Brookhaven families living in some of the community’s most flood-prone neighborhoods are being invited to take part in a new state-funded voluntary buyout effort designed to reduce long-term flood risk and restore vulnerable coastal land.
The initiative, known as the New York State Blue Buffers Program, is being administered by the Office of Resilient Homes and Communities under New York State Homes and Community Renewal.
The program includes $250 million statewide to purchase private properties considered at high risk for repeated flooding.
Through the program, willing homeowners can sell their properties to the state, after which structures will be demolished and the land converted into permanently protected open space. The goal is to create natural buffers that support flood mitigation, shoreline stabilization, and environmental restoration.
Brookhaven was identified as a priority community based on repeated flood impacts, the presence of homes within the 100-year floodplain, and the potential for meaningful mitigation in lower-density residential areas.
Town Supervisor Dan Panico said the effort is now moving forward locally, with eligible families receiving direct notice.
“NYS has mailed out 144 letters to the addresses of the priorities shown here in yellow as the Blue Buffers program begins to move forward,” Panico said. “This is a voluntary program, and letters to eligible owners were mailed last week to inform them that they are eligible for this buyout program and to invite them to apply or contact for more information.”
Applications are now available online at bluebuffers.org, with a current deadline of April 30, 2026.
The state has also scheduled two office hours for residents seeking more information, on Feb. 10 and Feb. 26 from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Mastic Beach Branch of the Public Library, with options for virtual participation.
The program bases purchase offers on pre-flood fair market value, with additional assistance intended to help sellers relocate. Tenants may also qualify for moving stipends or relocation awards.
Panico noted uncertainty about participation but encouraged residents to explore the opportunity, saying, “Those who want more information should inquire.”