Recommendations:
1. Southaven Properties: Upzone from
A2 to
A5
This 128-acre, ecologically diverse parcel straddles
the headwaters of the Yaphank Creek and lies adjacent to the northern
boundary of the Wertheim Federal Wildlife refuge. It is the last
remaining large, unprotected property in the scenic portion of the
southern Carmans River watershed. Current development plans
propose 64 houses, but the landowner has indicated a willingness-to
sell to the federal government. Efforts to preserve this land through
public acquisition are endorsed and fully supported by local, state
and federal legislators. We also have the support of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy. Because this land is
included in the scenic designation of the Wild, Scenic and
Recreational Rivers Act, because it straddles the 10-acre headwaters
of the Yaphank Creek, because it is so environmentally unique, and
because we feel this land must be insulated from development, we
recommend that it be rezoned from
A2 to
A5 and that efforts be
strongly increased to preserve this land through transfer of
development rights or through acquisition by public or private
agencies. We would also like the Town Board to pass a resolution
supporting the prospect of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service acquiring
this parcel.
2. Land North of Montauk Highway in the Study Area, including the
Headwaters of the Beaver Dam Creek
In order to preserve the critical northern portion
of the Beaver Dam Creek corridor, as defined by the Towns South Shore
Critical Environmental Area, we recommend that the Town and County
cooperate with each other and with private interests to consolidate
all vacant land near the headwaters of the creek through exchange of
ownership, acquisition through tax defaults, or transfer of
development rights (see discussion in Ch. V, Sec. 2, p.18, of this
report). Certain parcels are of particular concern:
 | The parcel owned by the Brookhaven Fire District,
which is planning to develop it as a recreational area (ballfield).
Several suggestions have been made by the BVA, and by the Town
Planning Department, for exchanges of ownership to provide another
suitable site for this activity. These discussions should continue,
as we believe there are suitable alternative sites, such as the land
now owned by the Town or County to the north and east of the Oaklawn
Cemetery. |
| The vacant, 9.5-acre parcel (SCTM 200-932-02-87)
immediately north of the Montauk Highway, through which the
headwaters flow. We recommend that this lot be rezoned to
A10 to
further protect the headwaters. |
| The 8.4-acre parcel owned by N.Y.S. Department of
Transportation (SCTM 200- 902-02-01), adjacent to the Sunrise
Highway in the headwaters area. The DOT has no plans for
construction here. We propose that this property be transferred to
the Post Morrow Foundation with the stipulation that it be kept
forever wild. |
The remainder of the area between Montauk and
Sunrise Highways, west of the headwaters, is perhaps the most
difficult in our study area to address. It is almost completely
forested, and serves as a natural buffer between populated areas and
the landfill. It is too environmentally sensitive for industrial use,
and too close to the landfill to recommend housing. The existing
Oaklawn Cemetery is an appropriate use, and may be expanded. There are
possible sites here for the kind of recreational space that the Fire
District is seeking.
|
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