FARMINGVILLE – The Town of Brookhaven is continuing its series of open-house meetings for each of the six Council Districts to galvanize residents about what they would like to see in their communities.
The meetings are a part of a larger initiative to update Brookhaven’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the guiding force for development, funding, and priorities that will define the Town’s landscape for future generations.
Last week, residents of the Fourth Council District descended on Town Hall in Farmingville to make their opinions known. MJ Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying, P.C., is the consultant for the overall project.
The Fourth Council District includes Bellport, Brookhaven hamlet, Gordon Heights, Middle Island, and North Bellport, as well as parts of Coram, Farmingville, Holtsville, Medford, Ridge, and Shirley. Councilman Michael Loguercio (R-Ridge) has represented the district since 2016.
District Four has a population of 80,865 residents, a median age of 42.9, and a homeownership rate of 69.5%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2019-2023) estimate. The district accounts for about 16.6% of the Town’s population and about 28.3% of the land area.
It has an older median age than the Town (41.2) and homeownership is lower than that of the Town (82.5%). The average household size is 2.78, just below the Town’s 2.88 and the County’s 2.95, but above the State’s 2.45. Renters make up 24.6% of the district.
In terms of income, the Fourth District has a median household income of $112,761, slightly less than the Town’s $121,638 and the County’s $129,959, but above the State’s $85,744.
For education, 33.1% of the Fourth Council District’s population holds a Bachelor’s Degree or higher, compared to 36% of the Town, 39.9% of the County, and 37.5% of the State.
Common themes that The Messenger has observed from our coverage of the Sixth and Second Council District meetings is that residents insist on preserving open space and limiting the number of apartment complexes. They favor single-family homes and more affordable solutions for younger people.
As we’ve seen at other meetings, residents appear divided on energy solutions. Some are opposing the controversial Battery and Energy Storage System (BESS) Facilities, while others welcome them, along with solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy.
For the vision of the district, residents hope that vacant buildings are utilized over new construction, and some fear that a “quiet community is slipping away to commercial traffic.” They also hold dear local farms and natural recreation of the district.
“More adult centers and car-free downtowns” are also on the wish list, as are connected bike trails and more dog-friendly amenities.
One resident is calling on the Town to “save” the Middle Island dog park, while older residents without children are hoping for property tax breaks. Middle Island also received some attention from residents, as some are wary of the “environmental impact” of development in the hamlet.
Residents hope for a “cleaner, zero-waste plan” that includes the closure of the controversial Landfill that is “making residents sick.”
Others lament the destruction of woodland areas that now lead to wildlife intersecting with residential areas, as well as warehouses that residents view as unused eyesores.
District Four residents also hope to see more “non-alcoholic” nightlife, “environmentally conscious” development, and “walkable” commercial spaces.
“We want to do more than just go to a bar or restaurant and drink,” one Shirley resident told The Messenger.
Residents described the Smith Haven Mall, a “clean, maintained, and safe” neighborhood, and good beaches, schools, and parks as some of the many assets of living in Brookhaven.
“Too much industry, drugs, and illegal housing,” read another sticky note on the many boards provided to residents. Others are concerned of speeding, sometimes 80mph, on Hospital Road and Bellport Avenue.
These open-house meetings are the jumping-off point for the Town and consultants to deliver on these requests and concerns. Learn more and get involved at planbrookhaven.com.
