Foley, Kepert Hail Cooperation in Land Purchase
DECEMBER 11, 2006, FARMINGVILLE, NY- Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley and Councilwoman Connie Kepert have announced that the Town of Brookhaven has taken an important step towards the historic purchase and preservation of 400 acres in the central Pine Barrens known as the AVR property. At its meeting last week, the Brookhaven Town Board unanimously approved the expenditure of $17 million for the town’s portion of the purchase.
The acquisition will save one of the last large parcels of unprotected land in the Pine Barrens compatible growth area. The property was at the center of the fight between environmentalists and developers in the 1980s and a focal point for the enactment of the New York State Central Pine Barrens Protection Act.
The county, town and state will each share in one-third of the ultimate cost of the 400-acre parcel known as the AVR property in Ridge, which was once part of a 900-acre proposed industrial/retail development. The county and state are still working to complete their portions of the purchase. “The town, county and state have been working towards this goal for a long time,” said Supervisor Foley. “I am glad that the Town Board voted unanimously to approve this purchase. My administration has worked tirelessly to preserve open space, and this particular purchase is a critical piece of a key Pine Barrens preservation jigsaw puzzle.
“We have taken an important step but there is more that needs to be done and we look forward to the completion of this purchase in the near future.”
Councilwoman Kepert worked for 18 years as a community leader and during her first term on the Town Board to preserve this unique resource.
“These parcels consist of some 400 acres of mature forests and pine barrens,” said Councilwoman Kepert. “These parcels link up to or connect with parcels already preserved in the core of the pine barren’s preserve, and thus create a corridor of highly valuable habitat, which literally makes the whole more valuable than the sum of its parts.
“These parcels were once part of a mega-project slated for intensive development. We now have the opportunity to insure that this excellent wildlife habitat will always remain untouched, will always help to insure the high quality of our drinking water, and will aid in our substantial efforts to stop the incessant march of suburban sprawl.”
“This tri-partnership is unprecedented in both acquisition of over 400 acres in the compatible growth are of the pine barrens as well as the dollar commitment by the tri-partnership of the town, county and state,” said Councilwoman Carol Bissonette. “This acquisition demonstrates how valuable partnerships such as this are and that good government ultimately prevails in ensuring the future of the environment, protecting our drinking water and preserving in perpetuity a scenic vista and roadway for decades to come.
“This is a prime example of government working cooperatively on all levels to accomplish a worthy long-term goal,” said Councilman Kevin McCarrick. “I am glad that Brookhaven’s open space dollars can be partnered with other levels of government. I look forward to similar multi-level governmental purchases in the future.”
“The successful preservation of this property demonstrates government working together to ensure 400 beautiful acres remain in its natural state for our future generations to enjoy,” said Councilman Tim Mazzei.
“Suffolk County is pleased to partner with the State of New York and the Town of Brookhaven to acquire one of the last large vestiges of environmentally significant Pine Barrens property,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. “No one level of government can shoulder the burden for preserving such large tracts of land, but by pooling our resources we can make significant progress in the race against overdevelopment.”
“This is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when government works together,” said Assemblyman Marc Alessi (D-Manor Park). “The preservation of this property is a great move not only for us but also for future generations.”
“As architect of the Pine Barrens Act, the preservation of the AVR property has been a priority of mine for quite some time,” said Senator Kenneth P. LaValle. “I began working on acquiring the 400 plus acres in 1997 when the Ridge Civic Association approached me with concerns about over development. The process has been long and arduous, but our determination and perseverance have paid off. Governor George E. Pataki has been a terrific partner in protecting environmentally sensitive lands throughout the state and has been particularly helpful in Pine Barrens land acquisitions during his 12 years in office.
“The agreement between state, county, and local government is an excellent demonstration of the commitment and leadership the people expect from their elected officials. The preservation of this property ensures that some 400 acres of pristine land will remain in its natural state for generations to come.”
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Office of the Supervisor
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