Albany, NY – Long-awaited peace of mind regarding the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is on the horizon with the news this week that Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s legislation to create a perpetual conservation easement aimed to protect and preserve the Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway corridor (A10341), and its Senate companion bill (S10161) sponsored by Senator Monica Martinez and Senator Anthony Palumbo, has passed unanimously in both houses. This legislation prevents the corridor from being converted into a vehicular bypass and preserves its longstanding use as a non-vehicular, multi-modal trail.

On the bill’s passage Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “The Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a treasured community asset that connects our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and natural spaces. For decades, residents have enjoyed this corridor as a place for recreation, connection with nature, and safe non-motorized transportation. This legislation preserves these opportunities for our neighbors today as well as future generations. I am grateful to Senator Monica Martinez, Senator Anthony Palumbo, County Executive Ed Romaine, Legislator Steve Englebright, Friends of the Greenway, our civic and business organizations, and the many residents whose advocacy helped make this achievement possible. Their voices made clear that preserving this corridor was not only an environmental priority, but a quality-of-life commitment to the communities that call this area home. Additionally, this legislation resolves a longstanding land use conflict, allowing for forward motion with adjacent efforts to modernize the Port Jefferson rail line to deliver a one seat ride and cleaner air for local residents. I am proud that this legislation received unanimous bipartisan support in the New York State Assembly and Senate, further demonstrating the widespread support for the preservation of this open-space non-vehicular corridor, and I am hopeful that Governor Hochul will join our coalition of supporters by signing this locally and regionally significant legislation.”

Reflecting on the importance of the trail, State Senate sponsor Senator Monica Martinez shared, “Decades ago, the Department of Transportation made a commitment to the residents of Suffolk County that it would provide a link from Setauket to Port Jefferson Station. Over those many years, it has become clear the best way to accomplish this was not through a vehicular route, but rather a multi-modal corridor connecting these communities. The Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail has been the embodiment of that promise, and now that the state has lived up to its obligation, this legislation codifies the non-vehicular nature of this transit corridor into law.This bill's establishment of a conservation easement should reassure the community that the recreational trail developed for all to enjoy will not be threatened. I thank Assemblywoman Kassay for working with me to make this a reality.”

“The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a tremendous asset for our region-connecting neighborhoods and providing numerous recreational opportunities for residents,” said Co-sponsor Senator Anthony Palumbo. “The trail is a true quality of life enhancer, combining recreation with open space conservation and environmental protection.The passage of this legislation will ensure the Greenway Trail remains a corridor for health and enjoyment for future generations of Suffolk County residents. I want to thank my partners in government, County Executive Ed Romaine, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay and Senator Monica Martinez for their continued advocacy to protect and preserve this local treasure, and I urge the Governor to sign this bill into law.”

Bills A10341 and S10161 have received the support of other local elected officials including Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright. Following the bills’ passage, Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine said, “As someone who wants to protect the Greenway and ensure that it will not be developed into a by-pass highway for NYS Route 25 A, I was pleased to see bill A.10341, sponsored by Assemblywoman Kassay, and S.10161, sponsored by State Senators Palumbo and Martinez, adopted.”

Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright stated, “I want to thank and congratulate State Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay for her work in securing legislation to forever protect the Port Jefferson Station to Setauket Greenway Trail. This measure relies upon the current configuration of New York State Routes 25A and 347 rather than creating a redundant new state road. Assemblywoman Kassay’s landmark legislation will preserve our communities’ critically important recreational greenspace while ensuring the vitality and our business districts and quality of life for generations to come.”

As the designated stewards of the Greenway Trail, the volunteers at the Friends of the Greenway were some of the most vocal advocates for its protection. Herb Mones, one of the original founders of the Friends of the Greenway, shared, “There is certainly reason to celebrate America 250!As demonstrated throughout our country's history, effective and positive change can be created when people come together under effective leadership. Kudos to Assemblywoman Kassay for her years of work, and persistent efforts to preserve and protect the Greenway for future generations. And, importantly, Assemblywoman Kassay's legislation protects the neighboring communities surrounding the Greenway from ever having a highway built in their 'backyard.'”

Noting on the importance of the Greenway Trail to the surrounding community, Friends of the Greenway President Charlie McAteer said, “The Greenway is a cherished jewel in the Three Village and Port Jefferson Station area. It links our neighborhoods and communities together and provides a beautiful and safe place for children and families to walk, bicycle and enjoy nature. Assemblywoman Kassay is to be congratulated for her steady and unwavering efforts to assure that the Greenway remains our community jewel - Forever!”

For many residents, the Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a vital part of their daily life and a key location for the nearby neighborhoods. Families, students, older adults, and cyclists use the Greenway every day for recreation, health benefits, and travel. Since its creation in 2009, members of the community have had an understanding that this corridor would remain a non-vehicular trail. However, as a result of discussions amongst State, County, and regional stakeholders about the advancement of the Long Island Rail Road, including planning related to the Lawrence Aviation site and associated railyard development, the corridor’s retained designation as a potential Route 25A bypass has since become a source of concern for the members of the surrounding community. Local Civic Associations and Chamber of Commerce groups have echoed the community’s concerns that turning the Greenway into a roadway or bypass would increase traffic, create safety risks, divide neighborhoods, and take away a community landmark that is important to the area’s quality of life.

Three Village Civic Association President Peter St. Germaine stated, “Permanently protecting the Greenway from future uses in conflict with its purpose as a trail for walkers and cyclists, is paramount. Designating a conservation easement will assure it will be a greenway for decades to come.”

Director of Operations for the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce Barbara Ransome added, “The Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce supports legislation to permanently protect the Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail because it strengthens both our environment and our local economy. Preserving this corridor safeguards a vital recreational asset that attracts visitors, supports nearby small businesses, and enhances the quality of life that makes our region a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Long term protection ensures that the trail remains a catalyst for economic activity – drawing cyclists, runners, families, and tourists who contribute to Main Street commerce and help sustain year-round foot traffic. By securing this greenway for future generations, the legislation reinforces Port Jefferson’s reputation as a vibrant, accessible, and forward-looking community where outdoor amenities and local business growth go hand in hand.”

Acknowledging the complications surrounding the protection of this Trail, Port Jefferson Station/Terryville Civic Association President Ira Costell said, “The path to protecting and preserving the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway has had as many twists and turns as the trail itself. Thanks to the tireless and determined efforts of Assemblywoman Kassay, we have finally straightened out a situation which threatened the peaceful and bucolic nature of this very important resource to our community. The Greenway Trail has provided residents and visitors to this area with a special place to enjoy fresh air, a vigorous walk or bike ride, or simply a place to appreciate elements of our wooded, natural world which is harder than ever to come by. The Greenway has given us the pivotal opportunity to connect with our neighbors in Stony Brook and Setauket and united us in a common pursuit of redeveloping the blighted Lawrence Aviation property which burdened our neighborhoods.Assemblywoman Kassay’s solution has helped clear away the obstacles embodied by the DOT and MTA which would have severed this crucial byway of the people and threatened a promising future. We thank her for her vision, determination, and persistence in removing this thorn in the side of our community.”

Three Village Chamber of Commerce President Carmine Inserra shared, “The Three Village Chamber of Commerce is glad to hear that the Greenway Trail will be preserved!This is significant for the community on many levels, including continued access to a beautiful natural pathway that connects our local towns.It also paves the way for cleaner, more consistent rail service to all stations along the Port Jefferson branch.”

The Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway is a 3.4-mile community trail that connects communities, schools, and local destinations in Three Village and Port Jefferson Station. The corridor was originally acquired by the state in the late 1950s for a proposed Route 25A bypass; the corridor has evolved over the decades into a widely used trail that serves thousands of residents each year. More than $7 million in public investment supported the development of the paved trail in the early 2000s, and the Greenway now provides a safe non-motorized transportation link between neighborhoods, schools, shopping areas, houses of worship, and nearby Long Island Rail Road stations.

The legislation now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature for final approval. Assemblywoman Kassay’s office will continue compiling public comment, and encourages all residents to reach out to the office to share what the Greenway Trail means to them. For more information, please reach out to Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094 or kassayr@nyassembly.gov.