To the dismay but not the surprise of environmentalists, a controversial golf course and residential project in East Quogue was approved by a key panel this week.
The Central Pine Barrens Commission signed off on the development, Newsday reported.
Developers plan 118 homes, 18 holes and other recreational facilities on 35 percent of a 588-acre site. The rest of the land, which is in the Central Pine Barrens Overlay District and an aquifer protection area, would remain open space.
It is the largest project ever considered by the panel. Attempts to develop the land date back to 2004.
The Lewis Road Residential Planned Development, near Spinney Road, runs north to and beyond Sunrise Highway.
Approval by the commission was expected because three of its five members — Suffolk County appointee Dorian Dale, Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar and Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman — had supported the project in a preliminary vote last fall.
[Newsday] — Erik Engquist