ABOUT THE MBPOA
The Mastic Beach Property Owners Association (MBPOA) was formed in 1928 and incorporated in 1931. Over the years, the association has worked to make improvements in Mastic Beach.
When the MBPOA was formed in 1928, it was a private membership civic organization. The purpose of the association was to bring about a more neighborly feeling among the members, keep up the waterfront, and further the progress in obtaining a watchman, post office, electric current, better roads, garbage collection, and beaches. The objectives of the organization were "primarily the promulgation of acquaintance, good will, and protection of its interests and the interests of its members for the betterment of the property as a whole, with the view to inspiring individual improvement of various holdings."
Accomplishments of the MBPOA
Both marinas have recently been repaired, including some new bulk-heading, dredging, and ramp replacement. Our business office receives dozens of calls a week, including complaints about quality of life issues. These calls are checked for accuracy and reported to the Town of Brookhaven for correction. We have established a "Quality of Life Task Force". Working by Sections, the "Task Force" participants have section captains that patrol and record problems in each area. We have recently had three problem homes in Mastic Beach torn down, with a special thanks to Supervisor Mark Lesko. We see this as a great accomplishment but recognize that more must be done. We are seeing an increase in our quality of life here in Mastic Beach. Homeowners and residents must still be diligent and be the "eyes and ears" of our own blocks. Our goal is unrelenting. We anticipate increased property values as a welcome by-product of all our efforts.
Committees, Task Forces, and Other Group Involvement:
• 2030 Town Of Brookhaven New York Comprehensive Plan, year one — representing the 6th District
• Downtown Revitalization Citizens' Advisory Panel — representing the 3rd Legislative District
• Save the Forge River Task Force
• Sea Level Task Force — representing Mastic Beach and the Mastic Peninsula
• South Shore Estuary Reserve Task Force
Grants Obtained:
• $1,000,000 for Neighborhood Road Revitalization — new sidewalks, streetlights, town square, benches, trash receptacles, flower boxes, street signs, gazebo
• $30,000 for security cameras on Montauk Highway (Mastic and Shirley) and Neighborhood Road (Mastic Beach)
• $50,000 for engineering study and design for a new park at the old Bayview Hospital site (Mastic Beach)
• $100,000 for a new parking lot near William Floyd High School (Mastic Beach)
• $5,000 for music entertainment at planned local MBPOA events
History
July 30th, 1940 was an important date in the history of the MBPOA. On this date, a deed was filed between the Home Guardian Company and the MBPOA. For the sum of $1, the MBPOA assumed all the public land held by the Home Guardian Company. The land on the waterfront ran for 6.5 miles and included Pattersquash Creek, the marinas in section 1 and 5, the swimming beaches and the clubhouse at the corner of Neighborhood Road and Orchid Drive. The taxes and upkeep of the land and clubhouse became the responsibility of the MBPOA. The MBPOA can not sell, mortgage, or dispose of any property without permission of the Home Guardian Company. All the parklands and the clubhouse are for the use and benefit of the members of the MBPOA.
In 1949, The MBPOA bought 12 acres of land on Fire Island. The land went from the bay to the ocean and was 695 feet long and 1,500 feet wide. The association paid $7,200 for the property. To pay for the purchase 1,000 members pledged to pay $8 each. In 1967 Suffolk County made the property part of the county park system. The MBPOA received $51,000 for the land. The money still remains in a bank account for the MBPOA to borrow against.
In 1961, there was a fire at the MBPOA clubhouse. The first regatta was held that summer and weekly teen dances were held at the clubhouse. Marina 5 was bulk-headed. Electric and water were installed at Marina 1.
In 1963, a recreation committee was established and the club would be open for social and recreational purposes. Mondays were card parties, Tuesdays were dances, Fridays were old-timers night. These events continued until 1964.
The snapper derby was started in 1970 in conjunction with the Mastic Beach Yacht Club. This tradition still continues today.
In the 80's due to waning membership, members could come from anywhere within the 11951 zip code. People outside of 11951, were accepted as associate members. In 1982, a dispute arose with the Suffolk County Board of Health over requirements at the MBPOA beaches. The county claimed that the beaches had to have hot and cold running water, sanitary facilities, and certified lifeguards. Due to the cost of the county requirements, the association abandoned all the swimming beaches. By 1985, all the buildings that remained at the beaches had been demolished. Leaving no trace that a community beach had ever been in Mastic Beach.
Marina 5 fell into disrepair and plans to refurbish it were put in place and completed by 1987. MBPOA meetings were all now held on the first thursday of every month. The IRS declared that the MBPOA was a not-for-profit civic association.
1988 the MBPOA had it's first woman president and the quality of life committee was created.
1989 was a busy year for the MBPOA, Marina 1 was in a state of decay. A five year bulk-heading project was started that eventually replaced all but the north bulkhead. A boardwalk was added with new water and electric service. The park which was located behind boat slips was moved to the southeast corner of the marina and a pump-out station was purchased.
Over the years, the MBPOA has grown and has helped to make the area of Mastic Beach a better place to live. Meetings are held at the clubhouse on the first Thursday of every month at 7:30pm. The MBPOA operates 2 marinas which charge low rates for members. Boat ramps are available at each marina and season passes can be obtained. A community beach has been re-activated on Riviera Drive just east of Marina 1.
