Legislature funds $3.5 million for Central Islip housing project after debate over contaminated parcels

Suffolk County lawmakers voted on March 5 to provide $3.5 million in county funds to support land acquisition and infrastructure for a Central Islip downtown revitalization (DRI) housing project, including a $750,000 allocation to secure 15 affordable units for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The debate: Legislator Richberg, who sponsored the resolution, and Stephanie Rosen, the county’s Director of Affordable Housing, described the package as a mix of land-acquisition subsidies and acquisition of five parcels (one to come from the Landbank) to assemble the development site near the railroad station. Director Rosen said part of the funding will support purchase and that the Landbank parcel would be used for parking to avoid building on contaminated ground.

Legislators asked detailed questions about contamination and cost-recovery. Legislator Piccirillo asked whether the responsible company had paid for remediation; county staff said the EPA has spent roughly $11 million to treat groundwater and soils and that cost-recovery actions remain underway. Legislator Trotta objected to moving forward without further legal review in a separate Landbank matter, saying he was concerned the County could be "on the hook" if prior owners or statute entitlements required redistribution of sale proceeds. Trotta ultimately opposed the motion to approve IR 1059.

Vote and outcome: The Clerk recorded passage with 15 yes votes; Legislators Piccirillo and Trotta voted no and one member (Legislator Sanin) was recorded not present. The Clerk stated: "Fifteen (Opposed: Legislators Piccirillo & Trotta - Not Present: Legislator Sanin)."

Why it matters: The funding is intended to subsidize acquisition and remediation costs to enable affordable units in a transit-oriented location; the project includes a set-aside for disabled residents and repurposes a Landbank parcel for parking to limit building on contaminated soil. Legislators said the project seeks to address blight, create affordable units, and remediate long-standing brownfield issues in partnership with the Landbank and Town of Islip.

Next steps: The resolution authorizes County funding and oversight; county staff said remediation and cost-recovery discussions with the EPA and responsible parties will continue and that the Landbank and developer will advance site assembly and redevelopment.