By Erica Jackson
Public officials gathered in Kings Park today to announce that the county has acquired 6.5 acres of environmentally sensitive property that sits within the Nissequogue River watershed. The property, known as the Grausso property, was purchased via the county’s 1/4 percent Drinking Water Protection program for $521,000.“It behooves us to purchase and preserve this property in its natural state,” said Suffolk County Legislator Lynn Nowick, who was instrumental in the property’s acquisition. “It is a good purchase for the county. We have to try and preserve whatever we can.”
According to Nowick the parcel now adds to other county-preserved properties in the area, including ten acres of contiguous land and another 20-acres, which was bought four years ago. The state also owns a 75-acre parcel that sits adjacent to the Grausso property. That land has been transformed into a park, known as the Nissequogue River State Park.
The acquisition of the Grausso property, said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said, “is a major step forward in our process of protecting the Nissequogue River, which is vitally important to the Long Island Sound tributary.” He added, “Our efforts, combined with action taken by New York State officials, will ensure that more than 100 acres of mature, contiguous oak forest will ultimately be preserved forever.”
Kings Park Civic Association President Sean Lehmann praised the purchase. He said, “The Kings Park Civic Association appreciates the efforts of Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and County Legislator Lynne Nowick to preserve one of Kings Park’s last remaining open spaces. This land acquisition not only preserves the Kings Park Greenbelt, it also protects an important part of the Nissequogue River watershed area from future development.” Mike Rosato, head of the Nissequogue River Foundation agreed and added, “County Executive Steve Levy and Legislator Lynne Nowick really get it. They understand how important these acquisitions are are to our environment, quality of life and to help stabilize our tax base.” Kings Park resident Ed Maher, who also serves as chair of the Smithtown Democratic Committee, also applauded the county’s efforts. He said, “As a resident of Smithtown and Kings Park I am pleased that this environmentally sensitive land is protected.”