Suffolk County has closed on its acquisition of an 11.5-acre property in East Patchogue known as the Avery Homestead.
Owned by members of the Avery family since the 1600s, the county collaborated with the Town of Brookhaven to purchase the site for $1.949 million, with the county contributing 70 percent and the town kicking in 30 percent of the cost, according to a county statement.
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. The county plans to preserve the property and is considering a few future uses, such as a museum, gift shop, or event space allowing for the property to be self-sustaining.
“One of the many things that make Suffolk County incredible is our unparalleled open space and historic properties,” Suffolk County Executive Bellone said in the statement. “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 Legis. Dominick Thorne worked with the Bellone administration to close the sale.
“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,” Thorne said in the statement. “Preserving open space is a cornerstone of the environmental efforts of Suffolk County government, and we will continue working together to protect our environment.”
The property is bordered by South Country Road, Robinson Avenue, and Montauk Highway. The process to complete the purchase began in Oct. 2020, when the Suffolk legislature unanimously approved an appraisal resolution, while the town unanimously approved a resolution agreeing to collaborate with the county on the acquisition.
“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,” Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine said in the statement. “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.”
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