Frequesntly Asked Questions about Calverton
After a gas oven explosion on August 10, 2022 it was determined the Calverton Food Incubator would be closed for cleanup, repairs and safety inspections. As a result of the incident, there are critical repair and maintenance issues that must be addressed within the Incubator facility. We have had a team of carpenters, electricians and plumbers working in the facility every day since the incident. We are committed to getting the facility operational as quickly as possible. For the safety of our staff and our permittees, we cannot continue to operate as we had prior to the incident, as these additional issues pose potential safety hazards.
The incident caused significant damage to the building systems (gas and electrical distribution) as well as damage to finishes(walls, flooring, ceilings, furniture and equipment). Professional cleaning and interior repairs have been completed and we are currently repairing the electrical and gas systems and working to inspect/test/certify the appliances in order to make the facility safe. One large walk-in oven was damaged and, however, both have been rendered inoperable due to this incident. Nearby equipment was also damaged. Since the facility was closed, and the utilities were shut down due to this incident, we are required to inspect the building in its entirety including all of the other equipment in the building. Each appliance is being inspected, calibrated and tested to ensure it is safe to operate before we can reopen. The building fire alarm was also impacted and will require a certificate of fitness before the building can be occupied.
At this time, we are estimating that it will take a minimum of 30 days to complete the work required to safely reopen the facility. We are strongly recommending that you find alternate means of operation for at least that timeframe. Please keep in mind that this closure could be longer.
Stony Brook University has worked to identify resources, including the East End Food Institute, as alternate locations to do business. We are consulting with both the Long Island Food Council and Suffolk County on alternative locations. We will continue to look for, and share, additional resources and information. Lastly, we are in discussion with and intend to retain resources dedicated to identifying alternative locations and assisting in transitions.
We will be prorating August fees based on the time the facility was unusable. Permittees that paid August fees will be refunded for the days the facility was unusable. Permittees that did not pay for August will only be charged for the days the facility was usable.
No, Permittees will not be charged while the building is not operating.
We strongly encourage you to reach out to other facilities or professional organizations that may be able to assist you in finding a temporary alternative location. Stony Brook University is working to identify resources that can assist permittees in finding alternate locations and will share these resources as soon as possible.
Yes. For the time being, we are focused on enabling immediate access for permittees. In the interest of making this meeting as productive as possible, we will meet with permittees to discuss the next course of action once we have evaluated the reopening of the Facility.
The blast from the gas oven incident damaged some of the building systems including gas and electrical distribution and the fire alarm system as well as a few of the surrounding cooking appliances. This incident triggered a shutdown of the gas and electric utilities. As these systems are reactivated and tested, we continue to discover additional damage that must be corrected as we identify it. We are doing everything possible to work quickly and efficiently, but decisions about reopening are based on the outcome of these evaluations.
We have activated a team of local union trades (plumbers (gas), carpenters, and electricians) to perform testing, evaluations and repairs and services on a daily basis. They are very aware of the situation and the impact this shutdown is having on our local small business owners. The local trades are also members of our community and they are fully dedicated to getting our small business owners back as soon as possible. We are doing everything possible to get this work done quickly and efficiently but safety is, and must remain our highest priority.
While we continue building repairs, we will accommodate your request to collect your equipment as needed. We will also continue to provide regular access to the building to collect supplies you need to keep your business moving as much as possible.
The Incubator’s reopening is subject to final inspection and approval from the natural gas utility provider (National Grid), Stony Brook University Fire Marshal's office, our NYS Code Enforcement Officials and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. We are coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure timely inspections and clearances. In addition to final inspection and testing, certification is required for the building fire alarm system and all of the cooking appliances before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. This is a requirement of New York State Building and Fire Codes
According to New York State, you would need to apply for a new license if your business moves. However, please refer to this guide to ensure you are finding a solution for your specific needs.
While the decision to close the building immediately after the incident was made by the Fire Marshal, the Incubator management is obligated to keep the building closed until all corrective actions are completed and the building is safe to occupy. Permittees have been notified by email correspondence from the Incubator management. Signs were posted to inform others.
A letter was drafted by the University. A copy of that letter will be made available to Incubator Permittees. Please contact us for your copy if you have not yet received one.
Please advise your insurance companies that Stony Brook University is a state agency and is self-insured. Your insurance companies would need to follow state procedures for filing any claims. The procedure to file a small claim can be found here: SUNY P6303 and SUNY P6304.
The Calverton Incubator Facility has experienced a casualty rendering the building unusable at this time. Stony Brook University will not require any Permittees to retain Permits to the Facility if they desire to move to another location. If you wish to terminate your Permit, send an email to mary.lacorte@stonybrook.edu and adam.derosa@stonybrook.edu stating that you wish to terminate your company’s permits. If you have not already removed your materials and equipment, we will arrange a time for you to do so.
A Campus Fire Report was submitted to the NYS Office of Fire Prevention & Control. A copy of that report will be made available to Incubator Permittees. Please contact us for your copy if you have not yet received one.
We have completed the necessary process to procure the replacement ovens. This typically would take more than three weeks, but we were able to expedite the timeframe given the urgent nature of this situation. We are anticipating the arrival of the ovens between mid-October and mid-November.
No, Permittees will not be charged while the building is not fully operational. Specifically, permittees will not be charged, even in a prorated format, during any partial re-opening of Calverton.