Brookhaven gives nod to Carmans River plan

The Brookhaven Town Board has adopted a resolution that local leaders say is critcal to the future of the town’s proposed Carmans River Watershed Protection and Management Plan.

The management plan is designed to protect the river and manage future growth in central Suffolk County. It includes a proposal — subject to the approval of the State Legislature — to expand the core preservation area of the central pine barrens.

The town board on Tuesday sent a home rule message in support of state legislation to expand the pine barrens. The board unanimously approved the message.

State Sens. Kenneth LaValle (R-Port Jefferson) and Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) both issued statements in support of the town board’s vote.

“Now that the Town of Brookhaven has sent us the necessary home rule message, it is important for the state legislature to be responsive in assisting the town to protect the Carmans River,” Zeldin’s statement read.

LaValle’s statement called the message “the next step in the process in advancing the Carmans River plan.”

Brookhaven can adopt the management plan after a draft environmental impact statement is prepared, town officials said.