Pontieri honored by LIHP

Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri was honored Monday by the Long Island Housing Partnership for leading the area's redevelopment efforts.

Pontieri, first elected as the village mayor in 2004, has headed the village's comeback, which has included advocating for the 80-townhouse Copper Beech development.

Patchogue's makeover also includes a "new village" plan, that would revitalize downtown with retail shops and affordable homes. That project would be constructed on the site of the vacant Swezey's Department store.

Last week, Suffolk County approved $3.75 million to buy and redevelop properties that are within the "new village" footprint.

Pontieri's stature has grown beyond the village he leads. Last year, Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko named Pontieri a deputy supervisor for economic development.

Coincidentally, Lesko also leans heavily on former LIHP head James Morgo, now a part-time economic development coordinator for the Town of Brookhaven.

Morgo was Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's chief deputy before resigning in mid-2009.