Ten on the 10th! “Pine Lake Ten” Officially Acquired – closing date 9/10/2020!

Good things ARE worth waiting for!  The Pine Lake Ten, a 9.9 acre parcel in Middle Island, was officially closed on by Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven on 9/10/2020.  This completes a long preservation process begun in 2017 when MICA hosted local residents and the property owners at our December civic meeting. The final purchase price was $450,000, with Suffolk County contributing $315,000 and TOB $135,000.

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.

SC Press Release:

County Acquires Pine Lake Property in Middle Island for Open Space Preservation

Middle Island Civic President Gail Bailey, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and Frank Bailey

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.

TOB Press Release:

Romaine, Loguercio Announce Preservation of

9.9 Acre Parcel Near Pine Lake in Middle Island

Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and Councilman Michael Loguercio today announced the acquisition of a 9.9-acre parcel for open space across from Pine Lake in Middle Island. The wooded property, located on Church Lane, is in the Compatible Growth Area of the Pine Barrens and had been under threat of development. Brookhaven Town and Suffolk County closed on the sale of the property on September 10, 2020. Photo shows the property highlighted in yellow.
Residents of the area, as well as the Open Space Council, Middle Island Civic Association and Peconic Land Trust, have supported the preservation of this critical watershed parcel. Brookhaven Town partnered with Suffolk County in purchasing the property, contributing $135,000 of the $450,000 purchase price.
“The Pine Lake area dates to the earliest days of the Middle Island community, with Half Mile Road being constructed in the early 1750’s by the Town of Brookhaven,” said Supervisor Romaine. “Purchasing this property will protect our groundwater and preserve the nature and character of this community.”
“This purchase will protect a heavily forested parcel, as well as the many fish and other wildlife that call Pine Lake their home,” said Councilman Loguercio. “Now, this property will be able to be used by Town residents to enjoy the natural beauty of the area for generations to come.”

Middle Island Civic President Gail Bailey, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker and Frank BaileyPictured 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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