Brookhaven · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Brookhaven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Triangle Park and Stanglewood Commons Retail Developments
The town is moving forward with long-standing retail and mixed-use redevelopment projects at Triangle Park and Stanglewood Commons, aiming to add retail storefronts and multifamily housing while preserving natural conservation buffers.
Proposed 150-Foot Cell Tower on Whiskey Road
Homeland Towers and Verizon Wireless are seeking a use variance to build a 150-foot cell tower on Whiskey Road in Middle Island. Nearby residents strongly oppose the project, citing aesthetic impacts, property devaluation, environmental concerns, and safety issues in a quiet residential area.
Accessory Apartment Regulations and Density in Port Jefferson Station
Residents expressed deep concern over applications seeking legalization and size extensions for accessory apartments, arguing they erode single-family neighborhood character, increase parking congestion, and stretch municipal infrastructure.
Stony Brook Medicine Medical Campus Expansion in Farmingville
Stony Brook Medicine is taking over the vacant Amazon Fresh building and building a new medical office facility on Horseblock Road, replacing retail with healthcare services. The project required modifying restrictive covenants, including removing a planned village green and adjusting landscape buffers.
Homes View Commons Project and Covenant Amendment
Developers are proposing a new medical office building and removal of a village green covenant at the corner of Horse Block Road and North Ocean Avenue in Farmingville.
Agricultural Animal Harboring Special Permits
The board evaluated a contentious application for harboring dwarf goats and miniature Hereford cows on a residential property in Mount Sinai, drawing neighbor opposition over environmental and noise concerns.
NYU Langone Hospital-Suffolk Expansion
NYU Langone Hospitals received approval for a major 270,000-square-foot expansion featuring a seven-story inpatient pavilion with 144 new beds in Patchogue. Community leaders and union representatives praised the project for creating local jobs and improving healthcare access.
Brookhaven Hospital Expansion
The town reviewed plans for a major seven-story, 270,000-square-foot expansion of Brookhaven Hospital to enhance local medical facilities.
Starbucks Commercial Redevelopment in Middle Island
RA Middle Island LLC received board approval to convert an existing bank on Middle Country Road into a Starbuck's restaurant with a drive-thru, alongside multiple sign and setback variances.
Proposed Mosque on William Floyd Parkway
Residents raised concerns regarding traffic and neighborhood compatibility for a proposed mosque in Mastic Beach, while town officials clarified legal requirements and parking standards.
Allegria Affordable Housing Development
The Long Island Housing Partnership requested multiple bulk variances to build affordable single-family homes on small 50-foot lots in Bellport. These homes are deed-restricted in perpetuity through community land trusts to assist low-income buyers.
Allegria Affordable Housing and Wastewater Project in Bellport
D & F Consultants is moving forward with a 96-unit multi-family affordable housing development in Bellport that includes significant lighting trespass and design manual waivers. While praised for providing much-needed affordable housing and supportive units, the project faced scrutiny over heavy lighting spillage and sidewalk dimensions.
Open Space Preservation and Drainage Acquisitions
Officials discussed various capital improvement projects, including stormwater and drainage infrastructure enhancements, park upgrades in Bellport, and property acquisitions for drainage purposes across multiple neighborhoods.
Carvana Commercial Use Variance Request
Carvana is seeking a use variance and special permit to operate a motor vehicle dealership and repair facility at a former industrial vehicle auction site in Yaphank. Neighbors and officials are evaluating whether an online vehicle delivery and plate-issuing hub fits the L1 industrial zone and meets strict New York State hardship requirements.
Planning and Site Plan Applications Review
Planning Director Donald Hohn presented multiple site plan reviews and upcoming public hearings, including covenant relief in Centereach, medical office expansions, and a U-Haul storage facility in Medford.
Commercial Development and Bank Construction in Shirley
A new Bank of America branch is planned for a vacant property at William Floyd and Montauk Highway in Shirley, bringing upgraded landscaping and corporate design to the area.
Beaver Dam Road Cemetery Proposal
An application for a 13-acre Muslim cemetery and accessory prayer building in Bellport drew mixed resident feedback regarding groundwater protection, traffic, and neighborhood character, with the board keeping the hearing open pending county approval.
Commercial Development and Signage Expansion in Patchogue and Bellport
The board evaluated commercial applications including signage and lighting for a Taco Bell drive-thru in Patchogue and a new commercial building in Bellport. Supporters emphasized economic progress and community revitalization, while ensuring compatibility with local business districts.
Brookhaven Logistics Final Environmental Impact Statement
A massive 228-acre industrial project proposing 1.7 million square feet of warehouse space off Horseblock Road in Yaphank, sparking discussions on traffic, regional waste management, and environmental impacts.
Hampshire Venture Partners Industrial Park and Hockey Rink in Shirley
A 190 million dollar redevelopment of the former Dowling College campus in Shirley featuring 600,000 square feet of industrial warehouses, open space preservation, and a town-owned dual-sheet hockey rink.
RA Portion Road Change of Zone and Car Wash in Ronkonkoma
A zone change and special permit for a motor vehicle wash and commercial space on Portion Road in Ronkonkoma, raising local opposition regarding traffic and commercial density.
Subdivision and Rural Character in Manorville
Residents and developers clashed over a proposed 3-lot subdivision on an unimproved road in Manorville, with neighbors arguing it threatens local wildlife, the Pine Barrens aquifer, and the rural neighborhood feel.
Ronkonkoma Hub Phase 2C Development
The town approved Phase 2C of the Ronkonkoma Hub project, which will add 285 apartments and a medical office building. While supporters praised the economic boost and creation of housing, some local residents voiced concerns over increased traffic and the loss of wooded wildlife habitat.
Proposed Gas Station Development in Coram
Residents and business owners debated a new gas station and convenience store on Route 112 in Coram, raising concerns about traffic congestion, over-saturation, and competition, while the applicant emphasized thorough environmental review.
Housing Fines
Brookhaven is planning to jack up fines for housing code violations, meaning landlords who let their properties fall apart are going to feel it in their wallets. If you live in the area, this is basically the city's way of cracking down on slumlords and forcing better neighborhood upkeep.
Economic Development
Brookhaven's Industrial Development Agency raked in massive fees from tax-break deals back in 2021, beating out everywhere in the state outside of NYC. It's a big deal because it shows just how much corporate welfare money is swirling around our local government.