A vacant bank building in Middle Island is poised to get a new lease on life—as a Starbucks coffee shop—following key approvals and community support.
The site, located on Middle Country Road, is currently zoned J4 but is set to undergo a change to J5 zoning to allow for the reuse of the structure as a drive-thru Starbucks, Brookhaven Town officials say. The project involves no additional land clearing, but instead focuses on revitalizing the existing footprint with new landscaping, awnings, and signage to suit the new use.
Town Supervisor Dan Panico, who also serves on the Central Pine Barrens Commission, said the project required a hardship exemption under the New York State Pine Barrens Act, despite the lack of any new clearing.
“I attended the Pine Barrens Commission meeting and voted in support of the hardship application that was before the Commission,” said Panico. “You might be surprised to know that even a change of zone, in this case from J4 to J5, to allow for the reuse of the existing building is considered ‘development’ under the NYS Pine Barrens Act since the property is in the Pine Barrens Compatible Growth Area—necessitating the need for a hardship approval.”
The plan will now go before the Town Board for change of zone and site plan hearings to make way for the repurposing.
Local civic leaders and residents welcomed the news. “Thank you so much, Supervisor Dan Panico!” said Gail Lynch-Bailey, president of the Middle Island Civic Association. “The reuse of this existing beautiful brick building is a great example of smart redevelopment. Middle Island is excited to have a major brand join our Main Street corridor.”
Suzanne Walsh McKeon, a local resident, added: “Repurposing an existing building means less new building development.”
The site has sat unused for years, and its transformation is expected to bring renewed energy and economic activity to Middle Island’s core commercial corridor.
Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington, and has since grown into one of the world’s most recognizable coffee brands. As of 2025, Starbucks operates over 16,000 stores in the U.S., with more than 150 locations on Long Island alone. The company continues to expand aggressively in both suburban and urban markets, focusing on drive-thru accessibility, digital ordering, and community-based store design.
Repurposed properties such as the Middle Island site are part of Starbucks’ national strategy to blend growth with sustainability and smart redevelopment.