AvalonBay project has LIA's support

The Long Island Association represents companies that employ more than half of Long Island's workforce, and we firmly support the AvalonBay proposal in Huntington. ["Target: NIMBYism," News, May 11].

This project, when completed, will revitalize a rundown neighborhood, positively impact employment and contribute significantly to economic growth. In terms of immediate effect on the local economy, it is estimated that 358 construction jobs would be created, with a spin-off effect that would add more than 5,000 more nonconstruction jobs. The total economic impact of the construction phase is estimated to be over $280 million, and that does not include an additional $95 million that planners anticipate once the community is completed and the neighborhood is once more alive with family life and commercial activity.

In terms of tax revenue, the project would generate about $1.8 million per year, offsetting any expenses related to new school-age children and, therefore, costing taxpayers nothing.

Every study on Long Island's future has consistently called for more multifamily housing. We simply can't sustain economic growth, if our young professionals and most productive workers are forced off the Island because of a shortage of apartments. We sincerely hope that the silent majority of responsible members of our community comes forward to say yes to our future by saying yes to this project.

Kevin S. Law, Melville

Editor's note: The writer is the chief executive of the Long Island Association, a business advocacy group.