February 16, 2006, Farmingville, NY-Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld (D-East Setauket) with Supervisor Brian X. Foley (D-Blue Point) and State Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) announced that on February 2, 2006 the Town of Brookhaven completed the purchase of this critical 3/4-acre parcel of woodland across from the Terryville Fire Department at the intersection of Jayne Boulevard and Route 112 in Port Jefferson Station.  Through the combined advocacy of the Port Jefferson Station-Terryville Civic Association, the Terryville Fire Department and the efforts of Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld, the Town was able to purchase this important parcel and preserve it from development.

“The threatened incompatible development of the wooded gateway to Terryville is finally over,” said Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld.  “The purchase of this triangular- shaped parcel serves multiple public purposes.  In addition to its environmental preservation as a community park-preserve, the safety of our firefighters and our citizens has been insured.  Instead of possibly delayed fire response times and placing volunteers in harm’s way as they enter and exit the fire house under emergency conditions, we envision a park stewarded by the Fire District with a Firefighter’s memorial in a proper setting.”

Past history on this property included a lawsuit won by the former owner against the Zoning Board of Appeals for denying several requested variances to allow him to build a relatively large commercial building relative to the size of the parcel.  Civic Association President Lou Antoniello and the Councilman pointed out public safety concerns in the pending site plan during the public hearing held by the Planning Board on May 16, 2005.  The Councilman with Assemblyman Steve Englebright, Terryville Fire District Commissioner Bill Theis and former Civic Association President Doreen Guma appealed to the Town’s Open Space Committee for its support for acquisition on July 21, 2005.  On October 6, 2005, the Town Board passed the Councilman’s resolution to allocate $600,000 of the Town’s Open Space Bond Act (of 2004) funding for this purpose - as per the town’s appraisals.

Brian Foley, Brookhaven Town Supervisor, stated, "This is a great example of Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld's inclusive community leadership.  I want to applaud the great work of the Terryville community, Fire Department, and the Civic Association.  Preserving this land demonstrates true environmental stewardship."

Assemblyman Steve Englebright said, “The triangle of land at one of Port Jefferson Station’s prominent intersections will now forever be green space that will also help with the smooth deployment and routing of ambulances and fire trucks from Terryville’s main firehouse. It’s a great day for Port Jefferson Station, and it is wonderful how the Fire Department and the Town have coordinated their energies to make this achievement possible.”

William Theis, a Commissioner in the Terryville Fire Department, stated, “I am glad to see the Town help purchase this property for the fire department and civic association.  Thanks to all those who helped bring this to fruition.”

Port Jefferson Station- Terryville Civic Association president, Louis Antoniello, said, “The recent acquisition of the ‘Terryville Triangle’ is of great importance to the Terryville community.  While the small triangular piece of property goes unnoticed by many, it is a piece of property that is strategically valuable to the area due to its close proximity to the firehouse.  Any development on the property could have impeded on the emergency response time to fires and ambulance calls.  I am most thankful to Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld, Assemblyman Englebright, Ed Wendol and the Terryville Fire Department for their involvement in the purchase of the property.”

Councilman Fiore-Rosenfeld has authorized the transfer of $2000 of his community enhancement funds from 2005 to the Terryville Fire Department for a firemen’s memorial that is proposed to be placed on this site.  The Town plans to enter into a Management Agreement with the fire district, giving the district stewardship of the land.

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