Residents in Aquebogue are raising concerns after trees were cleared on a property slated for a proposed 16-lot subdivision on Peconic Bay Boulevard.

According to the Town of Riverhead, work at the site is now on hold after officials issued a stop-work order last week, saying the developer did not have final approval or a land-clearing permit before clearing began.

For neighbors, the changes to the landscape were shocking.

"Trees that had to be 100 years old were just gone overnight," said Ruth Arnone, of Aquebogue. "We were away, we came home, and there was nothing left. And it just broke our hearts to see that.”

The property, known as Summerwind Farm, could eventually become home to a new residential development. Residents who live nearby say they had previously enjoyed open views of farmland.

"We just would look out and see farmland," said neighbor Karen Lucas. "Now we're going to look out and see the backs of houses. I'm not happy."

In a statement, Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Haplin said town officials observed extensive work already completed on the property. According to the statement, "a substantial portion of the property had been cleared, and excavators, bulldozers and other earthmoving equipment were observed." The statement also noted that a parking area had been created.

Residents say crews left behind large piles of debris after removing the trees. Arnone worries the development will permanently alter the character of the community.

"Aquebogue isn't just a place to live, it's a feeling," Arnone said. "That feeling is going away fast with this development."

Following an investigation, the Town of Riverhead issued eight appearance tickets alleging violations of town code related to the work performed at the site. News 12 reached out to the developer behind Summerwind Farm for comment, but calls have not been returned.

Meanwhile, neighbors have sent letters to the Town Board demanding that the developer follow the proper approval process before any additional work moves forward.

Lucas says preserving the area's rural character is one of the reasons many residents chose to live there.

"That's why you move out here is for the tranquility, the peacefulness," Lucas said. "Now we're just gonna get people."