A disappointing step back on stalled Ronkonkoma land

To the north of the Long Island Rail Road tracks in Ronkonkoma, a vibrant community has risen, with housing, restaurants, office space and more.

To the south, there's nothing but empty space.

For years, Suffolk County and Islip Town officials have talked about trying to develop these 48 acres of county-owned land that forms the southernmost part of the Ronkonkoma Hub. For years, they have failed. Despite proposals for a convention center, hotel, commercial space, entertainment and more, nothing has materialized.

More recently, they've spent more time pointing fingers at one another as they try to find someone to blame for the inaction. Some within the county say they need to hear from the town what it wants; some within the town say the county needs to start moving ahead.

There are, however, multiple paths emerging that could get development there moving again. Doing so will require committed developers, coordination and communication among multiple levels of government, and leadership that's been lacking.

The Suffolk County Legislature had already approved the establishment of a local development corporation, an entity that could oversee development and overcome the friction between local governments. Some appointments to the corporation were made, though funding is needed.

But the town took a disappointing step backward this week, when three board members voted to table a motion to authorize the LDC. The town and county should overcome any concerns, issue remaining approvals and funding, and move it forward.

If not, it may be wise for state officials to take a greater role. State officials have discussed with the county the notion of selling the land and allowing the state to take over the process of finding a developer and overseeing the project. Gov. Kathy Hochul would work closely with Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter to make sure county and town needs are accommodated. The state has the ability to override the labyrinth of Long Island's intersecting jurisdictions. If the county and town can't get their acts together, a sale of the property to the state may be the best solution. 

Meanwhile, Islip officials also have to determine the fate of the neighboring town property to the south of the county land — property that includes Long Island MacArthur Airport. The town's bidding process, which could determine if the airport terminal is upgraded or moved north, is down to two finalists. Town officials should make a decision, allowing that process to proceed, disconnected from the uncertainty about the county land.

If some of this sounds vaguely familiar, it should. To the west, the 72 acres surrounding Nassau Coliseum — known as the Nassau Hub — still lies empty in part because the county, town and potential developers never found a successful way to move forward together. It should be a cautionary tale — one the Ronkonkoma Hub must not repeat.