Historic Stony Brook envisions big updates

THE SCOOP

Stony Brook, best known for its university and hospital, also offers a unique blend of historic and modern amenities, says Valerie Cartright, a Town of Brookhaven council member.

“When you look at the architecture, the historic homes, the buildings . . . it paints a rich history for all of those living in Stony Brook,” Cartright says.

A revisioning plan for the Route 25A corridor north of Stony Brook University was recently developed by a citizen’s advisory committee and the Town of Brookhaven to determine future development for the area while preserving the historic nature of the community, says Jonathan Kornreich, president of the Three Village Civic Association.

Kornreich says the yearlong process included discussions on potential development around the train station, a shuttle from Port Jefferson to Stony Brook to increase the viability of a commercial corridor, and a sewer line that would connect to the university’s waste treatment plant that would enable the addition of restaurants and mixed-use storefronts and apartments.   

“When you think about a university town, you think about bookstores and coffee shops, but I feel like we haven’t benefited from it because the university is largely insular,” Kornreich says.  “By creating ways for there to be a better co-mingling between the university community and the residential community, it could provide commercial benefits and quality of life benefits.”

Cartright says that the plan showed that residents are interested in keeping green space, improving traffic, reducing congestion and supporting local shops.  A formal land-use plan is expected soon, she adds. 

Stony Brook Square, a strip mall for retail shops, is currently being constructed on 25A, Cartright says.       

In addition to parks and museums, attractions in the area include the Stony Brook Village Center, which boasts shops and a post office topped with a mechanical eagle that flaps its wings on the hour; the Hercules Pavilion, the figurehead and anchor from the USS Ohio where legend says a kiss on the brow of Hercules promises marriage within a year; the Stony Brook Grist Mill, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and the 80-acre Avalon Park and Preserve, which features trails and a duck pond.  Stony Brook University, and its Staller Center for the Arts, provide residents with local educational and cultural offerings, Kornreich says.

With Stony Brook hugging the shoreline, the area offers a variety of beaches and waterfront homes, says Michael O’Dwyer of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. The hamlet, he adds, includes a historic district featuring antique homes. 

The most common housing styles are Colonials and ranches, along with 55-and-over communities, says Andrea Kozlowsky, branch manager of Coach Realtors’ Stony Brook office. Prices, she adds, start around $350,000 and climb into the millions, “It’s a very picturesque area,” Kozlowsky says.  “And it’s a great location with proximity to the city and to the ferry to go to Connecticut or New England.”

CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES

There are two condos on the market ranging in price from $224,900 to $359,000. 

SALES PRICE

Between Sept. 1, 2017 and Sept. 19, 2018, there were 162 home sales with a median sale price of $452,500, according to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. The low price for that period was $265,000 and the high was $990,000. During that time period a year earlier, there were 177 home sales with a median sale price of $450,000. The price range was $240,000 to $950,000.

SCHOOLS

Most students attend Ward Melville High School.  

OTHER STATS

Town: Brookhaven

Area:  5.7 square miles

ZIP code: 11790

Population: 13,740  

Median age: 43.0

Median household income: $122,800

Median home value: $455,000*

LIRR to NYC:  66 to 103 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $391

School district: Three Village

SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlslI.com; LIRR;

*Based on sales  in the past six months, according to MLSLI

RECENTLY SOLD

$405,000

Stratton Ln

Style: Ranch

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Built: 1965

Lot size: .40 acres

Taxes: $11,109

Reduced: $14,000

Days on the market: 96

$549,500

New York Ave

Style: Colonial

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half

Built: 1992

Lot size: 150x85

Taxes: $15,732

Reduced: $10,490

Days on the market: 73

$665,000

Hawkins Rd

Style: Colonial

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2 full, 1 half

Built: 1952

Lot size: .48 acres

Taxes: $17,219

Reduced: $24,000

Days on the market: 105

NOW ON THE MARKET

$418,000

This ranch, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, includes a living room, updated kitchen with white cabinetry, dining room with sliders and an en suite master bedroom.  Taxes on the .37-acre property are $11,085.  Kenneth Kroncke, Realty Connect USA, 631-601-4317

$519,000

This four-bedroom Colonial, featuring two full bathrooms and two half-baths, has formal living and dining rooms, an eat-in kitchen, den and master suite with a bath.  The .44-acre property, with taxes of $13,765, includes a paver patio and pool.  Helen Sapienza, Realty Connect USA, 631-987-5213

$619,000

This four-bedroom, 3-1/2 bathroom Colonial features a living room and adjacent den, kitchen with a center island, and master suite with attached office, full bath, and three walk-in closets. The .58-acre property, with taxes of $18,267, includes an attached two-car garage and an 800-square foot detached barn.  Alexander Goldenberg, Coach Realtors, 631-241-5446

On Multiple Listings
Number of houses 61
Price range $330,000 - $1.425 million
Tax range $4,675 - $35,566