Islip Town Shutters Popular Bayport Farm Stand

Bayport’s popular farm stand on Bayport Avenue now stands empty as the operator was told to shut down by Town of Islip officials citing a needed permit and public hearing.

The farm stand, which attracts fans on a daily basis from in and out of Bayport, was coming into its season homestretch, selling the last of its tomatoes and eggplant and readying for pumpkin and mum season when the town decision came down.

According to farmer Ken Gorbas, who leases the property, complaints to the town prompted an inspector to visit the stand and his Dreamcatcher Farm, in late summer. At that time Gorbas said he was told to file for a needed permit and request a hearing for use in late August and that the stand could remain open.

But that all changed two weeks ago, said Gorbas, as the town revised its stance. A town attorney told Gorbas to shut down or face further fines and that he must get the needed paperwork and fine paid before re-opening.

A call to the Town of Islip Planning and Development division was not immediately returned.

The paperwork, however, is proving a challenge, as it needs to be signed by the property owner who is reportedly ill and not willing to deal with the issue at this point.

In the meantime Gorbas is picking the last of his eggplants and tomatoes and watching his crop of pumpkins grow bigger every day. He just wonders if it will all end up going to waste.

“I was just starting to sell mums and they were selling fast, and this is my last few weeks. I am hoping something can be worked out so I can end the season as usual,” he told Patch.

Anyone who may be interested in helping can reach Gorbas at 764-8430 as he’s hoping someone may be able to help.

“I don’t make a million dollars here. I make enough to help my family get through the winter months. I hope something can get worked out,” he said.