Officials wary of planned Selden land sale

Two Brookhaven officials appealed to county lawmakers Wednesday not to sell a surplus 50-acre tract near Suffolk Community College in Selden to home builders, saying the new housing could overcrowd local schools.

Town Board member Kathy Walsh, a Republican, and former Democratic county Legis. Brian Beedenbender, who is Supervisor Mark Lesko's chief of staff, testified at the Ways and Means Committee about Presiding Officer William Lindsay's proposal to sell the tract to help close a $120 million budget hole.

"This is something on which there's no do-over," said Walsh, "A park is an ideal use for the land. Everyone would be upset if it was developed."

Beedenbender said that, while the land is zoned for homes on one acre, a developer through court action might get to build as many as 150 homes because houses in the surrounding area are built on quarter- and third-acre lots. "Our absolute preference is not to sell," he said. "But if you are dead set on selling it, please consider anything but housing."

Both officials reacted favorably when Legis. John Kennedy (R-Nesconset), the legislative minority leader, asked if they were "open to discussions about an appropriate use."

However, legislative Counsel George Nolan warned that if Suffolk tried to place restrictions on the sale, it might delay revenue needed to close the budget gap.

An effort to table the resolution failed on a 2-3 vote. The resolution was discharged without recommendation with Kennedy and Legis. Lynne Nowick (R-St. James) abstaining, making it eligible for a vote at next Tuesday's meeting.