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Jamesport farmland may be added to county’s preservation program

Suffolk County is looking to purchase the development rights of a 37.6-acre Jamesport parcel as part of its farmland preservation program, according to Legislator Al Krupski.

The land is located on Main Road across from the The Glass Greenhouse and Farm Market and is the previous site of Gabrielsen’s Country Plant Farm until the retail business relocated in 2015 after 45 years at the location.

Mr. Krupski (D-Cutchogue) said when the parcel when up for sale early last year he contacted the owners, a group of investors. The parcel had been listed by real estate firm Brown Harris Stevens at $4.5 million.

“I explained to them the county’s land preservation program and I asked if they would be interested in participating,” he said. “I explained that it’s a voluntary program and I would welcome their participation.”

About a year later, the owners reached out to him and said they were interested in taking part in the program.

“It adds to a large block of preserved farmland so it’s an important parcel because of that,” Mr. Krupski said.

The deal will go before the Suffolk County Farmland Committee next month, he said. If the committee recommends the acquisition, it will move to the Environment, Planning and Agriculture Committee for an appraisal for which the Legislature would have to authorize an offer.

The Riverhead Town Board is set to pass a resolution on Tuesday for a letter of support of the farmland acquisition after discussing it Thursday at a work session. Mr. Krupski said the Jamesport Community Association also approves of the participation.

Photo caption: Suffolk County is trying to add a 37.6-acre parcel that has been on the market since last year to its farmland preservation program. (Credit: Kelly Zegers)

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