LI Airport Once Used By JFK Jr. Set For Demolition

EAST MORICHES, NY — Long Islanders are set to bid adieu to an airport with a rich history.

The Town of Brookhaven has announced the commencement of demolition activities Thursday, at the historic Lufker Airport in East Moriches.

According to the town, the landmark decision, made after careful consideration and community input, marks a pivotal step toward the long-term preservation of the site as open space.

The grass-strip airport has long held been a mainstay, serving recreational aviation enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Historians say many early aviators used Lufker or nearby Frog Chapman’s airfield — now East Moriches Elementary School — including Juan Trippe, founder of Pan American Airlines, actor Cliff Robertson, John F. Kennedy Jr. — who often flew to Lufker, reportedly to avoid Hampton-based "paparazzi" — and former Governor George Pataki, who flew his New York State helicopter when visiting Suffolk County, town officials said.

While they say its legacy as a historic 2,300-foot grass airstrip will be fondly remembered, town officials emphasized the importance of protecting the environment and enhancing public access to green space for future generations.

"Transforming this site into permanent open space reflects our commitment to land preservation, environmental stewardship, and community well-being," said Town Supervisor Dan Panico. "This decision honors the past while securing a more sustainable and accessible future."

"By partnering with Suffolk County, this important community landmark will forever be preserved as open space. I am fortunate to work with Supervisor Panico and many other people who care so much about our environment and trying to protect our lands for future generations," said Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig.

According to town officials, the cost of the land acquisition project is $5.28 million, plus the $75,000 labor cost of the demolition. The price tag is split, with 75 percent funded by the town and 25 percent, by Suffolk County.

The acquisition is part of Brookhaven and Suffolk County’s broader initiative to expand open space and mitigate overdevelopment in Long Island’s largest geographical town, officials said.

"Brookhaven extends its gratitude to aviation enthusiasts and local residents whose input helped guide this effort," a release said. "While saying good-bye to Lufker Airport is bittersweet, Brookhaven embraces its transformation as a gateway to nature and a living tribute to the town’s evolving story."

The airport was originally put up for sale for just under $8 million in 2020, according to Douglas Elliman.

Lufker Airport — Federal Aviation Administration location identifier 49N, formerly O00 — a privately owned, 30-acre public use airport located at 115 Montauk Highway in East Moriches, was formerly a farm used for growing cabbages and melons up until the 1940s, Douglas Elliman said.

The family-owned airstrip was most recently used by banner towing planes and for flight instruction, according to Douglas Elliman.