If you’ve never been to the Peconic Herb Farm, just west of Edwards Avenue and south of the railroad tracks in Calverton, you should go when it opens this spring. This part of Calverton harkens to a period in the early 1900s when pastoral scenes were fairly common. This is one of the most incredible and eclectic family farms, much more complex and beautiful than its name suggests.
One can take a peaceful walk through these grounds on grassy paths, between river and woods, dotted with picnic tables, benches, ponds, barns, small sheds, and greenhouses. To appreciate the amazing assortment of plants, you will have to slow your pace to take it all in. The large barn has wonderful handmade items, reproductions items of a bygone era and retro clothing. This serene little farm, which survives on a seasonal basis, is a respite from the noise and chaos of a world just a mile away. I’ve often gone there to sketch or photograph, while many come to read, write or meditate, and even host a small event. The owners and the those who work there are kind, helpful and knowledgeable.
Before the Riverhead Town Board, is a commercial proposal which may destroy not only the bucolic nature of this area, but the livelihoods of nearby residents, as well as a local daycare center. Just across River Road from the herb farm is a 15-acre piece of prime farmland. The proposed 4,000 foot motorcycle track with two parking lots will not only bring an incredible amount of traffic, air pollution, light pollution, and noise to the area, but will change all of the surrounding areas forever. Since this project will not be in an enclosed building, a pit must be excavated, which will necessitate the removal valuable farming soil and the drainage sand beneath it. Sand is a valuable (money-making) commodity. Once this land is destroyed, it can never be reclaimed. No matter how deep the pit, there will always be sound, light and air pollution, not to mention the amount of traffic and noise created by the incoming vehicles. This proposal would be better suited to EPCAL, where large commercial ventures already exist.
We can all play a part to save what is left, to preserving what has made this a special place.
Linda Nemeth
Calverton
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