Land to Remain Privately Owned, Permanently Restricting Non-Agricultural Development
Suffolk County has closed on the purchase of development rights for approximately 34 acres of farmland in the hamlet of Calverton. The county executive’s office said this will advance Suffolk County’s longstanding commitment to preserving working agricultural lands and protecting the rural character of the East End.
“Farmland preservation is one of Suffolk County’s most important and enduring investments,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “By closing on the purchase of development rights for this Calverton property, we are helping the agricultural economy and preserving the open space and rural landscape that makes Suffolk County unique. This is exactly why our Farmland Program was created.”
Through the county’s Farmland Preservation Program, Suffolk County purchases the development rights to eligible agricultural properties, allowing the land to remain privately owned while permanently restricting non-agricultural development. This approach keeps working farmland and supports Suffolk County’s agricultural industry.
The protected farmland is part of the Fire Chicken Farm property, a 37.36-acre parcel located in Calverton, in the Town of Riverhead. The property is currently planted in cover crops and is expected to transition to a commercial horse boarding operation, ensuring continued agricultural use of the land.
The total purchase price for the development rights was $2,500,980.
“Suffolk County is a national leader in farmland preservation, with its Farmland Preservation Program serving as a model for protecting agricultural land while supporting farmers and landowners,” said Romaine. “The closing of the Fire Chicken Farm development rights purchase represents another important step in maintaining the county’s agricultural economy.”