The DeForest Williams property on Shore Road is one of the last remaining large tracts of open space in Cold Spring Harbor. This 42 acre property, if developed, would change not only the view, but also the overall feel of Cold Spring Harbor. It could also result in negative impacts on water quality as well as jeopardize vital bird habitat. We believe this property should be permanently protected for the community of Cold Spring Harbor as DeForest-Williams Preserve.

Currently, a 15-lot subdivision application for the Williams Property is before the Town of Huntington Planning Board. If developed according to this subdivision plan, 12 additional single family homes would be constructed on the property, thus creating more crowding and impairing significant historic and environmental characteristics, including steep slopes, wetlands and natural springs. This development would not only disrupt the aesthetic and scenic qualities of Cold Spring Harbor, it would also adversely impact the value of neighboring properties.

The North Shore Land Alliance and Cold Spring Harbor Civic Association believe the entire property can be permanently preserved with financial support from the community along with funds provided by the Town of Huntington and Suffolk County.

The Town of Huntington, through its open space program, has agreed to contribute a quarter of the appraised value toward acquiring the land for use as a permanently protected preserve and they have asked Suffolk County to join them in contributing half of the appraised value. That leaves the local community with the responsibility of raising funds for one quarter of the appraised value.

If Suffolk County agrees to take part and the community can raise a quarter of the funding locally we will, indeed, be able to create the DeForest-Williams Preserve! Our goal is to raise $2.0 million in local donations to the DeForest-Williams Preserve Fund. All donations are fully tax deductible. You can help in two essential ways:

• By signing our petition asking Suffolk County to contribute to the acquisition with proceeds from the previously approved Suffolk County Open Space Fund.
• By making a donation. Every donation will go towards permanently preserving this unique property for future generations.

Please help us make the DeForest-Williams Preserve a reality.

The Cold Spring Harbor community has a unique opportunity here to create a new nature preserve that will benefit all of the residents of our community, protect the health of the Cold Spring Harbor Estuary, and provide a nature experience for our children. With your help, we can create a legacy that will protect the health of our community and be enjoyed by all who follow us.

If you have questions, please contact the Land Alliance at 516-626-0908 or email us at info@northshorelandalliance.org or the Cold Spring Harbor Civic Association.