Editorial: Vote 'yes' on the Suffolk development rights proposal

This proposal asks Suffolk voters whether to allow the transfer of unused development rights to fire, ambulance, police and library districts -- an expansion of a program that already allows development rights to be transferred to affordable or workforce housing projects. It deserves to be passed.

The issue has to do with health code limits on sewage produced, limits based on property size and the size and use of the building. Protected land produces no sewage, for which a credit is given. Suffolk's program allows credits earned on county-owned protected land to be transferred to developments that would produce more sewage than allowed based on their size. Hundreds of credits have piled up because no one has requested them for affordable housing.

The proposal recognizes the "vital services" provided by the districts and the need for some to expand -- for example, a firehouse that needs another bay for a truck, or a library that needs more usable space. The county legislature must be careful, however, that these credits are not abused to allow more commercialization of these public facilites, such as for catering halls in firehouses.

Vote yes on this proposal.

SUFFOLK COUNTY PROPOSAL

Shall Resolution No. 812- 2011, as amended by Resolution No. 217-2012, Adopting a Charter Law to Authorize the Use of Development Rights for Municipal Emergency, Fire, and Public Safety Corporations and Library Districts, Be Approved?