Brookhaven · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Brookhaven public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Substance Use Awareness and Overdose Prevention Proclamations
The town recognized International Overdose Awareness Day, World Suicide Prevention Day, and 'Brookhaven Goes Purple' month to raise awareness of substance use disorders and support recovery.
Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement and Community Recognition
The Town Board celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group, highlighting multi-agency collaboration and cleanup efforts that have revitalized the lake area.
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.
Transit Expansion
Good news for Brookhaven commuters—the MTA just opened a brand-new LIRR station in Yaphank near the Brookhaven National Laboratory. It's designed to make getting around the region a whole lot easier.
Environmental Pollution
Brookhaven locals are demanding immediate action because a local landfill is leaking pollution into the surrounding neighborhood. If you live nearby, this means potential health hazards and a hit to your property value.
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.
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.
Public Beach Indecency and Dress Codes
Local pastors and residents urged the Town Board to update beach and park dress code ordinances to combat public indecency and exposed bathing attire.
Traffic, Parking, and Driveway Coverage Concerns
A resident raised ongoing concerns about disappearing handicapped parking spaces across multiple town locations and urged action from the law department.
Waste Management and Smart Program Discussion
A resident presented comparative data on Southold Town's successful trash reduction and bag-fee recycling programs, prompting board acknowledgment of ongoing efforts to expand local waste diversion.
Commercial and Business Property Non-Conforming Use Extensions
Commercial operators and auto-related businesses sought permits, extensions, and sign variances to expand operations. The town must balance local business growth with strict adherence to zoning codes and aesthetic standards.
Cannabis Dispensary Litigation
Brookhaven is joining forces with other Long Island towns to sue New York State over where legal weed shops can open. If they win, towns could get a lot more control over local zoning instead of the state calling the shots.
Cannabis Regulation
Brookhaven's first legal pot shop got slapped with a cease-and-desist order just hours before its grand opening, throwing local cannabis plans into total chaos. If you were hoping to buy legally this weekend, you're out of luck.
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.
Public Art and Monuments Policy
Brookhaven is officially open to taking in controversial statues that other places don't want, meaning your local parks might soon feature some heavy-duty historical baggage. Town officials are crafting a new policy to figure out how to house these debated monuments safely.
Outdoor Dining Permits
Brookhaven is launching a new outdoor dining permit to help local spots get creative and keep customers safe as they reopen. It's a quick way for your favorite neighborhood restaurants to expand their seating outside.
Cybersecurity Breach
Hackers briefly took over parts of Brookhaven's official website to post ISIS propaganda. This shocking breach proves our local government's digital security needs a serious upgrade ASAP.