Suffolk County, Brookhaven Town buy 5.4 acres for preserve

Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town officials announced they have completed the purchase of a vacant parcel in Miller Place to preserve it from development.

The 5.4-acre wooded parcel, a former farm, will be added to Cordwood Landing County Park, a 64.4-acre nature preserve with hiking trails that lead to views of Long Island Sound.

Legis. Sarah Anker (D-Mount Sinai) said the county and town bought the land for $1.14 million. The county paid 70 percent of the purchase price, and Brookhaven paid 30 percent, she said.

Anker said the purchase was “a major victory, not only for the people of Miller Place but also for Suffolk County.” She said a developer could have built as many as seven houses at the site.

“It will again reduce the chance of additional development around the park, which with open space we hope to improve the water quality by deterring overdevelopment,” Anker said.

In a statement, Brookhaven Councilwoman Jane Bonner said the acquisition “preserves open space and protects a crucial wildlife habitat for generations to come.”