Affordable housing moves forward throughout Twin Forks

Long Island Morning Edition

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Suffolk officials are projecting a roughly $40 million deficit in sales tax revenue by the end of the year, according to a budget review given to lawmakers yesterday. Tiffany Cusaac-Smith reports in NEWSDAY that the sales tax deficit is a nearly $2 million increase from the $38 million deficit originally projected, said Budget Review Office assistant director Benny Pernice. The sales tax collections, which help fund the county's operating and capital budgets, are expected to be approximately $2 billion.

“With the latest information, we’re increasing that projection to a deficit of a little bit over $40 million,” Pernice said, adding they need to recoup more money in the next two quarters to stay on budget.

Yesterday’s gathering comes ahead of the annual operating budget review process. The Suffolk County Legislature needs to pass the budget by November, which then takes effect in January. In July, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine approved a 2025-27 capital budget plan that included sewer system upgrades and the improvement of highways.

As for the county sales tax revenue, Suffolk officials note it can fluctuate due to multiple local factors. Between January and July, sales tax revenue in Suffolk was around $1.1 billion, a 0.9% decrease from the same time period in 2023, according to data from State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.

The Suffolk County projected deficit is likely to be offset through funding that includes a contingency account, less workforce hiring and higher-paid workers being replaced by newer ones, officials said.

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Affordable housing took a step forward on both the North and South Fork yesterday. Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that the Southold Town Board unanimously approved the transfer of seven sanitary flow credits for 12 affordable housing units in a mixed use building that used to house the Capital One Bank branch on Love Lane in Mattituck. A proposal before the Southampton Town Board to purchase two properties in Tuckahoe using Community Housing Fund money passed unanimously, while another resolution to purchase a deed covenant to keep six apartments in Sag Harbor affordable in perpetuity was tabled to the Southampton Town Board’s next meeting Sept. 10.

In Riverhead, a Comprehensive Plan Update is slated for approval next Wednesday Sept. 4, including recommendations for how to deal with sprawling warehouses and downtown development. The plan’s recommendation that the Town of Riverhead consider creating a zoning district to allow for “agritourism resorts” will be discussed at a public forum 2 weeks later Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. in Riverhead Town Hall, where residents are invited to come discuss the legislation with town officials.

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The 78th annual Shinnecock Powwow begins this coming Friday at the Shinnecock Nation powwow grounds.

Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that the four-day event is a showcase of Shinnecock culture, heritage and tradition, and is one of the most well-attended powwows in the country, drawing spectators and tribal members from across the Americas, including Canada and Mexico.

Because it is a competitive powwow, representatives from tribes around the region and the country travel to eastern Long Island, making for a rich blend of Indigenous cultural experiences. The four days will be packed with dance competitions for tribal members of all ages, and will showcase singing and drumming groups and other musical performances, as well as displays of indigenous art.

The Shinnecock Powwow has the distinction of being rated as a top-five event by powwows.com.

Shinnecock tribal member and Pow Wow organizer Josephine Smith said the tribe has spent a lot of time and effort over the last year to do necessary infrastructure upgrades on the powwow grounds, and is hoping to continue that work over the next year.

The tribe is hoping to rebuild a new permanent structure on the powwow grounds, after having to tear down an older building last year. A new building would be useful not only for the Powwow but for other cultural events throughout the year on Shinnecock territory.

For more information about the Powwow, including scheduling, ticket costs and directions, visit shinnecock-nsn.gov/annual-powwow.