From 40 to Forever | New Suffolk Waterfront
July 17, 2023
By Alexandra Makoid
The New Suffolk Waterfront has a long history as a busy port, including as the first U.S. submarine base. Over a 30-year period, developers repeatedly targeted them for out-sized projects including condominiums. The Peconic Land Trust was contacted in 1989 after members of the New Suffolk Civic Association raised their concerns about the future of this property. Very early on, the Trust suggested that the best way to control its destiny was for the community to own the property itself.
Eighteen years later in December 2007, the Trust used funds from the Peter J. Sharp Fund for the Environment to acquire the property in a bargain sale. By December 2010, the New Suffolk Waterfront Fund, a community-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, had raised enough funds to acquire the property from the Trust.
Nowadays, this 3.4-acre harborside property is open to the public and features a small marina, a picnic area, a community garden, and a non-swimming beach. The NSWF hosts educational and recreational programs throughout the year, many in partnership with the Trust, such as our recent beach seining program with the Peconic Baykeeper.
To learn more about how the community rallied to protect the New Suffolk Waterfront, join us on Friday, August 11th for “Saving the Historic New Suffolk Waterfront for the 21st Century.” Enjoy a lively conversation between the Trust’s President, John v.H. Halsey, founding Board Member of the Waterfront Fund, Joe McKay, and former NSWF Chair Barbara Schnitzler, moderated by NSWF Chair, Patricia Lowry. Click hereto register for this free program.
This event was part of the Peconic Land Trust’s 40th-anniversary celebration in 2023. Themed “40 for 40”, our Connections activities will take you to 40 special places whose conservation has had an impact.
Alexandra Makoid
Marketing & Communications Intern