A long-awaited infrastructure improvement is now underway in the Remsenburg-Speonk school community, as Suffolk County begins sidewalk construction along CR 80 (Montauk Highway) from Wisteria Drive to Old Montauk Highway. The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety by installing new sidewalks at critical locations.

The initiative was announced in a notice from the Suffolk County Department of Public Works and reinforced in a letter to the community from Suffolk County Legislator Catherine L. Stark: “The installation of these new sidewalks should assist in improving the walkability of the Remsenburg-Speonk area and allow for children and families to walk along our county roads. Public safety has always been one of my top priorities, and as your legislator, I will always strive to put the well-being of the constituents first.”

Board President Kevin Toolan and Vice President Mary Greiner, along with Superintendent Denise Lindsay-Sullivan, expressed deep concern for students and families who walk from Montauk Highway to reach the school. Over the last two years, they’ve met with Southampton Town officials (who installed the sidewalks on Mill Road in front of the school) and members of the town board and highway department. Last August, County Executive Ed Romaine visited the school to meet with us and hear firsthand how our community was being impacted. This Spring, we received work from Legislator Stark’s office that sidewalk installation would occur this summer!

“We are very grateful for the support of Legislator Stark, County Executive Romaine, and the Town of Southampton for making this happen for our community. Many of our students visit the school, especially during the summer, to utilize the soccer field, basketball courts, and playground. We also offer an academic summer program that requires students to travel without a bus. This will be a wonderful help to some of those families. This is a shining example of how real changes and improvements are made possible when our local government works with the school to make our community safer.”

The work is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, with construction taking place weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Residents with questions about the construction can contact Department of Public Works Project Manager Michael Lamberti at (631) 852-4002.