We Mark Our Ballot: The Propositions

November 8 is a red-letter day for the South Fork in particular, a day that will help decide the future. It’s a rare “before and after” moment where the simple act of casting a ballot can bring real change in the world around us, not just political change.

In 1999, voters forever changed the trajectory of the East End by approving the Community Preservation Fund. And now, nearly a quarter century later, they must recognize the powerful moment in front of them — and vote yes on Proposition 3, which would create a new Community Housing Fund in Southampton and East Hampton towns. (It’s also on the ballot in Southold and Shelter Island.)

The two measures seem to be a fascinating dichotomy at a glance: One is all about buying land for preservation, limiting development and reducing the population; the other is about spending money, and potentially having to increase density in some places, to add to the population. But in truth these two measures are closely aligned, just separated by more than two decades — the stresses already in place in 1999 created these new problems, steadily and significantly, by driving up both the appeal and the price of land here. The real estate boom made a lot of South Fork locals rich, and now it’s making a lot of them poor.

The CPF didn’t cause the affordable housing crisis. But it created a South Fork protected from overdevelopment. That has made it more desirable, and now more expensive. As locals cash in, they’re forced to leave to enjoy the windfall; those who remain, especially the workforce, can no longer afford to rent or buy. Something has to give.

The genius of the CPF was using the real estate market’s overheated nature to fund a sprinkler system, which tamped down development by using its massive proceeds to take land out of play. The proposed CHF can likewise take the soaring property values and use that money to address the imbalance: The very people who keep the South Fork alive will find help that puts year-round housing within reach.

It’s up to town officials to execute that effectively, by putting the right programs in place to truly make a difference. But you, the voter, must take the first step by turning on the money tap and letting it flow. Money doesn’t solve everything — but it most certainly will help fix this problem.

It’s a rare opportunity that might not come again. Don’t miss it.

There are two other propositions on the back of the ballot (don’t forget to turn it over!), and both are straightforward.

To vote against Proposition 1, which would authorize state bonds of $4.2 billion for environmental protection, green energy and coastal resilience, you’d have to be blind to the rapid progress of climate change, and “pound foolish” when it comes to addressing it. Rising interest rates are a reason to act quickly and allow the state to bond long-term projects, as it should. This is an easy yes vote.

Proposition 2 is a Suffolk County measure that simply clears up a wording issue in the county charter, making clear that county legislators can only serve 12 years in office — period. That was the original intent, and a yes vote maintains the status quo more clearly.