Demolition of the historic Lufker Airport will begin soon, signaling the end of an era for a site long cherished by aviation enthusiasts and East Moriches residents alike. The Town of Brookhaven approved the project as part of a broader effort to preserve open space and protect the area's rural character.
Nestled in the grasslands along Montauk Highway and County Road 51, the 2,300-foot airstrip has served generations of recreational pilots and bush-wing dreamers. Though modest in appearance with a single hangar and service buildings, Lufker has a rich aviation legacy—hosting the likes of Pan Am founder Juan Trippe, actor Cliff Robertson, former Governor George Pataki, and even John F. Kennedy Jr., who favored the strip to avoid media attention in the Hamptons.
The demolition is part of a $5.28 million land acquisition and preservation effort jointly funded by Brookhaven Town (75%) and Suffolk County (25%), plus $75,000 in demolition labor. Once cleared, the airfield will be permanently preserved as open space, supporting efforts to prevent overdevelopment and protect the region’s environmental resources.
“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.”
Councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig, a key advocate of the project, added, “By partnering with Suffolk County, this important community landmark will forever be preserved. I am fortunate to work with Supervisor Panico and others who care deeply about protecting our land for future generations.”
Once home to small aircraft and aviation enthusiasts, the open field will soon serve a different purpose: a green sanctuary in the heart of East Moriches. Town officials say plans for the site do not include any development—only a promise to protect and let the land breathe.
The property abuts the former Spadaro Airport, a 29-acre site targeted for a 15,000-grave cemetery. The town has postponed approval of the project, formerly proposed as a facility for Muslims and now open to all, pending environmental and traffic review.
Brookhaven extended its gratitude to local aviators, residents, and historians who supported the transition. While the final takeoff from Lufker was bittersweet, the town views its transformation as a fitting tribute to both its flying past and its grounded, green future.