The fate of property owners in downtown Mastic Beach was the key topic of discussion at a Greater Mastic Beach Chamber of Commerce meeting last week as representatives of the Beechwood Organization, the company selected by the Town of Brookhaven to redevelop the 47-acre business district, fleshed out timelines and buy-out plans for the 140 affected properties.
The owners expressed concern over statements by Project Director Elysa Goldman that offers would be based on property values only and Beechwood is not planning to consider the value of the businesses, equipment or relocation costs for the current occupants. Goldman said that negotiations would be pursued with each owner on an individual basis and that all factors would be part of the discussions. She stressed that the lines of communication with Beechwood are always open and residents were welcome to discuss their particular situation at any time.
According to Goldman, the massive project will include residential and commercial space and the door will be open for current occupants to become future tenants. “Everything is open for discussion,” she assured those in attendance. “This is a fluid, ongoing process. We want to hear from everyone,” Goldman said, adding that Beechwood has yet to make contact with every involved owner.
Ultimate Mower proprietor Dean Denninger, a fixture in the community for more than 40 years, urged his neighbors not to discuss buy-out offers without the benefit of an attorney. “This is a big deal that no one should rush into,” he said, noting his displeasure with Beechwood contacting him last year during the holidays. “No one should feel pressured.”
According to Goldman, a major step in the development process is the completion of a comprehensive State Environmental Quality Review Act plan by the town, a monumental effort that is expected to take about 24 months. “The review will give the entire community an opportunity to provide input into every aspect of the project,” she said, and will cover everything from its impact on the local environment, school, ambulance and fire districts, and future transportation requirements. “The SEQRA process is designed to address public needs and concerns,” Goldman pointed out. “This will be a critical document as we move forward.”
Following the review, the town is expected to rezone the target area to permit the proposed uses, a bone of contention with property owners looking to get top dollar for their assets. “Will they be looking to buy me out at the current value, or when it’s rezoned to a different, more valuable use?” wondered one property owner after the meeting. “Should l make a deal now, or wait?”
“Our role is to make sure everyone gets a fair say and a fair shake,” said Ava Torres, a local business owner and chamber president. “All of us have a voice as a group, as a community.” Chamber Vice President Matthew Towle urged the Beechwood representatives to come back for future meetings. “We need to keep the lines of communication open so everyone knows what’s going on,” Towle said.
Tenants of the targeted properties contemplated their fate as their landlords are approached with buy-out offers. “I have a long-term lease,” said George Mondi, the 23-year operator of Pizza Time on Neighborhood Road. “What’s going to happen to me and my business?” Considering the prospect of becoming a tenant in the new development, Mondi expressed concern over the many months he would be out of business as new facilities are being built. “If l was able to stay, who would pay my bills in the meantime?” he asked. “I have 12 employees, a huge investment in equipment, new floors and other renovations. I really don’t want to lose out.”
Broaching the topic at the meeting, Goldman indicated that tenants will be subject to the terms of their leases with their landlords, leading one renter to comment, “If your lease doesn’t cover what happens if the property is sold, you’re screwed.” Goldman urged the business owners to do “what they think is best” to keep their operations thriving during the process. Leasing properties to Beechwood instead of a buyout is not an option, she told the chamber members, adding that the development area was set by the town and is not expected to change.
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Beechwood representatives Elysa Goldman and
Edward Pleva discuss the massive project.
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The topic of condemnation hung in the air at the meeting with property owners concerned that if a deal can’t be struck with Beechwood, the town would move ahead with its powers of eminent domain and seize the land through a legal process. Many wondered if they would get a better deal reaching an agreement with Beechwood or letting a judge decide on their property value through a condemnation. Any agreements at this point, Goldman pointed out, would be non-binding until such time that the property is actually purchased. This would not be until after the SEQRA process is complete and the zone changes and other necessary approvals are in place, Goldman noted. “The town is running the show. They asked us to acquire the property, to work it out privately. If we’re not successful, they have the power to buy out the properties at the market rate. Our goal is to come to terms with everyone,” she said.
“You can’t give us enough to move,” declared targeted homeowner Patricia Galang. “My husband is 70 years old. He’s a fireman and walks to church. He loves our yard. We will not move.”
No deals have been stuck as of yet with any of the land owners, Goldman said, announcing that the development of the business corridor is planning to move from east to west starting at the Doris Drive boundary and eventually finishing just after the intersection of Neighborhood and Commack roads. An iconic lighthouse welcoming visitors to the area, as well as a veterans memorial near the crossroads, was a matter of concern to Mike Kujan, commander of Arthur Clune American Legion Post 1533 in Mastic Beach. “Our area is rich in history,” Kujan said. “We need to have our history preserved. The veterans don’t want to be forgotten.”