SMITHTOWN, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul has signed Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay’s legislation (A10341/S10161) into law, permanently protecting the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. This bill was passed in the Senate by co-prime sponsors Senators Monica Martinez and Anthony Palumbo. The legislation authorizes a perpetual easement over the Greenway, preventing the corridor from ever being converted into a vehicular bypass and preserving its longstanding use as a multi-modal trail for generations to come.

The legislation is also key to clearing complications that have previously prevented the transfer of approximately 40 acres of the former Lawrence Aviation site to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, preserving the opportunity for a future Long Island Rail Road Port Jefferson Branch rail yard to support eventual electrification of the line. Should this local rail infrastructure be constructed in the future, the Greenway and its conservation easement will be rerouted to the south of the rail yard, ensuring the permanent protection of the contiguous trail while allowing for critical regional transportation improvements.

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.

Following the bill’s signing, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay shared, “This is a great day for our local residents, and all who will call our district home for generations to come! The Setauket–Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail is a treasured community asset that connects our neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and natural spaces. Residents of all ages enjoy this corridor as a place for recreation, connection with nature, and safe non‑motorized transportation. This bill ensures the preservation of the greenway created by former Assembly Member Steve Englebright, who had the vision to establish this incredible community asset— one that has provided a safe place for children to learn how to ride a bike, improved property values, and offered space for people to exercise and enjoy nature. I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and her team for recognizing the importance of preserving this beloved Greenway and taking action to make it happen, and to Senator Monica Martinez, Senator Anthony Palumbo, Suffolk 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. This legislation also 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.”

Governor Hochul said, “For decades, the future of the Lawrence Aviation site remained in doubt, leaving an entire community uncertain about the status of the beloved Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail and the long-term prospects for cleaner and faster electrified LIRR service. Today, we are stating once and for all that this greenway will remain for generations to come. This common-sense deal will preserve the greenway in perpetuity and ensure that when a project is ready to further electrify LIRR service, this site will be secured and ready to expedite that work.”

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 preservation of the Greenway Trail in perpetuity has been of great concern to our community for decades and we can now put residents and stakeholder’s minds at ease,” said Co-sponsor Senator Anthony Palumbo. “This bipartisan legislation strikes a balance between preserving an important environmental and recreational space and ensuring that future infrastructure needs to one day electrify the Long Island Railroad’s Port Jefferson line become a reality. I thank the Governor and 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.”

Bills A10341 and S10161 had received the support of other local elected officials including Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine and Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright. Following the signing of the bill, Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine said, “This bill sets the stage for progress and preservation at this critically important location. The MTA acquisition will allow for our mass transit system in Suffolk County to look towards expanding service. Thank you, Governor Hochul for signing this legislation that will help us move into the future.”

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 changes 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, discussions surrounding future Long Island Rail Road improvements and redevelopment of the Lawrence Aviation property created uncertainty about whether the corridor could one day become a roadway. This legislation permanently answers that uncertainty while allowing future transportation improvements to move forward.

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 years-long effort to protect the 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.”

“Altogether, Governor Hochul’s signing of this legislation reflects New York State’s commitment to our local environmental conservation efforts, the furthering of clean transit goals, and improving quality of life for our neighbors,” said Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. “I am humbled to use the privilege of my service to help protect this asset, while also unlocking the future of Lawrence Aviation, which has long stood as a shadow in our community but can now thrive as an economic driver.”

The new law secures the Greenway’s future while also supporting long-term planning for improved regional rail service and future electrification of the Port Jefferson Branch. For more information, please reach out to Assemblywoman Kassay’s office at 631-751-3094 or kassayr@nyassembly.gov.