The perennial eyesore formerly known as Smitty’s Hardware in Mastic Beach is getting a new life with construction beginning on a community daycare center.
Ghulam Sarwar, a principal of the project, said the center—Mastic Beach Daycare—will serve both infants and school-aged children with two distinct programs: a full-time daycare for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years and a school drop-off and aftercare service for kids 5 to 12 years old.
“We’re doing the best we can to build something the town will be proud of,” the local businessman said. “When we’re finished, this will be the best building in Mastic Beach.”
Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig confirmed the work is fully permitted and underway. “Renovation work is currently underway at the former Smitty’s Hardware on Mastic Road in Mastic Beach,” said Dunne-Kesnig. “All required building permits are in place, allowing the owner to begin the multimillion-dollar renovation project that will transform the old hardware store into a daycare facility.”
Residents have taken notice of the long-awaited transformation. “What a blessed sight to see them cleaning out already,” said Michelle Clements. “Thank you.”
Sarwar said the center will be open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with school buses dropping off older children in the afternoons. The total capacity is expected to be 140 children in the full-time daycare, with over 100 children served in the after-school program.
A playground is included in the first development phase, with a possible second building and additional services planned for future phases.
Sarwar emphasized that the project is community-centered, noting that more than 20 permanent jobs will be created for teachers and support staff and 15 to 20 local construction workers currently employed on-site.
“We’re hiring local people—laborers, electricians, plumbers, everyone is from the area,” he said. “This is good for the town, for families, and for the local economy.” When completed—possibly by November or December—Sarwar hopes the new facility will become a model of revitalization for the area.
“This will be the biggest and best-looking commercial building in Mastic Beach,” he boasted. “We want to provide the best service and the best environment for the children and families here.”
Plans were recently announced to renovate the 7-11 store across the street, and the area is targeted for sewer service. In March, Mastic saw the completion of the $228 million Forge River Watershed sewer project, a massive investment in environmental protection and economic development. A new sewer system is also planned to serve the reconstruction of the Neighborhood Road Business District in Mastic Beach known as the Beechwood project.