SHIRLEY, NY – Brookhaven Town Councilman Keith Romaine today announced he has secured $25,000 for the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics and Shirley. The funds will be used to defray costs of renovating the Mastic/Shirley Railroad station building, which will be used as an office for the chamber, and a visitor center for the area.

“I m happy to provide this $25,000 grant to the chamber of commerce for the renovation project of their new office at the Shirley train station,” said Councilman Keith Romaine. “This project will give the chamber a visible presence in the community, aesthetically enhance the area, and bring much needed information to those who visit the community.”

The building will be restored to its original Federal style architecture. The brick exterior will be sandblasted to reveal the original color, and all molding trim will be replaced or repaired. Light fixtures, shutters and a ceiling chandelier in the Federal style will be installed, and the interior will be painted in historic Federal colors. The existing ceiling will also be removed and replaced with a faux cathedral ceiling with exposed beams. In addition, fire and burglar alarms will be installed, as well as high speed internet for security systems, and the existing bathrooms will be made handicapped accessible.

“Hundreds of people use this train station every week, and during the summer months use significantly increases by tourists visiting the community’s pristine beaches, marinas, preserves and parks,” said Councilman Romaine. “Once completed, the renovated building will benefit our community, local businesses and tourism in the area.

The funds for the grant were provided from a $500,000 account established by Brookhaven Town in 2003 designated for funding projects and programs beneficial to the Mastic-Shirley community.

Pictured, left to right, are: Mark Smothergill, President of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley;
Barbara Kruk, treasurer of the chamber and chairperson of the visitor center/office committee; and Councilman Keith Romaine.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Town Council
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258