Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has announced the purchase of the Avery Homestead in East Patchogue for historic preservation. This 11.5-acre property is bordered by South Country Road, Robinson Avenue, and Montauk Highway. The property has been with the Avery family, beginning with Humphrey Avery who purchased the land from the Unkechaug tribe, since the 17th century and sits along a historical gateway that passes through Patchogue, home to Lakeview Cemetery, and Main Street where the Carnegie Library and Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts stand.
The site has been at risk of demolition or redevelopment since the death of Barbara Avery in 2017, and in 2019 was added to Preservation Long Island’s Endangered Historic Places list. Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne worked with the Bellone Administration to close the sale. Earlier this year, Bellone and Thorne also announced the purchase of the Bianchi/Weiss property, which has also been designated as a nature preserve.
The process to complete the purchase began in October, 2020 when the Suffolk County legislature unanimously approved an appraisal resolution, while the Town of Brookhaven unanimously approved a resolution agreeing to collaborate with Suffolk County on the acquisition of the Avery Homestead.
“One of the many things that make Suffolk County incredible is our unparalleled open space and historic properties,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “These extraordinary acquisitions allow us the opportunity to share important history with our children and grandchildren, and further highlight our county’s unique heritage.”
Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne said, “I thank my partners in government, County Executive Steve Bellone, Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine, Brookhaven Town Council Member Neil Foley and my fellow legislators for working with me to get this done for the community. Preserving open space is a cornerstone of the environmental efforts of Suffolk County government, and we will continue working together to protect our environment.”
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine said, “Preserving historic places is an important tradition in the Town of Brookhaven and the Avery Homestead property is certainly one that is worthy of saving. As a former history teacher, I am proud to add it to our list of historic places to be preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn about the early settlers of our town and to prevent overdevelopment.”
Suffolk County has a rich historical and cultural heritage that should be protected, and the County is committed to preserving this history through the acquisition of buildings, gardens, and other sites of cultural and historic significance. To date, the County has acquired and manages over 200 historic properties.
Open space is generally considered any undeveloped, ecologically sensitive area such as wetlands, shorelines, forests, river corridors, and Pine Barrens. Open space may also include any open area that can be preserved and returned to its natural habitat or purchased for active recreation. Historic designations are made by Suffolk County Parks’ Division of Historic Services.
The purchase of the Avery Homestead is jointly shared by Suffolk County and the Town of Brookhaven totaling $1,949,450 at a 70/30 split. Future uses of the site are still to be determined but opportunities exist for uses such as a museum, gift shop, or event space allowing for the property to be self-sustaining.
