Brookhaven IDA Closes Port Jeff Redevelopment Agreement

PORT JEFFERSON — The Brookhaven Industrial Development Agency closed on an economic development package with Port Development that will assist the developer with a planned mixed-use complex in the village.

The package will allow Port Development to spend $15 million to demolish the PJ Lobster House restaurant and a former florist shop, both on Main Street and North Country Road, to build the three-story residential and commercial complex. While the restaurant and floral shop buildings represent a collective 6,200 square feet of space, the new complex will feature 48,660 square feet.

“There is currently a high demand for rental housing in the Town of Brookhaven and the Port Jefferson area and this project will add to the supply,” Frederick Braun III, chairman of the Brookhaven IDA, said in a statement announcing that the agreement closed Dec. 2.

The residential portion of the development will include 36 apartments, with 32 one-bedroom apartments of about 750-850 square feet and four two-bedroom units of about 1,200 square feet. Amenities will include a fitness room, lobby and lounge spaces, an indoor garage, and a private outdoor patio and lawn-garden area.

The building’s ground level will include 1,800 square feet of commercial-retail space.

The project is projected to generate 133 construction jobs and five full-time equivalent permanent jobs. Construction is expected to take 18 months, according to the Brookhaven IDA.

“Also, this development will make a positive, long-term economic impact on the village and further the revitalization of Upper Port,” Braun said.

Port Development is an affiliate of Port Jefferson-based developer Gitto Group, which previously received support from the Brookhaven IDA for two Port Jefferson rental properties, Rail Realty and Brooks Partners.