Patchogue BID reports strong farmers market launch, Living Shoreline student event and progress on food-scrap composting grant

The Business Improvement District reported a successful launch of the village farmers market, public praise for a solar-panel canopy used at the market, and progress on a downtown restoration grant and a food-scrap composting pilot that organizers hope to start this fall.

A BID representative told trustees that “we had a very successful launch of our farmer's market yesterday. It was really well received by the public. It was a very healthy crowd,” and that attendees singled out the solar-panel canopy for shade and rain protection.

The BID said it applied for a downtown restoration grant for Waverly Avenue; materials presented to the board said the grant program had about $550,000 available and the village’s application was one of 18 projects under review. The BID estimated the village might realistically secure $70,000–$100,000 toward its requested amount.

On food-scrap composting, staff said they must obtain an updated quote from vendor BigBelly because prices had changed since January, and that Long Island Compost and an anaerobic digester operator expect to accept village food scraps in September. Officials said the program’s launch likely will be in the fall.

Trustees were also told the Living Shoreline program is hosting about 25 middle-school students from Oregon Middle School for a hands-on tidal-restoration session, and that parks and recreation staff reported pool and beach-club membership sales and solid staffing for summer programs.

No formal votes were required for these reports; trustees thanked BID staff and parks personnel for the work.