Sound Avenue Lot Cleared for Appraisal by County Environment Committee

A lot on the corner of Sound Avenue and Park Road in Baiting Hollow gained clearance for appraisal yesterday from the Suffolk County Environment, Planning, and Agriculture Committee. The move marked the first step in Suffolk County Legis. Ed Romaine's, R - Center Moriches, attempt to coordinate a joint purchase of the 4.1-acre parcel, which is currently a point of concern for local residents who see a proposed strip mall on the lot as a threat to the area's rural character.

Kenn Barra, who owns the property and is seeking to build a 27,000 square-foot shopping center, has said he will sell the property if given the proper return on his investment, which he has estimated around $1.6 million between real estate costs and planning and legal fees.

Monday's announcement will lead to a vote next Tuesday in front of the Suffolk County Legislature to approve the planning steps. Interested members of the public are invited to speak during the public portion of the meeting, which begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Legislative Auditorium at the County Center in Riverhead.

If next week's vote passes, three independent appraisals of the property are normally taken, said Bill Faulk, legislative aide for Romaine.

"If passed next week, what normally happens is the Suffolk County Real Estate Division sends outside appraisers to value the land," Faulk said. "Then an average is sent to the Environmental Trust Review Board, an internal committee which must approve the price. Then that price is offered to the owner, and if the owner accepts the offer, a resolution is filed to acquire the parcel."

Should the county purchase the parcel with the town, Riverhead would be required to maintain and manage the property.