Under the bright lights of the Patchogue Village Hall, excitement buzzed as the Community Development Agency (CDA) Board gathered to discuss the latest developments in local projects. Among the highlights was the much-anticipated Theater Walkway Arch project, which is now officially underway.

David Sharpler, a key figure in the project, shared the latest updates with enthusiasm. Work commenced in May, but not without a hiccup. As crews began digging, they encountered an unexpected concrete slab buried about a foot underground, remnants of a building that once stood on Main Street decades ago. This discovery could have derailed progress, but quick thinking and collaboration with engineers allowed the team to devise a workaround.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the footing slab has been prepared, and the project is back on track. Sharpler indicated that the next steps involve a three to four-week curing period before the installation of the poles can begin. A site meeting is scheduled for June, where representatives from LFG and Spirit Iron Works will assess the progress and outline the next phases of construction.

The community can look forward to seeing the archway completed by the end of the month, with plans for a small ceremony to celebrate its unveiling. Despite the minor setback, the team remains optimistic and committed to enhancing the aesthetic appeal of Patchogue’s Main Street.

The meeting also touched on the importance of thorough site surveys, as the unexpected slab highlighted the need for more comprehensive assessments, such as ground-penetrating radar, to avoid future surprises. Nevertheless, the board expressed satisfaction with the project's current trajectory, eager to see the Theater Walkway Arch become a new landmark for the community.