Farmingdale residents voted Tuesday to approve a $36 million bond to build Long Island's first community-focused public school sports complex and aquatic center.

After 3,000 votes, the bond passed with 1,610 residents in favor and 1,390 against.

The state-of-the-art complex will be built at Howitt Middle School. It will include competitive and community pools, a competitive track, new synthetic turf for various ballfields and stadium lighting for night games and events.

Some residents say they believe the complex is a good investment in Farmingdale's future, while others say they think it is a waste of money.

The school district says the $36 million bond for the sports complex will not increase school property taxes. That is because the district is retiring a larger debt at the same time the bond begins to impact the tax rolls.

According to the district, the net savings for the community is $71 in taxes in the 2021-22 year.

School board members say work on the new fields will begin by April. The aquatic center plans still need final approval by the state, which is expected sometime next year.