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LIFB & KeySpan Property
LIFB was active in the Keyspan property land lottery in Jamesport where more farmers than available parcels entered to purchase 300 acres of agricultural zoned property. Farm Bureau worked to make sure that the Keyspan land was preserved in perpetuity so that no houses could ever be built there and the land would remain in agriculture. Below are some of the news articles and information regarding the Keyspan Property Deal. March of 2005, marked the closing of all property transfers to the lottery-winning farmers.
*all files are in jpg format *This is a partial list of news articles, if you are looking for more information, please email AskUs@lifb.com.
FROM THE STATE OF NEW YORK EXECUTIVE CHAMBER GEORGE E. PAT AKI, GOVERNOR Press Office http://www.state.ny.us FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE, Thursday October 24, 2002
GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES LONG ISLAND SOUND LAND ACQUISITION 533 Acres of Open Space to be Protected for State Parkland and Farming
Governor George E. Pataki today announced an agreement for the protection of more than 533 acres of open space in the towns of Riverhead and Southold in Suffolk County for State parkland and agriculture use. Known as the KeySpan property, the waterfront parcel will protect a mile of Long Island Sound shoreline and allow for continued farming on more than 300 acres.
"With this agreement, we are preserving precious natural resources and providing greater access to Long Island Sound and its views for countless outdoor recreational opportunities," said Governor Pataki. "Securing this valuable open space will ensure its continued protection as part of the State's unique agricultural heritage while creating new State parkland for the enjoyment of future generations."
The land has been identified in the State's Open Space Conservation Plan as a priority project for the Long Island Sound coastal area. The $16 million purchase is being made by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation through the Environmental Protection Fund.
Robert B. Catell, Chairman and CEO of KeySpan said, "We commend the Governor for recognizing and pursuing an agreement to preserve this pristine property. We are proud of the partnership we have created between the leadership 9f this State, local and national environmental organizations, the community and our shareholders. We have helped create a legacy for future generations as the Long Island community continues to grow, a credit to al1 involved."
Congressman Felix Grucci, Jr. said, ''The Long Island Sound is one of our most precious environmental resources, for our environment, tourism and maritime economy. It's imperative that we protect this critical resource. That's why I fought to obtain more than $17 minion over the last two years to clean-up and protect this vital resource for Long Island. Governor Pataki knows the importance of the Sound, and has demonstrated this commitment to our environment once again in forever preserving the KeySpan property in Riverhead and Southold as open space. By purchasing these acres for open space, Governor Pataki is once again preserving our precious open space, maintaining recreational access to the Sound, and preventing development that could harm the Sound's eco-system with run-off. I'm fighting to ensure Washington provides our communities, citizens and the State with the resources needed to ensure the Long Island Sound is protected and cleaned-up.
Senator Kenneth LaValle said, "This has long been my highest priority for acquisition by New York State, and I am delighted that this magnificent property will now remain a resource for all New Yorkers and visitors. The unspoiled shoreline, pristine woodland habitat and scenic vistas will provide a perfect setting for passive recreation and enjoyment of this very specia1 environmenta1 treasure."
Assemblywoman Patricia Acampora said, "I have long supported preservation of the KeySpan property. It is one of Long Island's last greatest resources and the 1argest unprotected site on Long Island Sound. I applaud Governor Pataki for his vision and continued commitment to the people of the First District."
Robert Gaffney, Suffolk County Executive said, "This magnificent parcel is one of the most significant properties in all of Suffolk County. I applaud Governor Pataki's foresight and commitment to Long Island in preserving it. The Governor is proving, once again, that he is the most environmentally-conscious Governor in the State's history, and a true friend of Suffolk County."
Town of Southold Supervisor Joshua Y. Horton said, "Again, Governor Pataki has successfully blended environmental protection with keen insight, sensitivity and support for this region's mainstay industries - agriculture and tourism. The preservation of these 500+ acres will forever support the agricultural, natural and historic integrity that weave the cultural and economic fabric of the East End:
Riverhead Supervisor Robert F. Kozakiewicz said, "I am pleased to have worked out this preservation deal with Governor Pataki, Senator LaVaIle and KeySpan. Preserving close to 300 farm acres and approximately 200 acres along the bluffs of the Long Island Sound can only benefit the beauty of our community. It is also essential to mention that both the Governor and Senator have pledged to make the town and its districts financially whole with this preservation."
Bernadette Castro, State Parks Commissioner, said, "'This region provides New Yorkers with some of the most scenic and varied recreational opportunities in the world, and having the KeySpan property under our stewardship will ensure its lasting protection and public access for years ahead.
I am grateful for Governor Pataki’s continuing commitment to conserving the natural assets along the North Shore and the Long Island Sound and this latest acquisition represents another step forward in strengthening our state park system to be enjoyed by all."
Parks will own more than 200 acres of environmentally-significant Sound waterfront for the establishment of a state park while retaining development rights to the agricultural property. The Trust for Public Land, working with the Peconic Land Trust, wiJ1 own and administer the agricultural lands and make them available for purchase to local farmers. Proceeds from the sale of the lands will support development of the park for recreation and environmental interpretation. In addition, the historic Hallockville Museum Farm will receive 20 acres for agricultural purposes and an adjacent two-acre parcel will be made available to the Long Island Antique Power Association for a museum featuring antique tractors and farm equipment.
Erik Kulleseid, New York State Director for the Trust for Public Land said, "Through this agreement with Governor Pataki and the State of New York, the Trust for Public Land is pleased to assist in the purchase of this property from the KeySpan corporation to preserve more than a mile of soundfront and to create a new 200-acre State park. Working with local fanners and the Peconic Land Trust, this agreement wi1l also help preserve the north fork's agricultural heritage."
State Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers said, "The purchase of the KeySpan property presents an exciting and unique opportunity for the fanners of Long Island. Governor Pataki grew up on a farm himself and therefore understands the value of such irreplaceable fertile ground. This property includes some of the most productive soils in the State, and I thank Governor Pataki for allowing our farmers the opportunity to utilize this wondrous resource that will ensure the continuation of Long Island's rich agricultural heritage for generations to come."
Joseph Gergela III, Executive Director of the Long Island Farm Bureau said, “The KeySpan property acquisition is a cutting edge partnership between the public and private sectors to preserve this valuable acreage. More than 300 acres of the total property will remain prime farmland in perpetuity with private ownership by local farmers. This is truly a win/win situation for the citizens of New York State. Long Island Farm Bureau congratulates Governor Pataki for having the vision and drive to make this strategy happen."
David J. Miller, Executive Director of Audubon New York said, ''Through Governor Pataki’s vision and leadership, as well as KeySpan's corporate stewardship, the greatest land acquisition project in the history of New York's Long Island Sound conservation program has been completed. The KeySpan Jamesport property will be a magnificent state park benefiting birds, wildlife and people. It is truly a crown jewel on the shores of Long Island Sound for all future generations to enjoy."
In his 2000 State of the State address, the Governor pledged to create ten public access points to Long Island Sound within this decade. The KeySpan parcel, a cornerstone property of the initiative, will be the fourth site identified for public access on Long Island Sound since that time. The first of the new access sites, the 153-acre Nissequogue River State Park was opened in April 2000.
In addition, last year the State provided a $250,000 grant to the Village of Greenport for the development of Clarks Beach Park, a formerly vacant site with 1,051 feet fronting the Sound; and this past July, the Governor announced the acquisition of 9.5 acres of land along the bank of Mattituck Creek in the Town of Southold where the State Department of Environmental Conservation plans to construct a new public boat launch.
Since 1995, through resources such as the Environmental Protection Fund and the 1996 Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act, the Governor has invested more than $378 million to acquire and protect more than 394,000 acres of valuable land throughout the state. During that time, the Governor has opened 17 new state parks, five of them on Long Island.
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