Supervisor Daniel Panico revealed the decision as part of a broader fiscal strategy, which involved the dissolution of the planning board and accessory apartment review board. The move is projected to yield a net annual savings of approximately $30,000 for Brookhaven. However, the decision was not solely about financial reorganization. Panico articulated that he proposed raising town board salaries due to an expanded scope of responsibilities. The board will now undertake tasks traditionally handled by the planning board, including rigorous reviews of site plans for housing, commercial, and industrial projects. This encompasses considerations such as building heights, parking lots, signs, and lighting fixtures.
"My colleagues on the board that were elected to do X, I'm asking them to do X plus Y. It's going to be a considerable amount of work," Panico explained.
In addition to the salary adjustments, Panico disclosed operational changes in town board meetings. Previously commencing at 5 p.m., the meetings will start two hours earlier. This adjustment is coupled with a commitment to hold separate meetings dedicated to scrutinizing large-scale developments. The exact frequency of these additional meetings remains to be determined, leaving residents and stakeholders in anticipation.
As discussions unfold within the community, the decision's impact on governance and community dynamics comes into focus. The absence of public input in this crucial resolution has become a focal point for residents. While Supervisor Panico underscores the imperative of fortifying the town's fiscal resilience and retaining proficient leaders, community members express diverse perspectives on the implications and considerations guiding the Town Board's resolution.
The aftermath of this decision will inevitably contribute to a narrative about Brookhaven's evolving governance and the nuanced relationship between elected officials and the constituents they serve. As the community navigates these changes, the Brookhaven Town Board's resolution stands as a pivotal moment, inviting contemplation on the town's trajectory and the engagement of its residents in shaping its future.