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Farm forever
Town preserves Alfred Hobbs' homestead
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Brookhaven Town officials announced last week the preservation of Hobbs Farm, perhaps the last remaining working farm in Centereach.
The town formally closed the Purchase of Development Rights for Hobbs Farm on April 16 — preventing future commercial or residential development of the 7.64-acre parcel — for $681,000 from Bethel AME Church in Setauket. "This property is a perfect example of why land preservation programs are important in Brookhaven," Supervisor Mark Lesko said, adding that the land will "forever remain farmland" thanks to the efforts of the volunteer group Friends of Hobbs Farm, Councilwoman Kathy Walsh (R-Centereach) and Councilman Steve Fiore-Rosenfeld (D-East Setauket).
"Hobbs Farm is the last remaining piece of farmland in an area that was once surrounded by hundreds of acres of active agricultural use," said Walsh, who has pursued preservation of the farm since she was first elected in 2005. "Preserving this part of our heritage was important to so many people in the community who have volunteered countless hours to make this a working farm once again."
Located on Oxhead Road in Centereach, the farm belonged to Alfred Hobbs, who willed the property to Bethel AME Church upon his death more than a decade ago. To help support the church, Friends of Hobbs Farm was formed in 2007 and has been providing fresh produce to the needy through a network of local food pantries, according to information provided by the town. The group also raises awareness about hunger and offers educational programs for children and adults.
"The Friends of Hobbs Farm is working to maintain a remnant of the agrarian legacy of this area by preserving the last farm in the Middle Country community," said Tom Lyon, co-director of the volunteer organization, "and helping to foster a sense of community pride by hosting public events in partnership with civic and educational organizations in the area. We are also able to provide opportunities for spiritual growth through the farm's accessibility to local churches and similar groups."
The Rev. Gregory Leonard, who has served as spiritual leader of Bethel AME for over 15 years, said the farm serves three purposes: educating the youth, feeding the poor and offering a place of spirituality. "If we keep our eye on the vision, there's no telling what more can come out of this," Leonard said. "When people come together, good things like this can happen."
In addition to local volunteers, graduates of the Cornell University Cooperative Extension's Master Gardener program have also lent a helping hand, according to Master Gardener Elizabeth Takakjian of Port Jefferson. Donations of material from various companies including Ivy Acres in Center Moriches, Pavestone in New Jersey, the Setauket Home Depot and Long Island Compost have also added to the support.
Friends of Hobbs Farm Co-director Ann Pellegrino thanked all the volunteers and said preservation of the farm is "God's way of showing them that he's here." "I think it's awesome," Pellegrino said. "I think the church will definitely benefit from this."
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