Great Patchogue Lake fence coming down

The fence surrounding Great Patchogue Lake will be removed, giving residents an uninterrupted view of the lake for the first time in more than 50 years, officials said Thursday.

Assemb. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue) and Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri announced the removal of the fence, which is located along a Waverly Avenue spur.

Suffolk County and village officials recently reached an agreement to remove the fence, Murray said in a statement.

Fences were removed around nearby West Lake and Swan Lake in recent years.

“For several years, local residents and members of the Patchogue Chamber of Commerce lobbied for the Patchogue Lake fence to be removed as well, as part of the beautification and revitalization of the village,” the statement said.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation must approve permits before the fence can be removed, said Kevin Molloy, a spokesman for Murray. That process is in motion, he said.

Murray, Pontieri and Suffolk officials will hold a news conference at the lake today at 11:30 a.m. The conference will take place on the southern shore of the lake, opposite Briarcliffe College.