Brookhaven's Coastal Fight Draws Global Attention

From the shores of the Mediterranean to the coast of Long Island, Brookhaven's battle against flooding is attracting international attention.

A delegation of 25 senior environmental and engineering professionals from Israel traveled to Mastic Beach to study the town's efforts to combat coastal flooding, restore wetlands and protect vulnerable waterfront communities.

Town Supervisor Daniel J. Panico welcomed the delegation alongside Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig and representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"We have seawater on the roads. That's the reality," Panico said, describing the flooding that continues to threaten South Shore neighborhoods.

The international visit comes 14 years after Superstorm Sandy devastated Mastic Beach, damaging approximately 1,000 homes, including more than 100 that sustained severe damage.

Since then, Brookhaven has partnered with federal, state and county agencies to acquire hundreds of flood-prone properties, demolish damaged structures and preserve environmentally sensitive waterfront land.

The town's strategy includes restoring coastal wetlands, creating natural flood barriers and reducing the long-term dangers posed by rising sea levels.

Israeli officials, including representatives from the country's Ministry of Agriculture and regional drainage authorities, expressed particular interest in Brookhaven's voluntary property acquisition program.

The delegation learned how the town purchases vulnerable properties and combines adjoining parcels into larger areas suitable for environmental restoration.

Panico emphasized that international cooperation could benefit communities confronting similar challenges.

"I hope you're all enjoying your time here and that you learn from our experiences, as I'm sure we can learn from yours," Panico told the visitors.

Kesnig called the international exchange enlightening, highlighting the importance of protecting Mastic Beach's environment.

For Brookhaven, the visit represented international recognition of a years-long effort to turn storm-damaged waterfront properties into a more resilient coastline.

And for communities facing similar flooding threats worldwide, Mastic Beach is becoming a place to learn.