Mastic Beach board evaluates variance for unpermitted home amid community opposition

In a recent Zoning Board meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Brookhaven, New York, community concerns took center stage as residents voiced their opposition to a variance request for a property that has been a source of contention for over two decades. The meeting unfolded under the fluorescent lights of town hall, where the air was thick with anticipation and apprehension.

The focal point of the discussion was a house on Woodland Drive, which has a complicated history of ownership and construction. The current owner, represented by Ms. O'Brien, sought to reinstate a variance originally granted in 2022 for the property, which had been built without a Certificate of Occupancy (CO). The request was primarily for a minor adjustment regarding the rear yard setback, but it quickly became clear that the issues surrounding the property were far more complex.

Residents Maura Sperry and Fred Kizek, who have lived in the area for years, expressed their deep concerns about the house's legality and its potential future use. They highlighted that the property had been poorly maintained by previous owners, leading to a decline in neighborhood safety and quality of life. Sperry emphasized the house's history of illegal construction and the lack of proper permits, arguing that allowing the variance would set a dangerous precedent for future developments in Mastic Beach.

Sperry's impassioned plea included a stark warning about the potential for the house to be converted into a facility for sex offenders or a sober living home, which she claimed would exacerbate existing community issues. Kizek echoed her sentiments, stressing that the neighborhood was already facing challenges with an influx of multi-family homes and sober living facilities, and that this variance could further burden the community.

In response, Ms. O'Brien defended the current owner's efforts to comply with town regulations, stating that they had been working with various departments to rectify the property's status. However, board members raised questions about the lack of Health Department approval and the implications of recent changes in building codes since the house was originally constructed.

As the meeting progressed, it became evident that the board was grappling with the weight of the community's concerns versus the legal complexities of the property’s history. Ultimately, the board decided to close and hold the application, leaving the future of the property uncertain.

This meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle between development and community integrity in Brookhaven, as residents continue to advocate for responsible zoning practices that prioritize safety and compliance over expediency. The outcome of this case will likely resonate throughout the community, as it reflects broader issues of housing, safety, and neighborhood character in the face of changing regulations and development pressures.