Episode of new TV series sheds light on Freeport’s colorful history

An innovative new series titled “Negotiators Luxe” is set to showcase the diverse state of New York, with a focus on Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island.

The show, spearheaded by actual real estate professionals, offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant communities that make up the region. Among the featured locations is Freeport, where viewers will get a taste of the area’s history, culture, and remarkable real estate.

The upcoming episode, slated to air this fall, stars Nancianne Genduso, a Freeport resident, a native New Yorker and a longtime negotiator, an award-winning real estate agent at Coldwell Banker American Homes for over 18 years.

“Casting a Luxe agent is never an easy process,” the executive producer of “Negotiators Luxe,” William Cheverie, said in a release. “We look for an agent with a light that shines through on camera, is an active member of their community, and offers a level of service that stands out among their peers. We are proud to have Nancianne Genduso as the Luxe agent representing New York.”

Genduso said she was excited to be a local host of the show and to show off her hometown in the episode.

“I am truly grateful for the incredible opportunity to work alongside William and the talented team at Reveel,” Genduso said. “Bringing this show to life has been an amazing experience, and I couldn’t be more excited to be the host of ‘Negotiators Luxe’ and share my passion for real estate with viewers.”

In the segment, Genduso introduces viewers to the scenic beauty of a waterfront home for sale. However, the true highlight of the episode lies in the interview with Regina Feeney, a local historian, archivist, and librarian at Freeport Memorial Library. 

Feeney welcomed the opportunity to share fascinating insights about the town’s rich history during her interview. She elaborated on Freeport’s early roots, with development gradually gaining momentum after the Civil War. 

“We just spoke about how Freeport really was known very early on, even in the early 1800s, as a place where people would come to fish and to go hunting,” Feeney said. “And it didn’t really start getting developed until after the Civil War. Then the real development starts to begin in the 1880s, where John J. Randall and his business partner start to develop everything.”

Randall, known as the “Father of Freeport,” was a prominent figure in Long Island and Brooklyn real estate during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He held key positions in various businesses, including the Freeport Bank, Ross and Randall Lumber and Coal, Randall & Miller Real Estate, and the Freeport Land Company.

In 1885, Randall acquired 80 acres of land in northwest Freeport, previously known as Oak Tree Place or the Bedell Farm. He named this area Randall Park and played a significant role in its development. Randall laid out streets, divided the land into 100-foot plots, and planted a remarkable 1000 maples and 1800 evergreens. Due to his extensive land holdings, he became the largest taxpayer in Freeport.

One of his notable contributions was financing the excavation of the Woodcleft Canal, a project that shaped the growth of the region. Even today, Randall’s legacy remains intertwined with Freeport’s history, as many streets in the area bear connections to him and his family.

Delving further into Freeport’s allure during the interview, Feeney emphasized its historical significance as a preferred destination for leisure and relaxation in the early 20th century. Before the Hamptons rose to prominence, Freeport was already a favorite spot for the affluent and famous from New York City, who sought respite in its tranquil ambiance.

“Freeport, I always say, was the Hamptons before the Hamptons,” Feeney said. “This is where everyone came during the summer.”

Moreover, Freeport boasts its own distinct character, with a plethora of architectural styles that cater to various preferences, including Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, and modern designs. The community also takes pride in being one of the three areas on Long Island that generates its own electricity, offering residents a unique advantage.

As viewers tune in this fall to watch the episode featuring Feeney, they can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for Freeport’s history and its diverse real estate landscape.

The show, “Negotiators Luxe,” is part of the Reveel Original Series and streams 24/7 on the Reveel Streaming Network. Audiences can access it through popular platforms such as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and the Reveel app on Android and Apple devices.