HAUPPAUGE, NY— Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine was joined today by Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Legislator Jim Mazzarella, Brookhaven Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilwoman Karen Dunn Kesnig to announce the $4.1 million joint purchase of 11.59-acres of historically significant open space in Manorville.
“Our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the Central Pine Barrens and our natural endowments because of what we do today,” said Romaine. “This historically significant property is an important chapter of Long Island’s African-American history, and I thank my partners in the Legislature and in town government for supporting this purchase.”
Approximately $3 million of the purchase was funded through Suffolk County’s Drinking Water Protection Program. The remainder was funded by the Town of Brookhaven.
The 11.59-acres was once home to the Arch Family, a historically significant African American family. Abraham and Huldah Arch acquired the property in 1865. Annie Arch, their daughter, was heavily involved in the AME Zion Church in Center Moriches. Annie was a close friend of Mary Bell, whose historic home is located nearby.
The land is partially within the bounds of the Central Pine Barrens and entirely within the Forge River Watershed.
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