The Town of Brookhaven announced on June 12 that it will hold a public hearing regarding the potential acquisition by eminent domain of real property in and around the downtown corridor of the Hamlet of Mastic Beach, Suffolk County. The hearing is scheduled for July 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Town Board Auditorium at One Independence Hill, Farmingville.
According to the notice, the purpose of the hearing is to inform residents about Brookhaven’s possible acquisition—by eminent domain or negotiated purchase—of 129 separate tax parcels totaling approximately 26.78 acres within what has been designated as the Neighborhood Road Redevelopment Area. The Project Site covers about 37.68 acres and includes properties along Commack Road, Mastic Road, Doris Drive, Victoria Place, Linden Place and adjoining streets. A diagram of the Project Site can be found online or examined at the office of the Town Clerk during regular hours.
The proposed acquisition is part of a “public project” under New York’s Eminent Domain Procedure Law intended to facilitate reuse and redevelopment of what officials describe as a currently blighted and underutilized area. Plans include developing a mixed-use downtown center with retail space, multifamily residential units, civic land uses and related improvements such as utility infrastructure upgrades, enhanced parking facilities, and beautification efforts including signage and landscaping.
The town has previously selected Beechwood Organization through its affiliate Mastic Devco LLC as master developer for this initiative. The notice states that public benefits are expected to include returning vacant properties to productive use; expanding green infrastructure; creating community spaces; establishing affordable housing opportunities; increasing local investment potential; creating jobs; promoting economic revitalization; reducing negative impacts from vacant buildings; increasing sales tax revenues; expanding Brookhaven’s property tax base; and advancing general prosperity for residents.
Residents—including property owners or tenants near the site—are invited to attend in person or view via livestream at Brookhavenny.gov/meeting. Written comments will be accepted until close of hearing at 5:00 p.m., July 7. Comments received after that time will not be considered.
Brookhaven also maintains emergency services throughout its fire district with volunteer efforts aimed at protecting lives and property from Brookhaven Hamlet northward to Shirley southward along Great South Bay under leadership that includes chiefs and commissioners using modern equipment such as special operations drone units, according to the official website.