Conservation News: Southold Farmland Protected for Next Generation

Bill Zebroski Protects 20 Acres of Farmland in Southold Selling the Protected Farmland to Treiber Farms

Our sincere thanks goes to William Zebroski, Jr., for protecting 20 acres of productive agricultural lands in Southold. Earlier this month, Mr. Zebroski sold the development rights on his farmland at a bargain sale to the Town of Southold.  The farmland is on the north side of Route 48, to the west of Kenney Road.

According to Southold’s Land Preservation Coordinator at the public board presentation in June 2017, the sales prices was approximately 23 percent less than the appraised value of the land. Once conserved, Mr. Zebroski sold the protected farmland to neighboring farmers, Peter and Irene Treiber of Treiber Farms. The Trust assisted both the Town and Mr. Zebroski on the sale, specifically as it relates to the bargain sale, which constitutes a substantial and generous gift to the Town of Southold and the community.

As reported in Riverhead Local in June, before casting his vote at the Town Board meeting, Supervisor Scott Russell said Mr. Zebroski was “one of the most decent people I’ve ever met.” Mr. Zebroski inherited the land from his grandfather, who grew mostly potatoes along with brussel sprouts and cauliflower. The land was leased to various farmers over the years, most recently leased to the Treibers who had established a cover crop on the land. Mr. Zebroski, who worked for the Town of Southold for over 20 years, is fascinated by the change in demand for agricultural products. He made note of the recent diversification of different fruits, vegetables and crops, and commented on how the scale of farming here is so much smaller than what is seen upstate. In addition, he recognized the importance of rotating crops on the land throughout the seasons. Mr. Zebroski wishes the family the best of luck, and is pleased to see this local farm family care for his family lands.