Farmingville, NY – Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko and Councilwomen Kathleen Walsh and Constance Kepert announced the start of a pilot project for the Brookhaven Initiative for Growth (BIG) Plan, which is designed to spur economic growth and jobs by streamlining the regulatory process for development projects. Under the BIG Plan, qualifying projects will have a streamlined and expedited decision process. The BIG Plan Pilot Project will focus on development projects along Middle Country Road, which is one of Brookhaven’s most blighted thoroughfares.

“The BIG Plan Pilot Project for Middle Country Road is a key component for the financial recovery of Route 25 and will potentially be a vehicle for jobs creation and redevelopment,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “Brookhaven Town needs to do our part in joining the federal and state government in efforts to stimulate our economy. This plan does just that. The BIG Plan Pilot Project will help us get people back to work by speeding the decision-making for qualifying projects.”

To qualify as a BIG partner, the projects must agree to have at least 25 percent of their construction workforce Brookhaven residents. In addition, they would pay a voluntary contribution to the Town’s Parkland Reserve Fund and any other contributions required by the Town Code.

“Through an intensive planning process and the Red Tape Commission report, we have built the foundation for approving projects which will create good jobs and reinvigorate an entire corridor. By following the guidance of the extensive community visioning in Coram, Middle Island and Ridge, the Big Plan has the potential to create a true Renaissance along the Route 25 corridor,” said Councilwoman Connie Kepert.

“The BIG Plan Pilot Project gives us the tools to make positive change in our community through redevelopment of commercial areas, such as the Route 25 Corridor in the center of our Town,” said Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh, the Town’s Deputy Supervisor. “By having Town government work together with private businesses, we can make a positive change in our community by redeveloping vacant buildings and spurring local economic growth. The economic challenges we face demand aggressive, proactive measures to make sure that government is part of the solution – and not part of the problem. We can no longer sit casually by and wait for things to just happen. We have to make them happen one project at a time”

The BIG Plan Pilot Project will identify projects along Middle Country Road where relevant decisions regarding land use applications could be made between 100 days and 6 months. Those projects that opt into the Pilot Project will receive all relevant decisions on their zoning, subdivision and site plan applications in an expedited manner.

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