Legislator Fleming introduces legislation, Introductory Resolution 1225-2016, which changes the County Charter to ensure balanced representation on the Planning Commission
(Long Island, NY) Since its formation in 1970, the Suffolk County Planning Commission has played an important role in regional planning by reviewing site plans and zoning actions meeting certain jurisdictional requirements, establishing a Comprehensive Plan and recommending land use and planning policies to the County’s towns and villages.
Legislator Fleming meets with Carl Gabrielsen of Gabrielsen Farms to discuss the concerns of the agricultural industry. Photo Credit: Suffolk County.
The Suffolk County Charter currently mandates that the Planning Commission include representation from environmental organizations, organized labor, and experts in transportation, workforce housing and municipal planning. Legislator Fleming’s IR 1225-2016 amends Article 35 of the Suffolk County Charter, requiring that at least one member be an individual with background or expertise in agriculture, and that at least one member be representative of the business community.
“Agriculture has always been a vital piece of Suffolk County’s identity. The agricultural industry is both an economic driver and a source of pride, especially on the East End. It is critically important that we have a mechanism in place to protect our farms County-wide as we make development plans for the future” stated Legislator Fleming. The Peconic Land Trust and the Long Island Farm Bureau both submitted written statements to the whole Legislature in support of Fleming’s resolution.
