Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico was on site to thank the Town of Brookhaven’s demolition crew as they prepared to bulldoze a blighted house and cottage in Middle Island, clearing the way for the preservation of 3.5 acres of critical open space.
The Town acquired the parcel along East Bartlett Road to protect it from future development and preserve its natural state. The land lies on the boundary between the Core of the Central Pine Barrens and the Compatible Growth Area. This heavily wooded parcel features a quarter-acre pond, rolling topography, and old-growth woodlands.
“In Brookhaven, we have proven that a government can be effective at preservation and the protection of our environment. This latest accomplishment is in a truly beautiful and serene part of our town, containing substantial preserved open space acreage and pine barrens,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico.
A natural wildlife sanctuary, this parcel is home to a myriad of species and is vitally important to migratory frogs including spring peepers, grey tree frogs, and wood frogs which utilize the pond for breeding in the spring.
“In Brookhaven, our mission is to preserve where it makes sense and redevelop where appropriate. We have struck a wonderful balance and continue to achieve for our environment and economy on a daily basis,” added Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio.
In recent years, the Town installed a wildlife tunnel connecting the subject property to a wetland complex on the east side of the road which is regularly used by wildlife including amphibians, mammals, and birds to safely cross the roadway and has virtually eliminated most roadkill in this area.