Getting Railroaded

 

From: "Slaughter, Joshua" <Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov>

Date: September 6, 2012 5:01:42 PM EDT

To: "Slaughter, Joshua" <Joshua.Slaughter@suffolkcountyny.gov>

Subject: Legislature to Vote on IR 1695-12 - Sale of Yaphank Land

Concerned residents:

 

The Suffolk County Legislature’s Ways and Means Committee voted to discharge IR 1695-12 without recommendation at Wednesday’s meeting in Hauppauge. This means the full legislature will vote on the authorization to sell 231 acres of county land in Yaphank to Oakland Transportation at its next meeting.

 

The legislative meeting will be held next Thursday, September 13 @ 9:30 am in Hauppauge.

 

Although many legislators are arguing that this is a sale of vacant land with no project attached, it has been clearly stated that the purchaser plans to expand their intermodal rail facility and construct warehousing on the property. No environmental review has taken place regarding the impacts a rail to truck facility would have on the Carmans River and surrounding community. In addition, the current contract does not provide for any protections to the community. If approved next week, it will most likely transfer to federal jurisdiction and any local input will be limited at best, and most likely absent.

 

In addition, elected officials and residents of Queen testified this week about the regional impact this facility would have on their communities, and it is clear more review must take place to consider the impacts this plan will have. This will not only affect Yaphank, but every community along the Ronkonkoma line from Yaphank to Queens.

 

While Legislator Browning believes SEQRA should be followed before a vote to sell the land takes place, she is also fighting to ensure the current contract is amended to include important covenants and stipulations that will protect the surrounding community and river. If this passes on September 13 this will not occur.

 

It is vital that anyone available to attend and speak do so. The full legislature needs to hear your concerns. Anyone can attend and fill out a card to speak at 9:30 am. Please let me know if you have any questions and we hope to see you in Hauppauge.

 

Joshua P. Slaughter 
Suffolk County Legislature 
Legislative Aide, Media Contact, Third Legislative District
1120 Montauk Hwy., Suite G 
Mastic, NY 11950 
Phone: (631) 852-1300 Fax:(631) 852-1303