Southampton’s plan to concentrate a massive amount of affordable housing in Riverside is a terrible idea — and may violate federal law

Long Island faces a profound shortage of housing opportunities. This scarcity of affordable housing has left many residents struggling to find suitable living arrangements, exacerbating economic disparities and residents no longer being able to afford to live in Long Island. Middle- and low-income families are severely hurt, effectively being removed from the market due to growing pricing. 

The Town of Southampton’s plan for 2,300 apartments in Riverside exemplifies this dilemma, showing the worrisome power relations and resource inequities between affluent Southampton and middle-class Riverhead. This proposal threatens to overwhelm the Riverhead School District and local resources, causing existing disparities and putting unfair pressure on a community that is already trying to satisfy its residents’ needs. For housing development to be successful, the Town of Southampton needs to take into consideration the impact on the Town of Riverhead residents.

At Housing Help Inc. (HHI), we recognize the negative consequences of over concentrating affordable homes in underserved neighborhoods. Years ago, Huntington only permitted affordable housing in low-income communities, which put pressure on local schools, businesses, and infrastructure. When the town rejected our Matinecock Court proposal in an affluent neighborhood, we sued alongside the Huntington NAACP, resulting in a 1988 Supreme Court decision that declared such hyperconcentration a violation of the Fair Housing Act. We realize the need for housing on Long Island, but our experience with Matinecock Court demonstrates the value of balanced development. Southampton’s projected redevelopment might stretch Riverhead, prompting issues about equality and fairness in regional growth.

A significant problem is the anticipated increase in student enrollment in the Riverhead School District. Adding hundreds more might result in overcrowded classrooms, inadequate resources, stressed teachers, and lower educational quality. Ensuring that the school system is prepared and supported for these changes is critical to sustaining educational standards and community stability.

The demographic breakdown of Riverhead School District in 2023 with a 5,480 enrollment:

Hispanic/Latino	63%
Black/African American	8%
Asian/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander	1%
White	26%
Multi-racial	2%

These statistics highlight the diverse community with a strong Hispanic population in the Riverhead School District. This demographic reality brings up unique cultural, educational, and economic considerations that must be discussed with the Riverside development.

Riverhead School District has various populations within the district in 2023:

Total school district population	5,480
English Language Learners	37%
Students with Disabilities	17%
Economic Disadvantage	62%

With over a third of students identified as English Language Learners and a significant portion facing economic disadvantages, the local school district is already under substantial pressure. The proposed influx of new residents and students to the school district will exacerbate these challenges, stretching the district resources even thinner.

According to the Long Island Index: 2018 Indicators Report, low-income students are overrepresented in larger, low-performing schools, they miss out on the benefits of a smaller classroom environment. Since 2008, high-poverty schools have increased in size. Despite their greater needs, these schools get less funding. Even with state and federal funding, the majority of school financing is provided by local property taxes and greater property values in wealthier districts allow for more resources.

This dynamic applies to Southampton’s projected Riverside development. Riverhead already struggles with a large number of low-income and English Language Learner students, and an inflow of kids might exacerbate these concerns. Without major investment in the Riverhead School District, resource inequities and student outcomes may worsen. Any growth plan must guarantee equitable resource allocation to sustain the quality of education and support for Riverhead’s diverse student body.

In Southampton, a family of four earning up to $124,950 is eligible for affordable housing, which includes critical workers like town employees, police officers, and fire marshals. Their children need the same education as those in more affluent neighborhoods. 

Segregating affordable housing reduces educational possibilities and is unjust. Integrating affordable housing throughout Southampton enables access to well-funded schools with diversified programming, which benefits workers while also fostering social equity, community cohesiveness, and equitable resource allocation. We must build inclusive and supportive communities in which everyone may flourish.

Concentrating affordable housing in low-income neighborhoods worsens the economic and concentration of poverty in one location. When affordable housing is disproportionately concentrated in poverty-stricken areas, it reinforces low-income families’ isolation by limiting their access to opportunities and services accessible in more wealthy areas. While we commend Southampton’s commitment to expanding housing, we must evaluate how these new units will be distributed to prevent economic segregation on Long Island.

This practice is about more than simply housing; it also maintains structural injustices. To overcome these impediments, ethical urban design must prioritize the integration of affordable housing throughout all of the Town of Southampton.

Southampton’s Riverside development proposal conflicts with the Fair Housing Act’s mandate to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing. Concentrating affordable housing in Riverside, near Riverhead, risks perpetuating segregation and resource disparity. This approach does not promote integration and equal access to opportunities. To comply with federal requirements, Southampton should distribute affordable housing more evenly, ensuring all residents have equal access to resources and opportunities.

HHI supports a balanced approach to affordable housing development. Concentrating affordable units in low-income neighborhoods around Riverhead perpetuates poverty, overburdens local resources, and restricts opportunities. By integrating affordable housing throughout Southampton, we can promote equality, improve opportunities for all children, and develop stronger, more cohesive communities. It is our moral obligation to ensure everyone, regardless of economic status, has the opportunity to thrive.

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Pilar Moya-Mancera is the executive director of Housing Help Inc., a not-for-profit organization helping families access safe, decent affordable housing and to develop the financial skills necessary to maintain their home.

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