Suffolk takes step toward preserving Greenlawn tree farm

Suffolk County Monday took a step toward preserving a Greenlawn Christmas tree farm, despite the fact the property scored low on a county evaluation.

The 13.66-acre Tilden Lane Farm, family-operated since 1793, received eight of a possible 25 points on a scorecard rating factors including soil quality and the view of the property from the road. The property also lost points because about half the land is not farmed.

Suffolk County typically does not consider buying development rights for land that scores below 10, said Sarah Lansdale, the county's director of planning.

Nonetheless, the county legislature's Committee on the Environment, Planning and Agriculture voted Monday to pay for two appraisals, each expected to cost $2,500.

County documents estimate the value of the property rights at $100,000 to $200,000 per acre. The land is zoned for one house per acre. The full legislature would have to approve the development rights purchase. Donald Tilden, who owns the land with his three brothers and his sister-in-law, said the sale is necessary for the family to keep the farm, after their father, Herbert Tilden, died at 92 last November.

"The estate taxes came due. In the long run, we're trying to make the farm and property work out," he said.

Tilden, 53, said the family plans to plant vegetables on the un-farmed acres this spring to comply with the county law's intent.

The county and Huntington Town would split the cost of development rights to the farm. The owner, Tilden Realty LLC, would retain ownership and continue to farm, but the town and county would have development rights, keeping the parcel as farmland permanently.

Preservation supporters said the farm, where people can cut their own trees, is worth saving despite the low score. "This is one of the last vestiges of farmland in the western towns," said Legis. William Spencer (D-Centerport), the resolution's sponsor. Other lawmakers expressed skepticism, although none opposed the resolution to appraise the land.

Legis. Kara Hahn (D-East Setauket) said while acquisition was worth considering, "we do have a point system and a minimum threshold for a reason."

Huntington officials passed a resolution in July to appraise the land.

In other action Monday, the Environment Committee voted to make offers on six other pieces of open space. The largest was a proposed 22-acre addition to Swan River County Park in East Patchogue.The land acquisition program is funded through a 1/4 cent sales tax dedicated to preserve open space.

By David M. Schwartz

dschwar1@newsday.comschwartznewsNY

David Schwartz covers environmental issues. A native Long Islander, he's worked at Newsday since 2013.