MANORVILLE, N.Y. — New York State authorities have initiated legal action against a Suffolk County business owner for allegedly violating environmental preservation laws by clearing protected land for a non-permissible cabinetry and woodworking operation. The suit, brought forth by the state’s Attorney General, Letitia James, and the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, targets Roberts Premier Development LLC and its principal, David Roberts. It was filed this Monday in the State Supreme Court in Suffolk County.
According to the lawsuit, Roberts Premier Development is accused of unlawfully clearing approximately 13,000 square feet of natural vegetation in Manorville, an area designated as part of the central pine barrens zone which spans over 100,000 acres across parts of eastern Brookhaven, southern Riverhead, and western Southampton. This region is essential as it overlays the aquifer serving as Long Island’s primary drinking water source.
The allegations detail that the land was cleared for constructing a large barn utilized as a workshop for Roberts’ cabinetry business, Green Leaf Cabinet Corp. The state argues this construction breaches the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act of 1993, as the act stipulates such land developments require specific hardship waivers, which were not obtained.
In response to the lawsuit, David Roberts contends that his building, which Brookhaven Town permitted last November, adheres to the zoning regulations and was intended for residential use. He said the building project was thoroughly inspected by town officials throughout its execution, and he challenges the state’s demands for additional permissions.
This legal strife underscores a broader enforcement trend by the New York Attorney General’s office against unauthorized developments on protected lands on Long Island. These efforts are part of larger state initiatives to safeguard critical environmental areas from illegal land use and industrial activities that could potentially harm the natural habitat and crucial water resources.
The lawsuit cites various findings from a state commission inspection in June 2023, which allegedly revealed industrial-grade woodworking equipment and other commercial manufacturing apparatuses. An earlier aerial survey in March also noted the presence of multiple paved roadways and vehicles around the barn, suggesting extensive operational activities beyond mere residential use.
Authorities are demanding the demolition of the barn and restoration of the cleared area to its original state. They are also seeking civil penalties of up to $25,000 and an additional $1,000 for each day the violation continues.
The legal developments add to a series of settlements and actions involving other businesses on Long Island. These include a settlement north of $121,000 with ALAC Realty LLC and ALAC Contracting Corp. for similar infractions along Carlls River in West Babylon, a case noted for the company’s choice to settle despite denying several allegations.
In addition to the immediate legal stakes for David Roberts and his development business, the case highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing development pressures with environmental conservation—an issue that is particularly poignant in regions like Long Island where the ecological integrity is crucial to public health and safety.
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