Commack is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) straddling the towns of Huntington and Smithtown in Suffolk County, New York, located on central Long Island.[1] With a population of 36,353 as of 2023, it serves as a suburban residential community approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan, characterized by single-family homes, parks, and proximity to major roadways like the Long Island Expressway.[2] The area covers about 12 square miles and features a diverse economy driven by professional services, retail, and education, with a median household income of $170,375.[1]Historically, Commack traces its roots to the mid-17th century when English settlers, including members of the Burr family who arrived in 1656, established farms in the region originally inhabited by the Secatogue tribe of the Algonquian peoples.[3] By the 18th century, it had developed into a thriving agricultural community, highlighted by the construction in 1789 of the Commack United Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church building in continuous use in New York State.[4] The hamlet remained largely rural through the early 20th century, with landmarks such as the Carll S. Burr Mansion—built in 1830 and expanded in 1885—serving as centers for farming and horse breeding operations.[3] Post-World War II suburbanization in the 1950s and 1960s transformed Commack from a crossroads farming village into a densely populated commuter suburb, fueled by the growth of the Long Island Expressway and influx of families seeking affordable housing near New York City.[5]Today, Commack is renowned for its high-quality public education system, with the Commack Union Free School District serving 5,466 students across eight schools as of the 2023-2024 school year and consistently ranking among the top in New York for academic performance and extracurricular programs.[6] The community emphasizes family-oriented amenities, including Commack Park with sports fields and playgrounds, and cultural sites like the historic Burr family properties, which reflect its agricultural heritage.[3] Demographically, the population is predominantly White (81%) with significant Asian (about 5%) and Hispanic (7%) communities, and a median age of 43.7 years, underscoring its established suburban character.[1]
History
Pre-Settlement and Colonial Period
The area now known as Commack was originally inhabited by Native American groups of the Algonquian-speaking peoples, particularly the Secatogue, who occupied territories along the southern shore of Long Island from approximately West Islip to Patchogue.[7] These indigenous communities utilized the region's resources for hunting, fishing, and seasonal agriculture, with evidence of their presence dating back centuries before European contact.[7] The name "Commack" derives from the Secatogue term "Winnecomac," translating to "pleasant lands," a reference to the area's appealing landscape of flat meadows and woodlands.[8]European settlement began in the 17th century as English colonists from nearby Huntington expanded into the interior, drawn by the fertile, loamy soil ideal for agriculture. Early settlers included members of the Burr family, who arrived in 1656 and established farms in the region.[3] Originally spelled "Comac," the hamlet emerged as a crossroads farming community, where settlers cultivated crops such as wheat, corn, and vegetables on the rich farmland, supporting local self-sufficiency and trade.[8] This agricultural foundation persisted into the colonial era, shaping the area's economy and layout around family homesteads and open fields.In 1789, local residents, led by figures like Thomas Hubbs, constructed the Commack Methodist Church (originally known as the Comac Church) at 486 Townline Road, marking it as the oldest surviving Methodist church building in New York State. A Methodist society had been established in 1783, the second on Long Island.[9] The simple wooden structure features a high-box pulpit, a central entrance flanked by single windows on each side, and later additions including a bell tower and expanded sanctuary, reflecting modest Federal-style architecture typical of early American meeting houses.[9] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, recognizing its role in early religious and community life.[10]By the early 19th century, industrial activities complemented farming, exemplified by the Harned Brothers Sawmill, established in the 1930s by the Harned family on a property with a farmhouse dating to the 1840s.[11] This water-powered facility, utilizing a rare circular saw mechanism, processed local timber into lumber for construction and barrels, becoming a vital economic hub in the agrarian community.[12] Operated continuously by the Harned family since the Great Depression, it remains the only functional circular sawmill on Long Island, highlighting the transition from colonial farming to localized manufacturing.[12]
Post-War Suburbanization
Following World War II, Commack experienced a rapid population influx driven by the demand for affordable suburban housing and its convenient proximity to New York City, approximately 40 miles away. In 1954, the area had fewer than 800 residents and just one school with 256 pupils, but by 1966, the population had surged to around 38,000, supported by 17 schools and numerous subdivisions that converted former farmland into single-family homes.[5] This growth mirrored broader trends on Long Island, where the GI Bill and economic prosperity fueled outward migration from urban centers, transforming quiet rural hamlets into bedroom communities for city commuters.[13]The construction of major roadways, particularly the Long Island Expressway (LIE), played a pivotal role in this suburban expansion. Completed to Exit 52 at Commack Road in Dix Hills by 1963, the LIE—built in phases from the 1950s through the 1970s—provided direct access from Queens to Suffolk County, reducing travel times to Manhattan and encouraging residential development.[14] The Northern State Parkway also contributed, enhancing connectivity and making Commack an attractive location for families seeking space outside the city.[8]This period marked a profound shift from agriculture to predominantly residential and commercial land use, as potato farming declined due to the golden nematode infestation in the 1950s, prompting the conversion of fertile fields into housing tracts and strip malls. Commercial development proliferated along key corridors like Jericho Turnpike, Veterans Memorial Highway, and Commack Road, with shopping centers emerging to serve the growing population; however, unlike traditional villages, Commack lacks a central downtown, instead featuring dispersed retail outlets that reflect its suburban character.[5][8]A notable landmark in this transformation was the Long Island Arena, which opened in 1959 at 88 Veterans Memorial Highway as Suffolk County's first indoor arena, hosting hockey games for the Long Island Ducks (1959–1973), basketball for the New York Nets (1968–1969), concerts by artists like Peter Frampton and The Who, political rallies including those by John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon in 1960, and later flea markets.[15] The 4,000-seat venue served as a community hub until its closure on July 31, 1996, after which it was demolished to make way for Veterans Memorial Plaza, a modern shopping center that exemplifies the ongoing prioritization of commercial space over historical structures.[15][16]
Geography and Environment
Location and Terrain
Commack is situated in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York, spanning portions of the towns of Huntington and Smithtown. As an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP), it lies approximately 40 miles east of Manhattan and serves as a suburban community in the central part of the county. The area is defined by its position within the broader Long Island region, with boundaries that extend across the two townships, facilitating a mix of residential and commercial development.[17][18]The geographic coordinates of Commack place its approximate centroid at 40°50′34″N 73°17′34″W. The CDP encompasses a total land area of 11.96 square miles (30.98 km²), with no significant water bodies included within its boundaries. Its ZIP code is 11725, and it falls under area codes 631 and 934, which cover much of Suffolk County. The average elevation is about 131 feet (40 meters) above sea level, contributing to its relatively level to undulating profile.[17][19][20][21]The terrain in Commack features gently rolling hills and fertile plains, shaped by glacial deposits from the Wisconsinan glaciation during the last Ice Age. These deposits, including outwash plains and moraines, have created nutrient-rich soils that support agriculture and suburban landscaping. Located roughly 8 miles south of the Long Island Sound, Commack's inland position on the island's glacial landscape provides a stable environmental base, with the nearby coastal waters offering mild moderating influences on the surroundings.[22][23]
Climate Patterns
Commack experiences a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen classification, featuring warm, humid summers and mild to cold winters moderated by its coastal location on Long Island.[24]The annual average high temperature reaches 83°F (28°C), while lows dip to 24°F (-4°C), with total precipitation averaging 46 inches (1,170 mm) distributed throughout the year.[25]Summers from June to August are hot and humid, with average highs ranging from 75°F to 83°F and lows around 62°F to 68°F, often accompanied by high humidity levels. Winters, particularly January, bring cold and snowy conditions with average highs of 38°F to 40°F and lows near 26°F to 28°F, while spring and fall provide transitional mild weather. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean influences these patterns by tempering extremes and contributing to occasional nor'easters that deliver heavy snow and wind in winter.[26]Notable historical weather events include Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, which brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surge to Suffolk County, resulting in local flooding, power outages affecting thousands, and widespread disruptions in areas like Commack.[27][28]
Demographics and Economy
Population Trends and Diversity
Commack's population stood at 36,124 residents as recorded in the 2010 United States Census.[18] By the 2020 Census, this figure had increased slightly to 36,536.[29] The most recent estimates from the American Community Survey place the population at 36,353 in 2023, with a projection of 35,682 for 2025 reflecting an annual decline of -0.08%.[1][30] With a land area of approximately 12.1 square miles, Commack maintains a population density of about 3,010 people per square mile.[18]Following the 2020 Census, Commack has experienced a slow annual decline of -0.08% in population, attributed to the maturation of its suburban character and limited new development.[30] This trend reflects broader patterns in established Long Island communities, where growth has stabilized after decades of post-war expansion. The median age in Commack is 43.7 years, indicating an aging demographic typical of affluent suburbs.[31]Demographic diversity in Commack has increased over time, with 2023 estimates showing 80.6% of residents identifying as White (non-Hispanic), 5.2% as Asian, 10.4% as Hispanic or Latino (of any race), 1.5% as Black or African American, and the remainder as multiracial or other groups.[31] This marks a shift from 2010, when 91.6% of the population was White alone, highlighting growing ethnic heterogeneity driven by immigration and regional migration patterns.[32]Households in Commack average 2.9 persons, underscoring a structure of smaller family units common in mature suburban areas.[33] This composition is reflected in local schools, where minority enrollment stands at 30%, signaling ongoing diversification among younger generations.[34]
Income, Employment, and Housing
Commack exhibits a high level of economic prosperity, characterized by a medianhouseholdincome of $170,375 in 2023, reflecting a 0.9% increase from the previous year.[31] The per capita income reaches $87,404, while the poverty rate remains low at 3.4%, underscoring the community's affluent status.[31] This financial stability is bolstered by high educational attainment, with 59.5% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, contributing to economic resilience amid broader regional fluctuations.[1]Employment in Commack is dominated by white-collar sectors, with significant portions of the workforce engaged in professional, scientific, and technical services (12.8%), healthcare and social assistance (14.7%), and educational services (16.3%).[31] Key industries include retail, centered around shopping destinations such as Mayfair Shopping Center and Commack Square, as well as education through local institutions and commuting opportunities to New York City for finance and professional roles.[35] Suffolk County's unemployment rate stood at approximately 3.5% in 2023, below the national average of 3.6%, with employment in Commack growing by 1.62% to 19,107 workers.[36][31] Median earnings for full-time, year-round workers average around $83,000 annually, with men earning $102,813 and women $63,091.[31]The housing market in Commack remains stable and owner-dominated, with a median home value of $647,000 in 2023, marking a 3.27% rise from 2022 and indicating post-COVID recovery and steady demand.[31] Approximately 93.7% of housing units are owner-occupied, far exceeding the national average, which supports long-term community investment.[31] Recent population growth has modestly increased housingdemand, contributing to price appreciation without significant market volatility.[31]
Education
Public School District
The Commack Union Free School District serves approximately 5,500 students in grades K-12 across eight schools in Suffolk County, New York, as of 2024.[37][38] The district is highly rated, earning an A overall grade from Niche and ranking in the top 10% of New York school districts for academics, teachers, and college preparation.[38] It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, which supports personalized instruction and contributes to strong academic outcomes.[37]The district comprises Commack High School for grades 9-12, Commack Middle School for grades 6-8, two intermediate schools (Burr Intermediate School and Sawmill Intermediate School for grades 3-5), and four primary schools (Indian Hollow Primary School, North Ridge Primary School, Rolling Hills Primary School, and Wood Park Primary School for grades K-2).[39] These schools emphasize a balanced curriculum, with dedicated programs in STEM—including robotics through VEX IQ platforms and hands-on computer science initiatives—and the arts, featuring visual arts education, interdisciplinary projects, and events like the Grade 8 Winter Art Show.[40][41]Performance metrics highlight the district's effectiveness, with 9.3% of students identified as economically disadvantaged and 30% from minority groups, reflecting a relatively diverse yet affluent community.[37] The four-year graduation rate stands at 97%, well above state and national averages, supported by high proficiency rates in reading (60%) and math (70%) across grade levels.[38][6]Governance is provided by a five-member Board of Education, elected to three-year terms, which prioritizes curriculum enrichment, professional development for staff, cultural awareness, emotional well-being, and fiscally responsible budgeting.[42] The board oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $233 million for the 2025-26 school year, funding educational programs and facilities while maintaining a conservative approach to taxation; this budget also allocates $1.23 million for school safety measures, including armed guards at all schools.[43][44]
Libraries and Community Learning
The Commack Public Library, situated at 18 Hauppauge Road, functions as the central public library for the community and operates as a member of the Suffolk Cooperative Library System, enabling shared resources across Suffolk County libraries. Its collection encompasses approximately 123,272 physical volumes, supplemented by robust digital offerings including e-books and audiobooks via Libby and Hoopla, streaming services through Kanopy, and research databases accessible via EBSCOhost. These resources cater to diverse interests, from general reading to specialized topics, supporting patrons of all ages in an open-access environment.[45][46][47]The library hosts a range of community programs designed to foster engagement and skill development, with a focus on accessible education beyond formal schooling. Adult-oriented services include online tutoring and career assistance through Brainfuse, which provides virtual help in subjects like math, writing, and test preparation, alongside language learning tools via Pronunciator for ESL support. Cultural and educational events, such as lectures on health topics like Alzheimer's awareness, further enrich offerings, often held in the library's community room to promote interactive learning.[47][48]Lifelong learning opportunities in Commack extend to nearby facilities like the Suffolk Y JCC at 74 Hauppauge Road, which delivers adult programs including discussion groups, educational speakers, and cultural workshops tailored to seniors and community members seeking personal enrichment. While no formal institutional partnership is documented between the library and the JCC, both contribute to a supportive ecosystem for non-traditional education in the area.[49]Commack residents benefit from proximity to higher education institutions, facilitating commuter access without on-site colleges. Stony Brook University lies about 12 miles east, offering undergraduate and graduate programs reachable by a 20-minute drive via the Long Island Expressway. Similarly, the Michael J. Grant Campus of Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood is roughly 7 miles southeast, providing associate degrees and continuing education courses with easy access from Commack Road.[50][51][52][53]Following 2020, the library expanded its digital infrastructure to address remote learning demands, enhancing platforms like Livebrary for virtual events and Brainfuse for asynchronous skill-building, thereby broadening community access to educational content amid evolving needs.[47]
Infrastructure
Transportation Systems
Commack is primarily accessed by a network of major highways that facilitate regional connectivity. The Long Island Expressway (I-495) serves as the principal east-west corridor, passing through the community with Exit 52 at Commack Road providing direct entry. The Northern State Parkway runs parallel to the south, offering another limited-access route for eastbound and westbound travel. To the north, the Sunken Meadow State Parkway (Parkway 908) connects Commack to Sunken Meadow State Park and extends toward the North Shore. Additionally, Jericho Turnpike (New York State Route 25) functions as a key arterial road, handling significant local and through traffic along an east-west alignment.A notable historic element in Commack's transportation landscape is the remnant of the Long Island Motor Parkway, an early 20th-century private toll road built for automobile racing and high-speed travel. Constructed in 1908 by William K. Vanderbilt II, the parkway hosted the Vanderbilt Cup Races from 1908 to 1910 and served as a speedway until its racing operations ceased around 1920, after which sections were repurposed or abandoned.[54] In Commack, remnants include the site of the former Brentwood Lodge toll structure at what is now Harned Road (originally Commack Spur Road) and blueprint-documented bridges near Commack and Brentwood, illustrating the area's role in pioneering automotive infrastructure.[55]Public transit options in Commack remain limited, with residents heavily reliant on personal vehicles for daily mobility. Suffolk County Transit operates several bus routes serving the area, including Route 1 (which connects to the Long Island Rail Road at Huntington Station) and local services like the H10 Huntington Area Rapid Transit route from Commack to Huntington via East Northport.[56] The nearest Long Island Rail Road station is in Huntington, approximately 5 miles west, on the Port Jefferson Branch, offering commuter service to New York City.[57] According to census data, about 77% of workers in Commack commute using a car, truck, or van, with 72% driving alone.[58]To address ongoing traffic congestion, recent infrastructure upgrades have targeted the Long Island Expressway in the vicinity of Commack. In August 2024, a $27 million project modernized Exit 53 (Motor Parkway), including ramp improvements, new signage, and enhanced safety features to reduce bottlenecks and improve flow for local access.[59] As of November 2025, the New York State Department of Transportation has announced ongoing overnight lane and ramp closures on the eastbound LIE near Exit 52 (Commack Road) for maintenance.[60] The average commute time for Commack residents is 34 minutes, reflecting typical travel to employment centers including New York City.[31]
Public Services and Utilities
Commack, as a census-designated place (CDP) without its own municipal government, receives public services through the Towns of Huntington and Smithtown, as well as Suffolk County.[61] These entities coordinate essential governance functions, including zoning, building permits, and community programs, ensuring resident needs are met across the CDP's boundaries in both towns.[62][63]Utility services in Commack are primarily managed by regional providers. The Suffolk County Water Authority supplies potable water to most residents, drawing from local aquifers and adhering to strict quality standards.[64] Electricity is delivered by PSEG Long Island, which maintains the transmission and distribution infrastructure for the area.[65] Natural gas distribution falls under National Grid, supporting heating and cooking needs throughout Suffolk County.[66] Waste management and recycling are handled county-wide by the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, with supplemental town-operated facilities like Smithtown's Municipal Services Facility for resident drop-offs of recyclables and debris.[67][68]Public safety in Commack is overseen by the Suffolk County Police Department. The Second Precinct patrols the Huntington portion, while the Fifth Precinct covers the Smithtown portion, with coordinated responses to emergencies across the CDP.[69][70] Fire protection is provided by the volunteer-based Commack Fire Department, operating under the Commack Fire District with stations equipped for structural fires, medical responses, and hazardous materials incidents.[71] The area maintains a low crime rate, with violent crime occurring at a rate of approximately 1 in 5,219 residents and property crime at 1 in 435, below New York state averages.[72]Additional services include parks maintenance, coordinated by the Towns of Huntington and Smithtown, which handle upkeep of green spaces, playgrounds, and trails within Commack to support community recreation.[73][74] Suffolk County supplements these efforts through its Public Works division for larger regional maintenance projects.[75]
Culture and Attractions
Historic Landmarks
The Commack Methodist Church, constructed in 1789, stands as the oldest Methodist church building in continuous use in New York State and served as a central hub for early community gatherings and religious services in the colonial-era settlement of Comac (now Commack).[9] The structure features a simple yet robust design typical of late 18th-century vernacular architecture, including a two-story frame with shingled exterior, two bays, and a broad overhanging gable roof that provided shelter for worshippers in the agrarian Long Island community.[9] It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 under the Huntington Town Multiple Resource Area, recognizing its significance in local religious and social history.[76]The Harned Brothers Sawmill, operational since the 1840s, represents one of the few surviving examples of 19th-century industrial milling on Long Island, originally part of a larger family farm acquired around 1900 and focused on processing local hardwoods for lumber and custom wood products.[12] Notable for its pioneering use of circular saw technology, which allowed for more efficient cutting compared to earlier reciprocating blades, the mill has remained in continuous family operation, adapting to modern demands while preserving traditional techniques.[77] In 2008, a preservation agreement with the Town of Smithtown ensured its long-term protection by granting the owner a lifetime estate, after which the site will transition to public stewardship to maintain its historical and operational integrity.[12]Housed within the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center in Commack, the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1993 to celebrate the contributions of Jewish athletes and figures in American sports, an often underrepresented aspect of cultural history.[78] The museum features permanent and rotating exhibits showcasing artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia from inductees such as baseball pioneer Hank Greenberg and Olympic swimmer Mark Spitz, highlighting their achievements across professional, amateur, and collegiate levels.[78] It holds annual induction ceremonies, beginning in 1993, to honor new members and foster educational programs on Jewish involvement in athletics, drawing visitors to explore themes of perseverance and excellence.[79]The site of the Long Island Arena, active from 1959 to 1996, was a multifunctional venue that hosted professional sports, concerts, and community events, underscoring Commack's mid-20th-century role as a regional entertainment hub.[15] Originally built as an ice rink, it temporarily served as the home court for the American Basketball Association's New York Nets during the 1968-1969 season after the team's relocation from New Jersey, accommodating crowds for games despite its modest 4,000-seat capacity.[80] The arena also hosted notable rock concerts, including live recordings by artists like Peter Frampton in the 1970s, contributing to its legacy in Long Island's music scene before declining attendance and structural issues led to its closure on July 31, 1996, and subsequent demolition to make way for commercial development.[16]
Parks and Recreation
Commack offers a variety of parks and recreational facilities that emphasize outdoor leisure and community engagement, managed primarily by the Town of Smithtown and nearby state entities. These spaces provide trails, sports fields, playgrounds, and educational opportunities, catering to families, hikers, and athletes alike.[81]The Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, spanning 133 acres in Commack, serves as a key green space with extensive nature trails, farm animals including goats and chickens, and educational programs through its on-site nature center. Managed by the Town of Smithtown, the preserve features ponds, pollinator gardens, and picnic areas, offering guided hikes and wildlife observation for visitors.[82][83][84]Burr-Winkle Park provides playgrounds, baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and picnic areas suitable for group gatherings. Recent upgrades by the Town of Smithtown include resurfaced tennis and basketball courts, conversion of one court to pickleball, and general enhancements to playground equipment and restrooms.[85][86]Other local parks include Valmont Village Park, a 10-acre site focused on playgrounds with slides and swings, alongside tennis and basketball courts for casual play. Nearby, Sunken Meadow State Park in Kings Park offers beach access, golf courses, hiking trails, and cross-country skiing paths along Long Island Sound. Commack Park on Wicks Road underwent a major playground renovation in 2025, featuring new equipment and ADA-compliant walkways installed by the Town of Huntington.[87][88][89]Recreational programs in the area are supported by the Suffolk Y JCC, which provides sports leagues, fitness classes such as yoga and aqua fit, and aquatics including swim lessons and family swim sessions. The Town of Smithtown Recreation Department organizes youth and adult leagues for sports like softball and basketball, along with summer camps and fitness activities. Annual events, such as farm festivals at nearby preserves like Hoyt Farm, include hayrides, animal interactions, and seasonal celebrations to promote community involvement.[90][91][81][92]
In Popular Culture
Commack has been referenced in several television series, notably as the hometown of FBI profiler David Rossi in the long-running CBS drama Criminal Minds (2005–2020). In the season 5 episode "Reckoner," the plot unfolds in Commack, highlighting Rossi's personal connections to the area as an unsub targets individuals from his past.[93]The community has also appeared in music, with Long Island-based rock band Wheatus name-dropping Commack in their 2000 single "Wannabe Gangstar" from the album Wheatus. The lyrics portray the town as a suburban contrast to urban gangster aspirations, with lines like "Better go back to Commack / I'm a wannabe gangstar," reflecting themes of Long Island youth culture.[94] Additionally, parts of Peter Frampton's landmark live album Frampton Comes Alive! (1976) were recorded during a concert at the Long Island Arena, also known as the Commack Arena, on August 24, 1975, including the track "Show Me the Way," which captured the venue's energetic atmosphere and contributed to the album's multi-platinum success.[95]Beyond scripted media, the Commack Motor Inn has achieved notoriety as a cultural landmark, ranked second among the "Seven Wonders of Long Island" by radio station WBLI in 2006 for its iconic, kitschy reputation tied to roadside Americana and suburban escapism.[96] This motel, known for its heart-shaped tubs and hourly rates, has been referenced in local lore and media as emblematic of mid-20th-century Long Island's blend of affluence and hidden indulgences.
Notable Residents
Entertainment and Media Figures
Rosie O'Donnell, born March 21, 1962, in Bayside, Queens, New York, and raised in Commack, is a comedian, actress, author, and television personality who rose to prominence in the 1990s. Raised in Commack, she attended Commack High School South, where she was elected homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown, reflecting her early comedic talents. O'Donnell's career breakthrough came with her Emmy-winning daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which aired from 1996 to 2002 and featured celebrity interviews, musical performances, and advocacy for causes like LGBTQ+ rights and child welfare.[97][98][99]Bob Costas, born March 22, 1952, is a veteran sportscaster and journalist known for his articulate commentary on NBC Sports, covering events from the Olympics to Major League Baseball. He grew up in Commack, New York, and graduated from Commack High School South in 1970, where he developed a passion for sports broadcasting. Costas began his career at NBC in 1980, hosting iconic programs like Later with Bob Costas and providing play-by-play for NBA and MLB games, earning multiple Emmys for his work; he has been a long-time resident of the area, maintaining ties to Long Island throughout his career.[100][101][102]Chic Anderson (born Charles David Anderson on December 17, 1931), a renowned thoroughbred horse racing announcer, lived in Commack, New York, at the time of his death in 1979. He gained fame for his vivid race calls on CBS, including the legendary 1973 Belmont Stakes broadcast of Secretariat's Triple Crown victory, where he coined the phrase "And down the stretch they come!" Anderson served as the track announcer for the New York Racing Association from 1970 to 1979, captivating audiences with his energetic style during major events at Belmont, Aqueduct, and Saratoga. He died of a heart attack at his Commack home on March 24, 1979, at age 47.[103][104]Craig Greenberg, born in 1973 in Commack, New York, is a businessman and politician who has served as the 51st Mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, since 2023. His family relocated to Louisville in 1980 when he was a child, but his early years were spent in Commack; he later built a career in hospitality, co-founding 21c Museum Hotels, which expanded into a chain blending art, cuisine, and lodging across multiple cities. Greenberg entered politics as an advocate for economic development and public safety, winning the mayoral election in 2022 with a focus on affordable housing and community revitalization.[105][106][107]
Sports and Athletics Personalities
Commack has produced several notable figures in professional sports, particularly in baseball, with athletes emerging from its local high school programs.Pete Harnisch, born on September 23, 1966, in Commack, New York, is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who enjoyed a 14-year career from 1988 to 2001. He played for the Baltimore Orioles, Houston Astros, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, and Cincinnati Reds, compiling a career record of 111 wins and 96 losses with a 4.00 ERA over 1,745.1 innings pitched. Harnisch attended Commack High School, where he starred as a pitcher, winning 13 games while losing only one during his high school tenure in the 1980s. After excelling at Fordham University, he was selected by the Orioles in the first round (27th overall) of the 1987 MLB Draft and made his major league debut the following year.Mike Belfiore, born on October 3, 1988, in Commack, New York, is a former professional baseball pitcher who reached Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles in 2013. Appearing in one game that season, Belfiore struck out one batter in two-thirds of an inning while posting a 13.50 ERA. He attended Commack High School before playing college baseball at Boston College, where he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round (45th overall) of the 2009 MLB Draft as part of the compensatory round. Belfiore spent much of his professional career in the minor leagues across organizations including the Diamondbacks, Orioles, and Detroit Tigers.The community's sports legacy extends beyond individual athletes through institutions like the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, housed at the Suffolk Y JCC in Commack since its founding in 1993. This organization has inducted hundreds of Jewish athletes, coaches, and contributors with ties to the area, including local figures such as Steve Bilsky (basketball administrator and former University of Pennsylvania athletic director) in 2013, underscoring Commack's role in recognizing athletic excellence within the Jewish community. Commack High School's athletics programs further bolster this heritage, earning eight New York State School of Distinction Awards for combining strong athletic performance with academic achievement, and producing state and county champions in sports like boys' soccer, girls' volleyball, and track and field.