The Suffolk County Legislature has unanimously passed a bill that could create thousands of affordable housing units.

Legis. Jay Schneiderman (R-Montauk) sponsored the legislation that requires new developments of at least 10 units to have 20 percent designated for affordable housing. The bill applies to a development that is outside the sewer district, but wants to connect to the system.

"This is a crisis in Suffolk County. We can't go on the way we are going," Schneiderman said. "This will have a strong impact in creating new affordable housing."

Bob Wiebold of the Long Island Builders Association appreciates the measure, but has concerns. Wiebold said the high percentage could drive up costs or prevent new construction altogether, in which case the county would lose millions in tax revenue.

Environmentalists are also worried, saying developers could circumvent the law by using less eco-friendly waste-disposal systems, like septic tanks.

Legislators approved the bill Tuesday. Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy now has 30 days to sign off on it. Right now, Levy said he's 50-50.

"We want to encourage this type of legislation that pushes for more affordable housing; it's desperately needed here on the Island," Levy said. "But at the same token, we don't want there to be any unwanted consequences."