MIDDLE ISLAND, NY – Suffolk County has officially acquired a 9.9 acre wooded parcel near Pine Lake in Middle Island as of September 11th, 2020. The acquisition process for this land parcel dates back to the Suffolk County General Legislature Meeting on Tuesday, March 20th, 2018, where Legislator Anker’s sponsored Introductory Resolution 1156, was unanimously approved to begin appraisal steps for the property for open space preservation. The property, which was previously slated to be development, is located on Church Lane in Middle Island within the Compatible Growth Area for the Pine Barrens and the watershed area for Pine Lake.
I am very pleased that the County has officially acquired the Pine Lake property
, said Legislator Anker. Together, with the help of the Town of Brookhaven and our local community, we were able to preserve this property which will allow us to protect our ground water, the integrity of Pine Lake, the Pine Barrens, and the natural beauty of the community. As Long Island continues to grow and develop, it is so important for us to ensure that we protect, preserve and support our environment.
The purchase of the Pine Lake property means these acres can now be protected forever from development and improper use
, said Middle Island Civic Association President, Gail Bailey. This land is a refuge for many threatened species and native plants, and local residents were right to call for its preservation. The Middle Island Civic Association is grateful for the partnership between Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven that made this purchase possible. We thank all involved, including Supervisor Romaine, Councilman Loguercio and especially Legislator Sarah Anker for her notable perseverance during the preservation process.
This purchase will protect a heavily forested parcel, as well as the many fish and other wildlife that call Pine Lake their home. Now, this property will be able to be used by Town residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the area for generations to come,
said Councilman Loguercio.
Local community members voiced their support for the acquisition and preservation of this property at the General Legislature Meeting in 2018. In addition, letters of support were received from the Open Space Council, the Middle Island Civic Association, and the Peconic Land Trust. The Town of Brookhaven agreed to partner on the acquisition and provided 30% of the cost. The County has now officially closed on the property. For more information, please contact Legislator Anker’s office at 631-854-1600.
Pictured L-R: Middle Island Civic Association President Gail Bailey, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and Middle Island Civic Association Recording/Corresponding Secretary Frank Bailey.
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