Mastic Beach residents are hoping to take control of their town by passing a measure to turn it into an incorporated village.

About a thousand residents have signed a petition to put it up for a vote in a special election. Proponents say they?ll be able to make Mastic Beach a more attractive place to live by taking over code enforcement, planning, zoning, building and creating a village court.

Village Exploratory Committee organizer Paul Berschard says he?s primarily concerned with revitalizing the downtown area and cracking down on illegal housing. He says incorporation won?t add any taxes either.

Residents would still rely on the county for police, highway and sanitation services.