Last year, Brookhaven Town approved site-plan applications 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.

Rechler said his admiration for neighboring mayor Paul Pontieri sparked his original interests to bring the Greybarn development to Patchogue. He said he is now excited to build as part of the East Patchogue revitalization plan as an extension of the Patchogue Village downtown. He also disclosed the unique feature for the East Patchogue site, which will have live-work design elements, with multiple private and shared workspaces for remote working residents.

Additionally, the site has already been approved for Village of Patchogue sewer treatment plant connection. Originally, Rechler anticipated beginning demolition as soon as last September, with possible construction to the actual building by 2022. However, the company now anticipates to break ground sometime this spring or summer, after a building permit is issued.
“We are excited to launch the next generation of Greybarn,” said a Rechler spokesperson.

ART CENTER HOMEBASE

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. The ownership of the lot, which currently houses several vacant structures, will be transferred to the Town of Brookhaven for development opportunities. Potential plans for the development of a multicultural media arts center have already circulated, to be filled by the Patchogue Arts Council as a potential new home base.

However, if the cultural arts center doesn’t come to fruition, Rechler promised they would continue to demolish the buildings located on the relinquished parcel. He also agreed to setting up an escrow account to make good on that promise and prevent any future costs to the town.

“We are especially excited about the arts center,” said Rechler, determined to make it happen.

Patchogue Arts Council executive director Beth Giacummo confirmed the plans, stating that 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.

“We envision so many ways these spaces can serve, including mixed-use performance space, a literary room for readings and talks, expanded exhibition space for MoCA L.I., offices, and room for the museum’s collection,” she said. “I would love to see the collection we build be available to the public for viewing, much like the Brooklyn Museum. We will need a great deal of help fundraising to make all of this possible, but PAC has an impressive history that will attract the help and funding needed.”

Giacummo said she also looks forward to working with Rechler on reimagining the current structure and a capital campaign to see it all come to fruition.