Port Jefferson takes steps to curb illegal street racing
The move comes after one arrest was made and a vehicle impounded following a recent street takeover incident.
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Port Jefferson Village officials are cracking down on illegal street racing after residents voiced growing concerns about dangerous gatherings disrupting their community.
Last month, scenes of reckless drivers performing “donuts” — spinning cars in tight circles — unfolded in the heart of Port Jefferson, prompting alarm among locals. Many residents say they no longer feel safe due to the noise and hazardous behavior.
“I don’t feel safe walking at night anymore. I used to. Not anymore in this town,” said resident Ashley Manfredi. Avril Coakley added, “Really since the beginning of the summer, the racing and the noise is just horrible.”
In response, the Port Jefferson Village Board voted to amend the village code to better address street takeovers and loitering in parking lots. Under the new rules, Suffolk County police officers are now empowered to enforce the village’s regulations directly, without being restricted by state penal code limitations.
Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow emphasized the importance of this change.
“It means the Suffolk County police officers, the patrol units, can enforce our code, write tickets on our code, and enforce it here in our court.”
The amendments also significantly increase fines for violations. Fines will now range from $500 to $5,000, a steep rise from previous penalties that started at $0 and maxed out at $1,000.
The move comes after one arrest was made and a vehicle impounded following a recent street takeover incident. But residents worry that without stricter enforcement, dangerous gatherings could continue.
“These groups that are gathering, there’s a lot of drunk drivers. It’s scary,” Manfredi said.
To bolster enforcement efforts, code enforcement officials announced patrols have increased in parking lots. The village plans to hire three additional code enforcement officers to work weekend nights.
