Poorly planned development threatens nearly every aspect of Brookhaven's environment. Suburban sprawl increases automobile use and congestion, adding to air and noise pollution. Lack of proper sewage and storm water infrastructure increases ground and surface water contamination. As Brookhaven continues to grow, a town-wide development plan is necessary to encourage both economic development and environmental protection. Brookhaven is well positioned to do just this.

NYLCV urges the Town Board to:

• Rezone the property around the Ronkonkoma railroad station for high-density housing.
• In MF zoned properties, allow one or more of the uses permitted under §85-226 as an accessory use by Town Board Special Permit. The town should develop Special Permit criteria for these accessory uses in the MF District. The criteria should limit the accessory use to the ground floor/first floor of the premises. The criteria should also address how the inclusion of one or more of the Special Permit accessory uses will impact the residential yield of the project, whether it's in a primary, secondary or tertiary zone.
• Change town regulations to provide a specific time period for town review of projects meeting certain smart-growth criteria, such as multifamily housing with retail included.
• Reduce the amount of parking required under town zoning for multifamily developments.
• Provide a recurring revenue source for town land preservation acquisitions.
• Require the redemption of Pine Barrens Credits for all zone changes the Town Board approves that result in increased density or increased intensity of use.