Brookhaven · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Brookhaven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Support
Residents voiced strong opposition to proposed utility-scale battery energy storage facilities in Manorville and Holtsville, citing risks of thermal runaway fires, toxic air emissions, and contamination of the sole-source aquifer. Labor unions and industry representatives defended the projects as essential for grid stability, clean energy integration, and local union job creation. Town Supervisor Daniel Panico clarified that no building permits have been issued and that the town is awaiting further state guidance.
Police Surviving Spouse Property Tax Exemption
The Town Board enacted local laws updating town tax codes to increase income limits for senior citizen exemptions and implement expanded property tax relief for permanently and totally disabled military veterans.
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.
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.
Mastic Beach Neighborhood Road Revitalization and Eminent Domain
The town is moving forward with eminent domain to acquire property on Ocean View Drive in Mastic Beach to construct a stormwater retention basin to combat chronic flooding.
Adoption of 2027 Tentative Operating and Capital Budgets
The town board officially adopted the tentative operating and capital budgets for 2027 as the preliminary budget, moving forward with scheduled public hearings in November.
Clearing Limits and Environmental Covenants
Property owners sought relief from strict clearing limits on residential parcels, resulting in approvals tied to mandatory recorded covenants.
Cannabis Retail Dispensary Proposal on Montauk Highway
The board unanimously denied a special permit for a cannabis retail shop on Montauk Highway in Patchogue due to proximity restrictions and parking shortfalls.
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.
Proposed Data Centers Moratorium
The town enacted an 18-month moratorium on data centers to study their massive energy demands, water consumption, noise, and environmental impacts before allowing any such facilities.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Debate
Residents, labor unions, and environmental advocates clashed over proposed lithium-ion battery energy storage facilities in Manorville and Holtsville. Residents raised serious safety concerns regarding fire risks, toxic emissions, and aquifer contamination, while union workers and energy developers emphasized economic benefits, grid reliability, and modern safety codes.
Stormwater Management and Neighborhood Flooding in Sound Beach
Residents testified about severe stormwater runoff and flooding issues surrounding a vacant lot on Norwood Avenue in Holtsville. The Town Highway and Planning departments recommended the town acquire the parcel for drainage acquisition.
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.
Mastic-Shirley Infrastructure and Sewer District Projects
The town established the Mastic Beach Sewer District and approved a nearly $13 million bond for green stormwater infrastructure to support ongoing revitalization and mitigate flooding.