Huntington Town moves ahead with plan to preserve Stanhope Stables as open space

Huntington officials are moving ahead with a plan to buy the farmland development rights of Stanhope Stables in West Hills, in partnership with Suffolk County, to preserve open space and allow the facility to continue operating as an equestrian facility.

The deal calls for the county to pay two-thirds of the appraised purchase price of the 13.72-acre plot’s development rights, with the town kicking in the remaining third.

The farmland development rights were valued at $2,954,500 in an appraisal funded by Suffolk County, according to Town of Huntington documents.

Town Supervisor Ed Smyth said Open Space Land and Park Improvements Reserve Fund money would be used to pay the town's $981,833 portion. He said the plan keeps the area's equestrian recreational usage intact, in keeping with the character of the neighborhood.

"This will preserve part of the historical and aesthetic nature of the area," Smyth said, noting the area is the birthplace of Walt Whitman.

The board voted 5-0 to approve a contract and use park improvements fund money.

The facility, at 5 Downs Rd., offers boarding, horseback riding lessons and training.

Nancy Henderson, owner of the facility for 26 years, could not be immediately reached for comment. By selling the development rights, she can continue operating Stanhope Stables and the land will be preserved as open space in perpetuity.

"Preserving open space like Stanhope honors the unique, bucolic character of the area but ensures that future generations will continue to benefit from its history and equestrian legacy," said Suffolk County Legis. Rebecca L. Sanin (D-Huntington Station), who represents the district.

"I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and excited to see this important preservation effort moving forward," she said.

Sanin said she hopes a closing on the development rights should happen by the spring.