Southampton Town Announces Purchase of Development Rights on East Quogue Farm

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — It was a win for Southampton Town preservation Wednesday as officials announced the purchase of development rights of 86 acres of the Densieski Farm in East Quogue for $5.4 million.

At a press conference Wednesday, Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said Community Development Funds had been used for the purchase.

The 86 acres is split by Lewis Road and County Road 104, town officials said.

Meanwhile, the Densieski family, who has farmed the land for 90 years, will retain the development rights on six acres; the current owner also farms the adjacent 150 plus acres of protected farmland — the town's purchase completes the largest block of protected farmland west of the canal, town officials said in a release.

“By protecting this beautiful farm, we make sure farming remains an important part of our community for this and for future generations,” Schneiderman said. “It’s what the Community Preservation Fund was created to do.”

“This purchase helps support locally produced foods, which could reduce the trucking costs, that reduce carbon emissions, that in turn helps our environment,” added Southampton Town Councilwoman Julie Lofstad

The Community Preservation Fund was established in 1999, with revenue generated from the two percent real estate transfer tax.

Currently, Schneiderman said, the Town of Southampton has spent more than $565 million to preserve land and keep vistas pristine.

Photo courtesy Jay Schneiderman's office.