Mastic Beach proposes new sewer district to support downtown redevelopment

During the Town Board Meeting on May 22, 2025, significant discussions centered around the proposed Mastic Beach Sewer District, aimed at revitalizing the area and addressing environmental concerns. The meeting highlighted the necessity of establishing a sewer district to facilitate redevelopment in Mastic Beach, which has been identified as blighted following a 2019 study. The community has expressed a strong desire to revitalize its downtown area, particularly along Neighborhood Road, Comac Road, and Mastic Road.

The proposed sewer district will cover approximately 300 acres and includes both commercial and residential properties. Currently, the area relies on outdated cesspools and septic systems, contributing to nitrogen pollution in Suffolk County. By implementing a new sewer system, the town aims to improve water quality while supporting redevelopment efforts.

The project entails constructing a sewage treatment plant designed to handle 300,000 gallons per day, with an estimated capital cost of $43 million. Funding for the project includes $20 million secured through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), leaving approximately $23 million to be financed. The financing plan suggests that the town will seek additional grants as the project progresses, which could further reduce costs for property owners.

User charges for the sewer district will be based on the amount of sanitary flow generated by properties, with costs projected to decrease as more users connect to the system. Initially, the annual sewer use charge for a typical property owner is estimated at $4,297, which could drop to around $2,788 after full redevelopment is completed.

The meeting also outlined the timeline for the project, which includes several milestones such as final design, permitting, and construction phases. The town is currently in the planning stage, with further steps required to secure additional funding and finalize project details.

Overall, the establishment of the Mastic Beach Sewer District represents a critical step towards revitalizing the community, enhancing environmental protection, and improving public health through modern infrastructure. The town board's commitment to this project reflects a proactive approach to addressing both local needs and broader environmental challenges.