Three houses in Mastic Beach that were damaged during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 were destroyed by brookhaven Town on March 28. The zombie homes located at 794, 795 and 798 Riviera Drive had been vacant and in disrepair since sustaining severe damage during the storm.

 

According to a press release from Brookhaven Town, the houses were purchased by Suffolk County from a designated pool of funds known as 477 Aquifer Protection Funding. A quarter of a percent of every penny that is collected in sales tax in the county goes towards this fund.

 

A zombie home at 798 Riviera Drive in Mastic Beach. Photo: Town of Brookhaven.

 

The money is earmarked specifically for open space acquisitions as well as other initiatives that can be used to protect the aquifer. The demolished houses were located in environmentally sensitive wetlands and the property will be preserved as open space.

 

Brookhaven Town Councilman Dan Panico and Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella were on hand for the demolition.

 

On March 28, 2022, Councilman Dan Panico (right) and Suffolk County Legislator Jim Mazzarella (left) were on-hand for the demolition of three vacant zombie homes. Pictured in front of 794 Riviera Drive in Mastic Beach. Photo: Town of Brookhaven.

 

“It’s always great to partner with Legislator Mazzarella on helping the community and our environment,” Panico said. “I look forward to working with him in the future to the benefit of our mutual constituencies.”