Southampton needs to embrace housing

A community declaring it is “pro-housing” should not cause a stir.

In a region that desperately needs more housing, especially affordable units, support for housing that can ensure economic growth and community well-being without negative impacts should be the north star.

But in the Town of Southampton, Supervisor Maria Moore’s attempt last month to encourage the town to apply for the state’s “pro-housing” designation — which gives such communities access to a variety of pots of critical state funding — was met with pushback, particularly from board member Cyndi McNamara. When Moore proposed a “letter of intent,” the first step in the certification process, McNamara immediately contacted two dozen civic associations and expressed concern about whether the town should provide the state with zoning data and “increase density in our hamlets.”

At a town board meeting, McNamara pressed further, incorrectly suggesting the pro-housing designation — which is optional — was a state mandate requiring the town to build 500 units, and voicing the unfounded worry that the certification “sounds like the beginning of the end of home rule to me.” Fellow board members pushed back, and a state representative who attended the meeting tried to correct the record — but it was too late. McNamara already had convinced many town residents she was right. The damage, at least for the moment, had been done.

Ultimately, board members delayed a vote, which means Southampton still can follow the lead of towns like Riverhead and East Hampton, which already have become certified. So far, 25 Long Island communities have signed a letter of intent similar to Moore’s. Even as some housing developments are underway Islandwide, the need remains particularly acute on the East End.

This week, Southampton’s town board plans to meet with state officials, who’ve said they’re ready to debunk misinformation, answer board members’ questions about the state’s requirements, and resolve any of their concerns. State officials should clarify what data the town must provide and offer assistance in completing the application process, which some have said is too complex. Then, the town should move forward with approving the letter of intent and apply for the pro-housing designation.

Five months ago, Southampton — led in part by McNamara’s opposition — rejected 50 units of veteran and workforce housing proposed for Tuckahoe. Last month, the developer sued the town, accusing officials of violating fair housing law. But Southampton officials have said that the housing proposal, called Liberty Gardens, was rejected due to its specifics and that they would approve housing where it makes sense.

If that’s true, becoming certified as “pro-housing” would be a good start. If it takes that step, Southampton could become a model for other Long Island communities with similar needs that need a push to say “yes,” too. That would let town officials show they are committed to adding housing — rather than just saying so.