Suffolk housing quota for EMS, volunteer firefighters raises questions

At first glance, the attempt by Suffolk County lawmakers to give volunteer firefighters and EMS workers a boost in accessing affordable housing might seem like a no-brainer. The services are needed and this could be a way to encourage participation and deeply root people in their communities.

But while it may sound like a good idea, the reality is that it would make the already complicated effort of building affordable housing on Long Island more complicated — and open the county up to potential legal pitfalls, too.

The legislature last month unanimously passed a bill that would require new affordable housing developments to set aside the lesser of five units of housing, or 10% of its total number of apartments, for volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. Members who've been involved for at least three years in a fire or ambulance district where the housing development is located could be eligible. 

The legislation adds unnecessary costs, regulations and requirements to an already arduous process. The county already has laws that require affordable units for veterans and those with developmental disabilities. This addition sends Suffolk down a slippery slope, since plenty of other county residents, from teachers, mental health counselors, police officers and others performing vital tasks, equally deserve housing units of their own.

There are questions as to the legality of a set-aside for volunteer first responders, especially within federal fair housing laws. Unlike age, sex, race, religion and disability, among others, volunteer firefighters are not considered a group that would qualify for a housing priority, which is why many locales provide certain tax credits instead. And the requirement could further exacerbate Long Island's existing segregation issues. The bill offers new ways for naysayers to oppose affordable housing.

County lawmakers clearly sought to emphasize their commitment to fire department volunteers. But however well-intentioned their efforts might be, this is not the way to do it. 

This law is a reminder of just how much the county needs truly affordable housing opportunities for all of its residents. Limiting who can benefit from the few new units we do build doesn't help. And when those new homes do become available, first responders have access to incentives, grant programs and other assistance that can help them buy their first home or access a place to live. 

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is unlikely to rebuff a bill passed unanimously by the legislature, yet he should reject it. Lawmakers are right to highlight the need for housing on Long Island, and the importance of our volunteer first responders in our communities. But the set-aside proposal is not the answer. It will cause far more obstacles than opportunities.