Like a forgotten colonial relic, the Marion Carll farm remains tucked away on the north side of Jericho Turnpike, its sprawling grounds and century-old farmhouse left virtually untouched for decades.
Though members of the public have not tread on the farm since the late 1960's, Mother Nature certainly has. Years of heavy snow and rain have battered the house and torn a large hole in the roof.
With maintenance costs rising, the property has become a point of contention in the community.
Since it was deeded to the Commack School District by Marion Carll in 1969, the farm's history has been a rocky one. Last year, a referendum to sell the farm to a developer was . Over the summer, the district announced it would put the property out to bid once again. Despite talks of several interested parties, Superintendent Donald James announced the district had received at the Board of Education meeting earlier this month.
While several civic groups, including the Commack Community Association, the Huntington Historical Society, the Peconic Land Trust and the Rotary Club of Commack-Kings Park fight to protect the property, which was established in 1701 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, the property remians closed to Commack residents.
Do you have a vision for the Marion Carll Farm? What would you like to see become of it? Tell us in the comments.
