Taxes $9,395

+/- list price -$24,000

Days on market 69

$365,000

Address Winston Lane

Style Cape

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 1

Built 1959

Lot size 0.21 acre

Taxes $8,454

+/- list price +$15,000

Days on market 104

ON ONEKEY MLS

Number of listings 48

Price range $312,000 to $749,990

Tax range $3,253 to $16,544