The property, located between North Country and Woodhull Landing roads in the heart of the historic district, had been targeted for a proposed 58-lot subdivision. The Vassilaros family, however, has reached a tentative agreement to sell the property to Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town for preservation, Legis. Dan Losquadro (R-Shoreham) said.
"The family has agreed to the price that was offered and we're just getting the contracts done now," Mr. Losquadro said.
Mr. Losquadro declined to discuss the purchase price, saying it could not be revealed until the contract is signed, but he did say the town will partner to pay half the cost.
"I'm really, really overjoyed," said Councilwoman Jane Bonner.
In addition to the impact the project could have on the hamlet's historic district, residents were concerned about the potential increase in enrollment in an already crowded school district. There was also concern about increased traffic along North Country, where, according to a town traffic study report of last year, more than 10,000 cars travel daily.
The parcel has been a major concern for Miller Place residents since 2004, when the county first looked into the possibility of preservation. The town later included the parcel on its preservation wish list in 2007, but those talks cooled down after the Community Preservation Fund referendum was rejected by Brookhaven residents, leaving the town, at the time, without an obvious funding mechanism to preserve the property.
But preservation has remained the focus for residents opposed to the large subdivision, which would have been constructed across from the pond on North Country Road, directly adjacent to Laddie A. Decker Sound Beach School. Ms. Bonner, who served as an aide to Legis. Losquadro when the county was first exploring preservation in 2004, said the difference between now and then is that the Vassilaros family -- owners of the property for more than 60 years -- had formerly been opposed to selling the property for preservation.
Miller Place Civic Association director Woody Brown has been at the forefront of the fight to preserve the property.
"I'm very pleased to see that it looks like the property will be preserved," Mr. Brown said. "Everybody's very grateful."
gparpan@northshoresun.com