Talk Of Bringing Back Mastic Beach To Become Reality, Councilman Says

MASTIC BEACH, NY — Key elements of the plan to revitalize Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach calls for the construction of townhomes and condominiums, as well as the creation of spaces for boutiques, cafés, offices, community gathering places, Brookhaven Town officials said.

Developers from the Beechwood Organization plan to incorporate the hamlet’s waterfront locale and its rich colonial history, as the birthplace of Declaration of Independence signatory, William Floyd, according to a news release from the town.

The concept plan, which was prepared by the architecture firm Cooper Carry, concerns about 37 acres that were the subject of a blight study in 2019 examining 140 parcels between Commack Road to Doris Drive, on and along Neighborhood Road, town officials said.

The study, prepared by Nelson and Pope, confirmed there was substantial blight on numerous properties with excessive litter and debris, vacant structures with broken windows, unsecured entryways, overgrown grass, and graffiti, according to town officials.

Many in the community have bemoaned the blight as a plague for decades, claiming it has stopped the hamlet from reaching its fullest potential.

Councilman Dan Panico, whose district includes the hamlet, unveiled the proposed Concept Master Plan for the redevelopment of Neighborhood Road, along with developer Steven Dubb, at a community meeting at William Floyd High School on Nov. 2.

Panico called the plan a "significant step forward in the long-awaited" revitalization push.

“For far too long, people have talked about bringing back Mastic Beach, but now it’s going to be a reality," he said. "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.”

Dubb said community members have told staffers that they would like to see "a thriving downtown," with dining and shopping, housing of different types that is appealing to all ages, parks and trails, "and connectivity to the waterfront for generations to come.”

“Mastic Beach is a deserving community now ready to experience a wide range of amenities that have long been missing," he said.

Dubb went on to say that his organization's staffers are "excited to be a part of this transformative project in a neighborhood that we consider a hidden gem.”

Beechwood’s master planner Colin Green of Cooper Carry Architects said the plan "can improve infrastructure, safety, and security," while helping ensure the hamlet's "viability."

Brookhaven officials said the plan has been met by a positive response from the community.

Pattersquash Creek Civic Association President Frank Fugarino said his organization was "on the same page and agreed change is needed and that it will be good.”

Panico described plans for the revitalization as at "the very beginning stages," adding that the town and the developer are "committed to working hand-in-hand with the community" and they look forward to "input as the project is taken through the many stages of approvals."

To see the proposed Master Plan, click here.