Grossmann’s to remain a farm

If the Nassau County Legislature gives an acquisition deal the green light, Grossmann’s Farm in Malverne will soon be re-opened for business.

At a press conference on Sept. 17, County Executive Thomas Suozzi announced that the county plans to purchase the five-acre farm from the Grossmann family and maintain it as open space.

The county is permitted to acquire the property under its 2006 Environmental Bond Act, a $150 million program that has enabled the county to preserve open space and remaining farmland, renovate parks and protect drinking water, bays and harbors, among other environmental initiatives. The county is slated to pay the Grossmanns $6.5 million for the property.

“As a part of my Healthy Nassau initiative, I am committed to preserving natural open spaces, which are crucial to preserving our quality of life,” Suozzi told more than 200 residents who gathered at Grossmann’s last Thursday to hear the news. “We are running out of open space in the county, and development pressures on remaining land are significant. Generations of Malverne residents have fond memories of Grossmann’s Farm ... and I am delighted that the property will be enjoyed by families for years to come.”

After issuing a request for proposals in May and reviewing three responses in June, county officials selected Nassau Land Trust as the vendor to develop and manage the farm last month. The not-for-profit organization — whose mission is to “enhance and preserve the quality of life for all residents of Nassau County by working with landowners and other interested parties to conserve land,” according to its Web site — is planning to set-up an organic farming operation at Grossmann’s. The farm will grow corn, tomatoes, strawberries and other produce and have a farmer’s stand where organic foods will be sold.

“Nassau County is partnering with Nassau Land Trust with the Grossmann’s project,” explained Sean Rainey, the county’s deputy director of real estate, planning and development. “Since Nassau Land Trust is a not-for-profit, we believe they will have the best public benefit, and that was a very important part of the selection process.”