Suffolk's Ways and Means Committee passed a plan Thursday that aims to preserve 197 acres of county-owned woodlands in Yaphank.

Yaphank civic leader Linda Petersen and other residents worked with county officials and environmentalists to develop a master plan that sets aside 60 acres for future expansion of the county office complex. It would then preserve 137 acres as open space.

The county complex currently includes the Department of Public Works, fire rescue and safety, police headquarters, a county jail, the Board of Elections and the county farm.

Republican state Sen. Tom Croci and Assemblyman Dean Murray wanted lawmakers to consider delaying the vote and examine other possible options that could bring in revenue to the county. One option that has been floated is the development of a drag strip for racing.

State Sen. Croci and Assemblyman Murray did not respond to calls for a comment on the topic.

The plan is scheduled to go before the full Legislature for a vote.