The Long Pond Greenbelt is a collection of parcels located in Sag Harbor, NY, and is home to thirteen rare coastal plain ponds, wetlands, and endangered species such as the tiger salamander and other rare and unique natural habitats. Through the partnership of Suffolk County, Southampton Town, and the Nature Conservancy, the Long Pond Greenbelt has been part of the open-space initiative of Suffolk County since the 1970s, when the late Dr. Lee Koppelman stressed the importance of land conservation.
The anticipated LIPA-PSEG underground transmission cable project, expected to be constructed horizontally, has the potential to significantly disturb natural habitats and negatively impact protected species. The Long Pond Greenbelt is designated a “critical environmental area” by Southampton Town and Suffolk County. Legislator Fleming’s legislation invokes the process of legislative approval set forth in Res. No. 1198-1986, passed by Assemblyman Steve Englebright when he served in the Suffolk County Legislature. In fact, Legislator Fleming’s resolution garnered the support of Assemblymen Englebright and Fred Thiele, who both declared that these parcels should be “maintained as natural areas and be protected from imminent development.”
Legislator Fleming remarked, “This legislation implements a critical measure that adds a necessary check on the process if PSEG decides to moves forward and allows the public time to become aware and provide input. And thanks to the support of my colleagues in the New York State Assembly, the environmental advocates who came to the Legislature to speak, and EPA Committee Chair Legislator Anthony Piccirillo, the legislation was approved.” The upcoming hearing held by PSEG at LTV Studios (75 Industrial Rd., Wainscott) on June 28th, 6:30 PM. More information can be found here.