Farmingville, NY – – Councilman Dan Panico was joined by Steven Dubb, a principal from the Beechwood Organization, to unveil the proposed Concept Master Plan for the redevelopment of Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach, at a community outreach meeting held in the William Floyd High School auditorium on Wednesday, November 2nd.
“This marks a significant step forward in the long-awaited and anticipated revitalization of the hamlet’s downtown,” said Councilman Panico. “For far too long, people have talked about ‘bringing back Mastic Beach’, but now it’s going to be a reality. The Town is committed to this crucial redevelopment project, which when completed, will have transformed a blighted area into a vibrant and thriving community, complete with state-of-the art housing, retail shops, restaurants, services, and public gathering spaces.”
The proposed concept plan, prepared by the architecture firm Cooper Carry, focuses on approximately 37 acres that were the subject of a 2019 Blight Study that examined 140 parcels located on and along Neighborhood Road, from Commack Road to Doris Drive. That study, prepared by Nelson and Pope, confirmed that there was substantial blight on numerous properties that contained excessive litter and debris, vacant structures with broken windows, unsecured entryways, overgrown grass, graffiti and much more. This type of blight has plagued the Mastic Beach community for decades and has been a major obstacle in the hamlet reaching its fullest potential.
“We are excited to be a part of this transformative project in a neighborhood that we consider a hidden gem,” said Mr. Dubb. “Mastic Beach is a deserving community now ready to experience a wide range of amenities that have long been missing. The community tells us they’d like to see a thriving downtown, dining and shopping; housing of different types appealing to all ages; parks and trails; and connectivity to the waterfront for generations to come.”
Key elements of the proposed plan call for the construction of townhomes and condominiums, as well as the creation of spaces for boutiques, café’s, offices, and community gathering places. Beechwood intends to draw on Mastic Beach’s rich colonial history and proximity to acres of pristine waterfront, which will be reflected in the overall design.
“This proposed concept plan can improve infrastructure, safety and security, while helping to ensure the viability of Mastic Beach into the future” said Beechwood’s Master Planner Colin Green of Cooper Carry Architects.
The proposed Master Plan was met with a positive response from many of the stakeholders in attendance, with speakers acknowledging that Neighborhood Road was a “diamond in the rough.”
Pattersquash Creek Civic Association President Frank Fugarino said, “We’re all on the same page and agree that change is needed and that it will be good.”
“We are at the very beginning stages of this process, but the Town of Brookhaven and the Beechwood Organization are committed to working hand-in-hand with the community and looks forward to its input as the project is taken through the many stages of approvals,” said Councilman Panico.
To view the proposed Master Plan visit www.BrookhavenNY.gov/MasterPlan.
