Here you’ll find general information and a set of guidelines to living in the Terraces. It covers a variety of topics and responses to frequently asked questions related to our community. It does not replace the Covenants and Restrictions, By-Laws, or the Rules & Regulations.
Beach Access/Swimming
Beach rights and use of the beach ramp/steps are reserved for Terraces property owners in good standing and their guests.
Invited guests should be accompanied by a Terraces property owner at all times.
The ramp and stairs to the beach are generally open from mid-May through fall. When the ramp is closed, the beach is closed for the season. Please do not attempt to reach the beach via the dunes.
There is no lifeguard on duty. Swimming is at your own risk.
Parking at the Plaza (around the flag pole) is available to residents of the Terraces, for beach access.
Use the ramp and stairs to access the beach. Do not use the sand cliff. It is not only unsafe, but also destructive in terms of the erosion it causes.
Residents and their guests are asked to clean up after themselves. Place trash from beach outings in the receptacle at the entrance to the ramp or take it home to be disposed of properly with household refuse.
Lost Beach Cards
Contact Tom Hinek at 93 Longview Avenue or email. There is a $20.00 fee for each lost/damaged card. Only 2 beach cards allowed per property.
Covenants & Restrictions
As a property owner in the Terraces on the Sound, you are subjected to the rules in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions. The Covenants and Restrictions describe the requirements and limitations of what you can do with your property, such as limitations regarding tree removal and fences. The goal of the Covenants and Restrictions is to preserve the character of the community as the original founder intended.
Covenants and Restrictions are available for each dwelling and on file with Suffolk County. It is your responsibility to obtain and read your Covenants and Restrictions. Contact Suffolk County for your copy.
Criminal Activity
If you suspect criminal activity or witness a crime, call the police at 911 or (631) 852-8700. Do not call a Board member; they are not law enforcement.
Noise Control, Nuisance Factor
The Brookhaven Town noise ordinance can be found here.
If you are experiencing a noise/nuisance issue, please contact the Town of Brookhaven or 911. Please do not call a Board member; they are unable to enforce Town ordinances.
One Family Residences
The Terraces is situated in a B-1 Residential Zone of the Town of Brookhaven. By ordinance, occupancy is limited to one family in each residence. It is your responsibility to read your Certificate of Occupancy issued by the Town of Brookhaven Building Department.
Pets
In observance of Town law, dogs and cats are not permitted to run free in the Terraces, and you are expected to pick up your pet’s waste.
If you are having an issue with an unleashed dog/cat or any other issue with a neighbor’s pet(s), please contact the Town of Brookhaven Animal Control (631-451-6950). Do not contact a board member; they are unable to enforce any Town laws.
Property Value and Maintenance
All property in the Terraces is owned either by individual homeowners or by the corporation.
Property owned by the corporation (e.g., beach, ramp, Plaza and roads) is maintained at the community’s expense.
The value of homeowners’ property in the Terraces is directly related to the appearance of our homes and lawns. Maintaining the exterior of houses and keeping lawns and shrubs trimmed is your responsibility–whether the home is occupied by you or your tenant.
Refuse and Recycling
The Town of Brookhaven provides garbage and recycling collection for the Terraces. To obtain a copy of their schedule and details about specific garbage removal and recycling call Brookhaven Town at 631-451-8696 or visit their website.
If you are experiencing issues with waste collection, please contact the Town of Brookhaven. Please do not contact a board member; they do not have any jurisdiction over waste management issues.
Road Maintenance
As a private community, the Terraces receives few services from Brookhaven Town, which does not provide public services on private property. As a result, the community:
- Provides its own road and sign maintenance;
- Keeps the ramps and beach access in good condition;
- Provides snow plowing, etc.
To facilitate the maintenance of community-owned property, all homeowners are expected to keep the roadside adjacent to their properties trimmed and cleared of leaves and refuse.
Safety
Safety in our community is everyone’s responsibility. Speeding on Terraces roads is unwise and dangerous. Please observe the posted speed limit of 20 miles per hour on Longview Avenue. Lower speeds are recommended on side roads.
Be alert to potential hazards. Notify a board member immediately if you see weak or broken steps and railings, as well as damage caused by vandalism.
Each property owner must make sure that his or her house number is visible to emergency vehicles.
Snow Removal
Terraces roads are plowed during most snowfalls. As a property owner, you can help make the job easier if you:
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Trim or remove trees and shrubs that front the road on your property. Many of our side roads are narrow, and overgrown trees and shrubs reduce the efficiency and mobility of the snow plow. It is recommended that roadsides be cleared three feet back from the pavement and eight feet vertically.
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Do not park on the road. The job of plowing and sanding is made more difficult and less effective when parked cars are in the way.
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Clear snow from your driveway and around your mailboxes. The community’s snow removal contractor is not responsible for clearing snow from your driveway or around your mailbox.
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Do not put snow back on the road upon clearing; this creates an added inconvenience for your neighbors and defeats the purpose of plowing and sanding.