Farmingville, NY – Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner announced today that the Town of Brookhaven and Suffolk County has closed on the purchase of property for open space known as Cordwood Landing in Miller Place (outlined in red). The closing occurred on May 18. Pictured left to right are Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Councilwoman Jane Bonner, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, Gerard Mannarino from the Miller Place-Mt. Sinai Historical Society and Miller Place resident Noelle Dunlop.
Cordwood Landing is an undeveloped parcel of land totaling 5.5 acres and consisting of successional forest that grew after historical farming practices ceased. The property is within the transition area of the Town designated Miller Place Historic District and nearby the National Register of Historic Places “Miller Place Historic District.” This National Historic District was added to the National Register in 1976 and was the first National Historic District in the Town of Brookhaven. The total purchase price of the property was $1,140,000 with the Town’s 30% share being $342,000 plus closing costs. The funds for the Town’s share were provided by the Joseph Macchia Environmental Preservation Capital Reserve Fund. The fund was established in 1998 to pay costs associated with the acquisition of environmentally sensitive, undeveloped lands, including open space.
Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “By partnering with the County, the Town has taken a major step in our efforts to preserve open space in the woodlands along the north shore. I commend Councilwoman Bonner for her efforts to make the preservation of this land a reality. It’s a win for the environment and the residents of Brookhaven Town.
Councilwoman Bonner said, “Cordwood Landing is a very important acquisition that preserves open space and protects a crucial wildlife habitat for generations to come. I’ve worked long and hard with our Law Department and the County to bring this to fruition and I am very pleased that the Town Board supported me to help get it done.”
“I have been working diligently for the past 6 years to acquire this important parcel and I am pleased to see it come to fruition,” said Legislator Anker. “By preserving this parcel through the county’s Drinking Water Protection Program, we are protecting the character and integrity of the community and the adjacent county parkland. This parcel will be a wonderful addition to the nature preserve. I thank the community for their continued and unwavering support, and the Town of Brookhaven for their partnership on this acquisition.”
Bounded on the east by the Carter Christmas Tree Farm and bounded on the north by a nearly 65 acre Suffolk County park of rolling hills and woodlands that extend to Long Island Sound, Cordwood Landing represents an excellent acquisition, protecting existing parkland as well as local agriculture and the neighborhoods surrounding it. The property is brimming with life as migratory birds move through in search of food and shelter. Great-horned owls have historically nested on the property and hunt the surrounding lands and Christmas tree farm for prey. It is also home to white-tailed deer, eastern box turtles and red fox.
Division of Public Information - Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill
Farmingville, NY 11738
Phone: 631-451-6595