Long Island Seeks To Reverse 80-Year-Old Planning Failures

Once a working-class escape, Mastic Beach's dense grid and small lots have been a hindrance to development. Now local leaders are trying to undo decades of urban mismanagement.

1 minute read

June 30, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Jeffrey Goodman

In the 1920s, 20-by-100-foot lots could be bought in Mastic Beach for $55. But with such small lots, the cost of living in the town grew too fast, forcing many residents to sell their homes to speculators. One businessman claims simply, "we were exploited, the people that were in power failed us." Now, Vision Long Island, a smart growth group, is working with the city to redevelop the old charm.

Thanks to Jeffrey Goodman

FULL STORY: Reversing the tide of poor planning in Mastic Beach

Monday, June 28, 2004 in Newsday

Community / Economic Development New York

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