Yesterday, in an effort to preserve some of Long Island's open space, Robert DiCarlo, the Republican candidate for Brookhaven supervisor, spoke openly against the construction of a new Shirley housing plan. The 182-home subdivision will occupy what is now The Links at Shirley golf course on William Floyd Parkway, pending approval by the town planning board.

According to Newsday, DiCarlo has cited the increase in traffic as well as school tax hikes as reasons for his criticism. He believes, instead, that the land should be used for recreational purposes.

Following DiCarlo's announcement, his opponent, Democratic Supervisor Brian Foley, has called his opposition meaningless because he has no input in the decision of the planning board and has even pledged not to interfere with its decisions. "What seems to have eluded some people is that the developer has a right to build 182 homes," said town spokesman Tom Burke.