Brookhaven’s expansive coastline has been central to the town’s identity, economy, and quality of life, from working harbors to public beaches and fragile tidal ecosystems. Now, Town officials are taking a comprehensive look at how those waterfronts are planned, protected, and used as Brookhaven develops a Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Harbor Management Plan to guide future decision-making.
As part of that effort, the Town will host a Neighborhood Stakeholder Group Meeting for North Shore residents on January 14, 2026, at the Rose Caracappa Senior Citizens Cultural and Wellness Center in Mount Sinai. The meeting will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and include a presentation, small group discussions, and a report-back session, inviting residents from Miller Place, Mount Sinai, Rocky Point, Shoreham, and Sound Beach to share concerns and ideas about the waterfront.
Given Brookhaven’s unique geography, the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Harbor Management Plan will function as a single document with two distinct components: one for the North Shore and one for the South Shore. While unified in purpose, each component will be addressed separately, with its own Waterfront Revitalization Area and Waterfront Advisory Committee.
Town officials say the LWRP will provide clear, consensus-driven direction for the future of Brookhaven’s waterfronts, while strengthening long-term partnerships with state and local agencies. The program also allows for coordinated review of government actions affecting waterfront areas and expands eligibility for state funding.
Key priorities are expected to include improving public access to the shoreline, strengthening coastal resiliency to address flooding and sea-level rise, enhancing water quality, and reducing conflicts between recreational and commercial users. Strategies may include updating local codes, improving connections between downtowns and nearby waterfronts, and incorporating resiliency measures.
Public engagement has concluded for the South Shore component, now under review by the New York State Department of State. The Town’s focus has shifted to developing the North Shore plan locally.