Government

New Suffolk waterfront vote set for April 8

RANDEE DADONNA FILE PHOTO | A view of the property Robins Island owner Louis Moore Bacon is purchasing for preservation.

The Southold Town Planning Board could vote in a matter of weeks on the final approval needed for preservation of the New Suffolk waterfront.

During its meeting Monday, the board set the stage for an April 8 vote on a lot line change that would allow the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund to split off a portion of its property and deed it over to the holding company that owns Robins Island.

New Suffolk residents established the fund in 2005 to preserve 3.4 acres overlooking Cutchogue Harbor. The fund purchased the property from the Peconic Land Trust and was able to retire its $1.5 million mortgage with a state grant and $1.1 million from Louis Moore Bacon, the billionaire who owns Robins Island.

The deal allows Mr. Bacon to take title to the southernmost acre of waterfront to construct a boat shed and a small parking area.

The remaining 2.4 acres will remain under the waterfront fund’s control. That property includes the former Galley Ho restaurant, a historic barn, a community garden and a portion of the beach on the south side of the site.

The waterfront fund’s plans include establishing a community center/snack bar, transient dockage and a small marina.

The Planning Board next meets on April 8.

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