Port Jefferson diner owner gets new deadline for demolition plans

The owner of a shuttered Port Jefferson diner has been given a new deadline for plans to tear down the dilapidated structure, Mayor Margot J. Garant said.

The Village Board last week agreed to give property owner Jose R. Ramos until Nov. 17 to obtain demolition permits and contact utility companies in preparation for tearing down the diner on Main Street in the village’s Upper Port section, Garant said.

The board agreed to the plan after Ramos’ attorney said Ramos planned to demolish the building, she said.

The board had previously given Ramos a Nov. 3 deadline to submit plans for repairing or removing the structure. Village inspectors had determined the diner, which has been closed about eight years, posed a safety hazard to passersby.

Garant said the village could save thousands of dollars in demolition costs if Ramos tears down the structure.

“Our ultimate goal is compliance, so if the attorney can get that accomplished without us having to pay for that ... we’re happy,” Garant said in an interview. “We just want the building gone.”

If Ramos fails to acquire a demolition permit, the Village Board plans to hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 at Village Hall, after which the board may vote to demolish the structure, Garant said.

By Carl MacGowan

carl.macgowan@newsday.comCarlMacGowan

Carl MacGowan is a Long Island native who covers Brookhaven Town after having previously covered Smithtown, Suffolk County courts and numerous spot news and feature stories over his 20-plus year career at Newsday.