Supe Looks to Sell J&R's Property

Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine said he's open to accepting offers on the J&R Steakhouse property the town owns as he and town leaders work toward closing a budget gap that could top $8 million this upcoming year.

Abutting Rolling Oaks Golf Course on Route 25A, Romaine said that anyone who purchases the 1.25-acre parcel would have to take over the restaurant's lease, as well as match an appraisal the town has completed. Since the building is not being used for municipal services, he said it would be nice to rid the town of the land – and put proceeds from a sale toward using fewer reserves this year.

"It's not a bad lease. The town is making money on it," he said. "But my attitude has always been that I don't want to hold onto a property that isn't serving a government function."

Romaine said the town cannot accept less than the appraisal on the property, about $1.1 million, and the restaurant has at least six years left on its lease and remains in good standing, so no change at the location would come anytime soon, if at all. 

In an attempt to close a budget gap that could exceed $8 million, the supervisor is also accepting offers on the former town hall in Patchogue, as well as the old tax receiver's building in Port Jefferson Village.

"If anyone is interested, please, give me a call," he said.