Brookhaven · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Brookhaven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Commercial and Residential Signage and Variance Approvals
The board granted sign-height and setback relief for businesses in Stony Brook, Shirley, and Patchogue, generally finding the requests modest and consistent with prior approvals in the same centers.
Accessory Apartment and Small Lot Development Standards
Multiple applications seek to build houses on undersized lots in Mastic, Shirley, and Mastic Beach — areas upzoned to A-1 in 1989 for groundwater protection. The board approved several (Somers Place, Main Avenue, Aspen Road) but held the contested Floyd Road 50-foot-lot case for decision after neighbor opposition about fire safety, drainage, and neighborhood character.
Proposed Subdivision and Demolition at 37 Christian Avenue
A Setauket family wants to tear down the circa-1870 home where community figure Lucy Hart Keyes lived and build three houses on three small lots. Neighbors, descendants, the Bethel AME pastor, civic groups, and the town's own Historic District Advisory Committee all urged denial, saying it would gut the town's only African American and Indigenous historic district. The board held the case to November 4 for the state's historic-preservation comment.
Bully Crew Canine Rescue Facility in Pine Barrens
A site plan for Bully Crew, a canine rescue organization in the Pine Barrens along North Street, was reviewed under special permit rules allowing outdoor dog recreation areas while maintaining strict clearing limits.
SAFStor Change of Zone and Mini-Storage Facility in Coram
The town held a public hearing on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed mini-storage facility in Coram. While applicants noted low traffic generation, local gym patrons and residents expressed concern over losing a community gym and the proliferation of storage units.
Mastic Beach Downtown Revitalization and Urban Renewal
The board is nearing the conclusion of a lengthy review process for the Mastic Beach revitalization project, including urban renewal plans and form-based zoning codes.
Setback and Accessory Structure Variances
Multiple applicants sought variances for parcel splits, oversized additions, and non-conforming lot sizes across Brookhaven. Residents expressed concerns regarding neighborhood character, density, and local infrastructure impacts such as traffic and drainage.
Canal Road Residential Subdivision Proposal
Multiple applicants requested parcel subdivisions and area variances to build single-family homes on undersized or irregularly shaped lots across Brookhaven.
Residential Livestock Special Permit in Yaphank
Neighbors strongly protested a special permit for harboring pigs and goats, citing overpowering foul odors and health concerns, leading the board to deny the permit.
Unregulated Sober Living Homes in Manorville
Residents of Manorville voiced opposition to a recently sold property operating or converting into a sober home without proper permits or safe conditions, asking the board to block permits until code violations are resolved.