Moratorium on open-space program proposed

A Suffolk lawmaker proposed a 90-day moratorium on Tuesday on key land preservation steps as the county struggles with funding priorities for its open space program.

The resolution by Legis. Kara Hahn (D-Setauket) would pause all new surveys, appraisals and purchase offers. During the review period, officials would update and reorder the master list of parcels eligible for purchase.

"I agree with everyone's assessment that protecting our land is important," Hahn said of speakers at a legislative meeting who had raised questions about her bill. "But our obligation to the taxpayers is to know what we have with this limited pool of money to spend."

Hahn's proposal comes as Suffolk's pioneering open-space program, which is funded by a quarter-cent sales tax, can no longer borrow from projected tax revenue for new purchases. Under the 2007 referendum, the borrowing was only allowed through November, and the program now is pay as you go.

Suffolk spent $60 million in 2011 to save sensitive parcels from development, and only about $15 million remains in the dedicated fund. Sales tax revenue has slowed because of the recession.

Hours before Hahn introduced her bill, more than a dozen environmentalists lobbied the legislature to aggressively pursue land preservation. They largely support a new ranking of parcels, but oppose any moratorium as unnecessary.

"It's not a time to be pulling back," said James Gleason, of the East Moriches Property Owners Association. "We need to be thoughtful and move ahead."

Some speakers said they feared that a 90-day review would ultimately lead to a longer pause on open-space buys, but Hahn has already requested less time than planning officials had requested.

Late last year, Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook) and other lawmakers floated the idea of asking voters to consider diverting the program's funds to help balance the county budget.

That didn't gain traction. Legis. Lou D'Amaro (D-North Babylon), who favors Hahn's bill, said a permanent halt is "not even a consideration."

Environmentalists remain concerned about properties the county already has agreed to buy, but has yet to close on. One such site, the former Long Island Beagle Club training grounds in Riverhead, has languished for months, awaiting final approval of its $8.9 million purchase.

Richard Amper, Long Island Pine Barrens Society executive director, said that in such cases Suffolk risks creating a "chilling effect" on landowners at a time when prices are low. "I'm not sure how many [sellers] we'll have if the county starts saying, 'Nevermind,' " Amper said.

Hahn said there may be some slowdown while the program is under review -- but it'll be only temporary.

"They're not, in any way, rejected," she said of those sites.

With Rick Brand