In its ongoing effort to reclaim and restore the fragile salt marshes along Suffolk’s South Shore, Brookhaven Town has taken another step forward with the demolition of a long-abandoned waterfront home on Riviera Drive in Mastic Beach. The property, long a blight along the scenic shoreline, will be preserved as open space and incorporated into one of the largest marshland restoration projects on Long Island.
For over a decade, Brookhaven has been methodically acquiring land in this flood-prone area, which was severely impacted by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The storm damaged many homes beyond repair, prompting longtime residents to sell or surrender their properties. In coordination with Suffolk County and supported by state and federal funding, the town has since assembled more than 300 parcels, comprising approximately 147 acres, to reestablish the salt marsh that once thrived here.
“The unspoiled views along the waterfront in Mastic Beach, from land or sea, will no longer be marred by this monument of blight,” said Town Supervisor Dan Panico. “The property will be preserved and added to the hundreds of lots that we have acquired to keep the area the beautiful place that it is.”
The home at 579 Riviera Drive, once a symbol of storm devastation and decay, is now cleared, making way for land that town officials say will eventually revert to its natural state.
Councilwoman Karen Dunne-Kesnig joined Panico at the demolition and praised the town’s initiative: “I was thrilled to watch this long-standing eyesore come down. The land will now have a chance to return to its natural condition.” She noted that Brookhaven’s approach to flood mitigation is rooted in nature-based solutions rather than hard infrastructure.
Their restoration plan includes removing phragmites and other invasive species, filling outdated mosquito ditches, and carving sinuous tidal creeks to improve drainage and flood control. The goal is to build a resilient marsh system that will absorb floodwaters, restore wildlife habitat, and provide public access through eco-friendly boardwalks, Dunne-Kesnig explained. The area is home to species such as diamondback terrapins and saltmarsh sparrows, which rely on healthy tidal wetlands for survival.
“By removing encroachments and curbing future development, Brookhaven aims to allow this unique ecosystem to regenerate. Permanent road closures are also being considered to further discourage vehicular traffic in sensitive zones,” town officials said.
Steve Brown, a member of Brookhaven’s Open Space and Farmland Preservation Committee, which recommended the acquisition of many of the parcels, noted the significance of the project: “Once again, the town has taken the initiative to preserve environmentally sensitive lands to help protect our environment. These wetlands are critical for water quality and for supporting a healthy coastal ecosystem. Brookhaven has been especially active in preserving properties along the South Shore waterfront.”
The property is part of the 1,685-acre Mastic-Shirley Conservation Area, where the federal government owns 613 acres, the state 93 acres, Suffolk County about 77 acres, and Brookhaven 147 acres. The land includes the former site of Captain Andy’s Fishing Station, opened in 1940, and more recently, Violet Cove Restaurant, which closed in 2008 and suffered severe damage during Sandy. A $2 million state grant is being directed toward redevelopment of the property, where the former restaurant building was demolished in 2022 to prepare the site for public recreational use, including kelp farm operations by Center Moriches native Sue Wicks.
“The state funding will go toward converting this vacant land overlooking Narrow Bay into a recreational eco-destination,” said Assemblyman Joe DeStefano. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase nature-based approaches to flood mitigation, enhance recreational access, and educate the public about the importance of our coastal environment.”
While the full restoration of the Mastic Beach salt marshes may take time, the recent demolition marks a visible milestone in the town’s long-term vision: to retreat from the most flood-vulnerable areas and allow nature to reclaim a shoreline that once flourished with tidal channels, maritime forests, and rich biodiversity.
For now, town officials say they are focused on finalizing designs and securing additional funding, including support from New York State, as they prepare to transform a once-suburbanized coastline into a model for climate resilience and environmental renewal.