Residents of Mastic Beach on Long Island received reassuring news Thursday when Suffolk County officials unveiled a plan to keep the local library open despite a recent surge in crime around the neighborhood. The library, which had been slated to close at the end of the year because of drug activity, vandalism and other criminal behavior, will now benefit from a police substation, additional street lighting and more staff on site.
Police substation to be installed within a week
County Executive Ed Romaine announced that a temporary police substation, housed in a trailer, will be placed across the street from the library on Neighborhood Road within the next seven days. “We have committed extra dollars to repair and improve safety around the library, and staffing is only part of it,” Romaine said. “We’re going to sit and work with the library, the local civic association and community leaders to make sure safety is the number one concern.”
Enhanced lighting and staffing
In addition to the substation, the county will install brighter lighting along the library’s perimeter and increase the number of security personnel assigned to the area. These measures are intended to deter loitering, reduce the likelihood of open‑alcohol violations and create a safer environment for families and seniors who rely on the library’s resources.
Library trustees shift focus to community programming
Earlier this month, the library’s board of trustees voted to discontinue traditional book‑lending services and re‑orient the facility as a community‑program center. The decision was driven by the same safety concerns that prompted the closure plan. With the new security enhancements, the board hopes to resume a broader range of services while still protecting patrons from the recent spate of incidents.
Recent crime statistics
Police records show that between May and September, the area saw 15 summonses for open‑alcohol violations, one arrest for assault and several other offenses, including loitering and vandalism, along neighborhood roads. While these numbers are modest, they have contributed to a perception of insecurity that threatened the library’s future.
Community response
Local residents and civic groups have expressed relief at the county’s swift response. “Having a police presence right next to the library will make parents feel more comfortable sending their children to after‑school programs,” said a longtime Mastic Beach homeowner. The library’s new role as a hub for community events, tutoring and senior activities is expected to strengthen neighborhood ties.
Future outlook
The ultimate decision about full library operations remains with the library board, but the county’s commitment of resources signals a strong partnership aimed at preserving an essential public service. As the substation goes up and lighting improves, officials anticipate a decline in the minor offenses that have plagued the area, allowing the library to serve as a safe, welcoming space for all residents.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
