Government

Suffolk County looking to preserve 56 acres in Cutchogue

Suffolk County has its eye on preserving 56 acres of farmland along Route 48 in Cutchogue through the county’s Drinking Water Protection Program.

The property is owned by Elmer G. Tuthill and Beatrice E. Tuthill.

The land had been a vineyard at one point, said Southold land preservation coordinator Melissa Spiro, but the vines may not have been maintained recently. She said the property is south of the railroad tracks, between Elijah’s Lane and Alvah’s Lane.

The county legislature took the initial steps toward the acquisition at its March 27 meeting, when a resolution authorizing the purchase was placed on the agenda, said Lisa Keys, a legislative aide to Legislator Ed Romaine.

The purchase will next go before the Legislature’s environment, planning and agriculture subcommittee.

“Ed was helpful in the planning steps,” Ms. Keys said. “He had discussions with the property owners last year sometime. We’ve made an offer. They’ve accepted it and we’re ready for a closing.”

She said she hopes the Legislature will vote to acquire the property by its April 24 meeting.

[email protected]