Originally, the developer anticipated beginning demolition as soon as last September, with possible construction to the actual building by 2022. Then, the company said they anticipated breaking ground sometime last spring or summer 2023, after a building permit was issued. 

According to Rechler representatives, last month, the developers received the demolition permits and will begin sometime this month. However, final tests were to be done prior to demo.

Councilman Neil Foley said the town has issued demolition permitting and as of Friday, Nov. 10, the developers were slated to start on the back two buildings on Monday, Nov. 13. As for the front buildings, Foley said, they will be demolished sometime mid-December.

“We, the community, and myself are waiting patiently and looking forward to a new beginning over there,” he said of the development.

However, as of print, the site remains undemolished, though there was some construction workers present Tuesday morning.

Brookhaven Town approved site-plan applications in 2021 for the Greybarn site at the former Mediterranean Manor, located at 303 East Main Street in East Patchogue, for the redevelopment of 3.42 acres of land. 

The plan includes demolition of all existing structures, including the former catering hall, barber shop and photo studio, as well as several vacated and boarded surrounding buildings. The neighboring building to the east, including Miller’s Mint and the old antique mall, will remain, with the construction of a three-story, 91-unit (mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom) multi-family rental apartment building complex, which includes associated parking, a swimming pool and outdoor amenity area, dog park, landscaping, and drainage. 

According to the developer Greg Rechler, of Rechler Equity Partners LLC, the development will conform with the neighborhood while providing a much-needed revitalization as a luxury apartment complex.

The site, he said, will include all the amenities Long Islanders are accustomed to, including washers, dryers, and additional community kitchens, an outdoor pool, and billiard and screening rooms. Rechler also noted the similar Amityville Greybarn, which has a 99 percent occupancy rate and an 80 percent resident retention rate, compared to the market average of 55.

The project site is located within the East Patchogue Incentive Overlay District and also includes a community benefit parcel located directly south of the proposed site, across East Main Street.

Last week, the Patchogue Arts Council was awarded an $800,000 JumpSMART Small Business Downtown Investment Program grant. The money will go towards construction costs at this new location.

Patchogue Arts Council executive director Beth Giacummo said the arts council is excited and thankful for the new space. She said it will allow them to serve artists of all disciplines. She also hopes to utilize the existing buildings to begin using the spaces as soon as possible.