The New Suffolk Waterfront Fund Inc. and Robins Island Holdings LLC, owned by conservation philanthropist Louis Bacon, are very pleased to announce the conveyance of a one acre waterfront parcel to Robins Island Holdings LLC, and the granting of a Conservation Easement to Peconic Land Trust Inc. on the property conveyed.
For the past two years, the Waterfront Fund and Robins Island Holdings have worked toward a long term plan for this parcel - the south portion of the New Suffolk Waterfront property - which had been continually threatened with large scale development. As a result, they have crafted a viable conservation alternative which preserves and protects both open space and views for the residents of New Suffolk and the North Fork. This approach required both approval of a variance by the Zoning Board of Appeals and a subdivision by the Southold Town Planning Board before the sale could be finalized.
Mr. Bacon, founder of the Robins Island Foundation, is quoted as saying, “Congratulations to the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund and Peconic Land Trust who have been excellent partners in this outstanding community preservation project. After years of concern over the threat of overdevelopment, together we crafted a resolution which protects a critical viewshed for New Suffolk and North Fork residents. This private, public and nonprofit collaboration can be an example for others working to preserve the character of their communities in the future.”
“Robins Island Holdings, and Robins Island Foundation are the best possible neighbors one could wish for,” said Barbara Schnitzler, Chair of the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund. “The acre of property they have purchased will remain substantially open space, and its views protected, thereby enabling the Waterfront Fund to now concentrate all of our energies on rebuilding and restoring our remaining 2.3 acres for community use.”
The closing took place earlier this month in the Mattituck law offices of Attorney Gail Wickham, and was attended by several board members of the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund. The Peconic Land Trust was present as well, later issuing the following statement in support of the sale:
“The Peconic Land Trust is honored to work with the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund and Robins Island Holdings LLC on this next step in the evolution of the Waterfront. The acquisition by Robins Island Holdings will provide the Waterfront Fund with the financial resources to move forward and realize many of the projects that were envisioned during the early community visioning sessions. We are pleased to hold a conservation easement on a portion of this important community asset,” said John v.H. Halsey, President, Peconic Land Trust.
The Waterfront property is located at the intersection of First and Main Streets in the hamlet of New Suffolk. It has a deep water marina, three landmarked buildings and was the site of the first submarine base in the United States. For additional information, contact the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund at 631.566.0806.