JANUARY 14, 2008, FARMINGVILLE, NY – Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Councilman Keith Romaine today announced the acquisition of the 30.7-acre Pheasant Meadow Farm in East Moriches. The purchase price of $5.2 million was funded equally by the Town and County at $2.6 million each.
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley, at podium, and County Executive Steve Levy, right, announced Monday that the town and county had purchased a 30.7-acre parcel in East Moriches to be preserved as open space. At far left is County Legislator Jay Schneiderman and next to him is Town Councilman Keith Romaine. Supervisor Foley also announced that he is forming a Blue Ribbon panel to explore ways to finance future open space preservation efforts.
Supervisor Foley also announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon panel to explore new and innovative ways to finance the preservation of open space in Brookhaven Town following the defeat in November of a proposition to establish a Community Preservation Fund.
“The purchase of Pheasant Meadow Farm is an important addition to Brookhaven Town’s open space inventory,” said Supervisor Foley. “This important parcel contains significant wetlands and is directly adjacent to a 70-acre state Department of Environmental Conservation preserve of salt marsh and coastal woodlands bordering Hart’s Cove.
“Preservation of open space is of critical importance for the Town of Brookhaven, and I am pleased to announce today that I will be forming a blue-ribbon panel to explore new funding methods and strategies for future open space purchases. I will include all the stakeholders on this panel—civic groups, environmental organizations, government officials, financial experts and more. We need to find a way to move forward with the critically important work of preserving our last open spaces—it is essential if we are to maintain the quality of life we have all come to expect in the Town of Brookhaven.”
“We are pleased to build on our track record of success in identifying and securing vital wetland and watershed areas in Suffolk County,” said County Executive Levy. “This tract is an important buffer area for extensive wetland systems on adjacent state-owned property.”
“I welcome the preservation of this important piece of open space,” said Councilman Romaine. “My constituents in the Sixth Council District recognize the need to protect open spaces and the lands bordering our critical waterways like Hart’s Cove.”
A 20-lot residential subdivision had been granted preliminary approval for the parcel. The farm area is now a field and as it returns to a wild state it will provide enhanced value as wildlife habitat for a variety of bird, mammal and reptile species.
Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677
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