Developer Roberts Illegally Razes Pine Barrens

BROOKHAVEN, NY – Long Island developer David Roberts and his company, Roberts Premier Development, LLC, are in the crosshairs of a new lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission (Pine Barrens Commission). The charges? A brazen disregard for environmental protections and a calculated effort to build a commercial operation on land explicitly designated for preservation.

According to the lawsuit, Roberts illegally cleared approximately 13,000 square feet of natural vegetation and graded soil on a four-acre property in Brookhaven, Suffolk County, to construct a 5,500 square foot commercial barn for a cabinetry and woodworking business. This wasn’t a simple oversight; Roberts began construction before receiving approval from the town, and crucially, never even applied for the required waiver from the Pine Barrens Commission – a direct violation of the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act.

The Pine Barrens aren’t just pretty scenery. They sit atop Long Island’s primary source of drinking water, making their preservation a matter of public health. The lawsuit alleges that Roberts’ actions have harmed the delicate ecosystem of this vital area. Attorney General James didn’t mince words: “Long Island’s Pine Barrens are one of New York’s most precious environmental treasures, and we are committed to protecting it. Any bad actor that takes action to harm our protected lands must be held accountable.”

Roberts acquired the property in July 2022. While he applied for a town building permit in August 2022, the lawsuit details how he pushed forward with clearing and construction before receiving any response. The town ultimately issued a building permit on November 28, 2022, but that doesn’t absolve Roberts of his obligations under state law. The Pine Barrens Commission was alerted to the damage in March 2023, prompting the current legal action.

The lawsuit seeks a full restoration of the damaged land, including the removal of the illegal barn and associated infrastructure. Roberts will also face civil penalties for the destruction he caused. Judith Jakobsen, Executive Director of the Central Pine Barrens Commission, stated bluntly, “There’s a reason the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act included a Comprehensive Land Use Plan…When someone breaks the rules, they should suffer the consequences.”

This case highlights a recurring pattern: developers attempting to skirt environmental regulations for profit. The Long Island Central Pine Barrens, a 106,000-acre natural area, is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including many endangered ones. The Pine Barrens Commission, established in 1993, is tasked with safeguarding this critical resource. This lawsuit sends a clear message: violating those protections won’t be tolerated. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, keeping a close eye on whether justice—and the Pine Barrens—prevail.