Mastic Beach residents weigh in on downtown revitalization plan
Many in attendance welcomed the plan, calling it a long-overdue investment in the future of the community.
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A sweeping proposal to breathe new life into a long-neglected section of Mastic Beach is drawing both praise and concern from residents.
The Mastic Beach Downtown Revitalization Project, unveiled at a packed Brookhaven Town Board meeting on Thursday, calls for the construction of up to 630 new homes along with restaurants, retail shops, and community spaces. The proposed development would be centered around the intersection of Neighborhood Road and Commack Road — an area currently dotted with boarded-up buildings and signs of disrepair.
“What I’m here to offer — and I think everyone’s here to offer — is to write a new, positive chapter in the history of Mastic Beach,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
Many in attendance welcomed the plan, calling it a long-overdue investment in the future of the community.
“I think this is a wonderful project. I’m looking forward to it,” said one resident during the public meeting.
But not everyone was convinced. Some voiced concerns about how the development might affect traffic.
“I live there. I drive those roads. And people don’t deserve the kind of traffic that’s coming here,” said another attendee, who opposed the scale of the project.
The plan would require rezoning, including the creation of a new Mastic Beach Downtown District — a move town officials say is necessary to push the project forward.
Despite the mixed reactions, supporters argue that doing nothing is not an option. “I’m more than happy this project is going to proceed. It’s long overdue,” said one resident.
Following the meeting, there will be a 30-day public comment period, allowing residents to submit feedback in writing. If approved, construction could begin as early as next year.
