The Concerned Citizens Association of Farmingdale (CCAF) held its last monthly civic meeting of 2008 on Nov. 20. At this meeting, two main concerns of CCAF members were revisited and discussed at length.

The first concern was Long Island taxes. While taxes are multilayered and include County, Town, and Village, it is school taxes that equate to 64 percent of the tax burden on homeowners here in Farmingdale. Multiple ideas stemmed from membership discussion including but not limited to a NYS funding formula revision, and consolidation of some school districts.

The second concern discussed was illegal housing in Farmingdale. While illegal housing may be a separate issue, it remains a key element in the school tax equation as the district increases property tax per household to compensate for increased school attendance. CCAF and its members understand that illegal housing may primarily be done by homeowners that cannot afford Long Island's high cost of living; nevertheless, it is a strain on emergency services, safe living conditions, and the school system.

The subject of illegal housing at this meeting brought about ideas including municipal code changes and stronger enforcement. The membership also discussed potential solutions such as creating Accessory Housing Units with yearly permits, and variable tax levels to compensate for the increased services.

Letters of invitation to attend the Jan. 15 meeting have been sent out to the Oyster Bay Department of Planning, Code Enforcement and Town of Oyster Bay Council representation. This meeting will continue the dialogue on the illegal apartment housing issue in the community.