The future of Brookhaven is up for grabs, and town officials are telling taxpayers to make their voices heard before the bulldozers, developers and politicians decide for them.
Brookhaven is launching a major overhaul of its Comprehensive Land Use Plan for the first time in three decades, and officials want the public weighing in on everything from housing and traffic to parks, businesses and quality of life.
The current blueprint guiding growth across the sprawling Long Island town dates back to 1996, when flip phones were cutting-edge technology and TikTok didn't exist. Now, Town Hall says it's time for a reset.
After wrapping up a series of public meetings across all six council districts, officials are turning to the internet to collect even more feedback from residents, business owners and anyone with a stake in Brookhaven's future.
Through the website PlanBrookhaven.com, you can complete a 10-minute survey and even drop digital pins on an interactive map to highlight favorite hangouts, problem spots or areas desperately in need of improvement.
Town leaders say the online mapping tool will provide a street-level look at how residents actually live, work and spend their time throughout Brookhaven's dozens of hamlets and neighborhoods.
“This is an opportunity for everyone who lives, works, owns a business, or has a stake in Brookhaven’s future to make their voice heard,” Supervisor Daniel Panico said.
The survey tackles some of the town's biggest issues, including housing development, economic growth, transportation, environmental protection, waterfront access, infrastructure and public services.
Officials say the feedback collected will help shape policies, investments and zoning decisions for years to come.
The message from Town Hall is simple: If you want a say in what Brookhaven looks like tomorrow, now's your chance. Otherwise, don't be surprised when someone else makes the decisions for you.