Senior planner recommends approval of ag‑worker housing conversion at Sound Shore Farms

The town's senior planner, identified in the meeting as Bergman, recommended approval of an ag‑worker housing application submitted by Sound Shore Farms (owned by Paul Reeve) for a property at 5641 Sound Avenue. The proposal would convert an existing structure into a three‑bedroom ag‑worker housing unit.

Bergman told the board the parcel is roughly 1 acre and held in common ownership with an adjacent 41‑acre farm. He said the application is a Type 2 action and that the Suffolk County Department of Health Services has approved the project; the Riverhead Water District provided a letter confirming water availability but the applicant must still apply for service and payment and install required enclosures. "They've submitted an application to convert that to a 3 bedroom ag worker housing, structure," Bergman said, and he noted the Riverhead Farmland Preservation Committee recommended approval "subject to all other applicable regulations." He said he will prepare a resolution for the next town board meeting to approve the application.

Council members raised enforcement questions about residency requirements. Councilwoman Waski asked, "How do we enforce that the, workers that are residing in the house actually do, in fact, work on that farm?" Bergman said rental permits and inspections are required and suggested the owner could supply an employee list with the rental‑permit application, but acknowledged the town lacks a strong mechanism to independently verify employment. He said he would consult with Rich Downs about inspection practices and consider requiring an employee list at permit submission.

The board did not take final action during the work session; Bergman said he would return with a resolution to the town board. The item remains subject to required permit and service applications and the formal vote at a subsequent meeting.