Huntington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Huntington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Revocation of Accessory Dwelling Unit at 11 Jameson Court
Three accessory apartment applications — Greenlawn, Melville, and East Northport — got preliminary approval letters, none needing zoning relief or hitting saturation limits.
Coordinated Retaining Wall Replacement on Dickens Avenue
Four neighboring homeowners in Dix Hills teamed up to replace an aging, failing retaining wall system along steep rear slopes. The board praised the collaborative effort, which resolves serious safety and erosion concerns.
Map of Eastern Hills Subdivision Waivers
Residents and the highway department raised stormwater drainage concerns for the Map of Soundridge subdivision. The board discussed waiving curbs on certain street frontages while installing a catch basin and curbs uphill to improve neighborhood drainage.
Retaining Wall Code Regulations
Neighbors clashed with a Dix Hills homeowner over a massive, unpermitted 10-foot retaining wall that has partially collapsed and sits dangerously close to property lines. The zoning board decided to hire an independent engineer to figure out how to safely fix the wall before making a final decision.
Contested Retaining Walls and Drainage at 35 Hemingway Drive
Neighbors clashed with a Dix Hills homeowner over massive, unpermitted retaining walls that are nearly double the allowed size and sit right on property lines. One section already collapsed in 2022, sending debris and stormwater onto adjacent properties. The board decided to bring in an independent engineer to figure out how to safely fix or rebuild the walls.
SEQRA Compliance and Generic Environmental Impact Statements for TDFRs
The planning board debated whether transferring density flow rights requires a formal environmental review under SEQRA, leading to the board tabling the items to consult with town counsel.
Residential Variance Legalizations
Several homeowners on Luyster Street, Lenox Road, West 9th Street, and Second Avenue successfully legalized existing accessory structures, pools, and additions that did not meet current setback requirements.
Soundridge Unmerger and Neighborhood Density
Residents expressed strong opposition to unmerging three historical lots on Bayberry and Narcissus lanes, arguing that building three homes would increase neighborhood density and worsen severe stormwater runoff and local flooding.
ZBA Referrals for Commercial Outdoor Dining and Food Bank Storage
The planning board reviewed two Zoning Board of Appeals applications: one for outdoor dining and parking at a new restaurant on Jericho Turnpike, and another for truck and pallet storage for Island Harvest food bank on Spagnoli Road. The board raised no objections to either.
Accessory Structure and Retaining Wall Standards
The board addressed long-standing code violations and unpermitted habitable features across multiple properties, specifically restricting basement and accessory structure heights to seven feet and banning drywall in non-habitable areas like pool cabanas and storage basements.
Multi-Family Use Confirmation at 52 Prospect Street
The owners of a long-standing four-unit apartment building successfully secured official town recognition of their non-conforming continuous use, resolving a paperwork gap for their rental permits.
Lot Line Modification and Future Development Concerns
Residents questioned whether a lot line change between Tulip Street and Derby Avenue could pave the way for future subdivision or illegal rental units. The board clarified that any future building would require a separate variance and that code enforcement handles tenancy issues.
Jill Estates Subdivision Yield Determination
Developers are proposing an eight-lot subdivision on an oversized parcel on Tanyard Lane, which features steep slopes and mapped DEC wetlands. The board approved a yield determination of seven lots while discussing wetland jurisdiction and road access.
Commercial and Residential Conversion at 1598 New York Avenue
Nivo Properties is seeking to legalize commercial use on the first floor and two apartments upstairs at 1598 New York Avenue. The board discussed necessary parking and buffer variances due to the small lot size.
Accessory Structure Size Limits and Exemptions
Homeowners requested variances for oversized detached garages, pools, and sheds, highlighting debates over property size, hobby use, and neighborhood character.
Melville Town Center Overlay & School District Impact Agreements
Residents expressed strong concerns during public comment regarding the Melville development plan and environmental review processes, urging the board to reevaluate housing unit counts and SEQRA segmentation rules.
Residential Setback and Garage Variances
Homeowners across Huntington requested variances for sunrooms, garages, decks, and pools that sit closer to property lines than zoning codes normally allow. The board evaluated whether these structures negatively impact neighborhood aesthetics or privacy.
Commercial Signage and Property Identification in Melville
The board approved sign variances for a hotel on Route 110 and updated parking/vehicle storage layouts for a nearby warehouse facility, balancing commercial visibility with aesthetic buffering.
Turf Tek Commercial Zone Change & Storage Conditions
Neighbors voiced strong opposition to a zone change for Turf Tek on Jericho Turnpike, citing noise, early operating hours, dust, and outdoor material storage near residential properties. The board recommended approval to the Town Board but emphasized strict 30-foot buffers and operational controls.
Subdivision and Historic Preservation at 251 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor
A two-lot subdivision in the Cold Spring Harbor Historic District involves a historic gatehouse and a zoning code interpretation request for lot area requirements. The board evaluated historic preservation aspects and variance needs.
Unauthorized Oversized Pavilion and Setback Violations on Winter Lane
Neighbors blasted a massive 1,400-square-foot pavilion built right on the property line at 20 Winter Lane in Dix Hills, arguing it destroys property values and sets a bad precedent. The applicant's architect defended the structure as protection for a koi pond against falling leaves, but the board reserved decision after facing intense local opposition.
Unpermitted Construction and Stop Work Orders
The board discussed severe maintenance issues, unpermitted vegetation removal, and safety hazards at a commercial site on Gerrard Street, calling for the building permit to be reviewed and a proper site plan submitted.
Commercial Parking and Zoning Compliance on Lake Place
Neighbors raised safety and congestion concerns over a newly opened Pilates studio using a residential-facing back entrance and operating without proper town permits.
Commercial Parking Expansions & ZBA Referrals
The board reviewed four ZBA applications, supporting outdoor seating for Dough E Fresh on New York Avenue, signage rules for Carver Street and Marcus Drive, and modernizing restrictions for the Anne Brower School.
Ann Brower School Permit and Parking Regularization
The local private nursery school sought to legalize its long-standing parking layout and remove an old rule requiring the owner to live on-site. Neighbors asked questions about traffic and access, but supported keeping the school running without changes to its neighborhood footprint.
Downtown Parking Relief for Gym Expansion at 234 New York Avenue
Energy Fitness is looking to buy and move into the building right next door at 234 New York Avenue, requiring a parking variance for 33 stalls. Neighbors from nearby Lake Gibson and Lake Place came out in force to oppose the request, pointing out severe street parking shortages, safety hazards for children at bus stops, and overall neighborhood congestion caused by multiple commercial spots.
Residential Variance Requests for Substandard Historic Lots
Several homeowners in older neighborhoods like Greenlawn and Centerport requested variances to update their homes, highlighting how historic zoning changes created widespread substandard lot sizes across the town.
Industrial Site Design and Visibility at 191 East Second Street
Following a fire caused by stored wooden pallets, the property owner is seeking ZBA variances for outdoor storage and overnight parking for a new industrial building. The planning board expressed concern about site visibility from Manor Field Park and tabled the item to explore better building and parking layouts.
Nova Park Senior Housing Zone Change
Developers are proposing a 36-unit age-restricted housing development on a former school ball field at the end of West 23rd Street in Huntington Station. While school officials and proponents support the tax base increase and new housing options, some residents raised concerns about open space loss and environmental review.
Subdivision Bond Extension Accountability
The board debated whether to grant routine filing extensions for older subdivisions that have remained undeveloped for years. Members raised concerns that some developers request extensions indefinitely without explaining delays, prompting a push for better internal tracking and justification.
Marcy Avenue Residential Subdivision
A developer wants to build a home on an undersized half-acre lot on Orient Avenue where one-acre zoning is required. Neighbors pushed back hard, arguing it violates the established character of the new Brenna Estates subdivision and creates stormwater and density issues.
Zone Change Application: 50 Woodbury Road
The board reviewed a zone change application to shift an existing multi-family property from an R-5 residence district to a C-1 office residence district.
B2K Starbucks Zone Change Application (West Hills)
Residents strongly opposed scheduling another public hearing for the B2K Starbucks drive-thru zone change in West Hills, arguing it threatens residential character and rehashes a previously defeated plan.
Second Main Building Proposal on Woodbury Road
Residents strongly pushed back against a plan to keep an older home as a second main residence on a 2.8-acre lot in Cold Spring Harbor, warning it would destroy local R80 zoning protections and invite high-density sprawl.
Kite Drive Code Enforcement and Accessory Apartment Review
The town cracked down on unpermitted accessory apartments by revoking permits at two properties where owners failed to live on-site or maintain compliance.
Green Meadow Estates Zone Change
An application to rezone an 8.8-acre parcel on Lake Road from R-40 to R-20 to allow a 14-lot subdivision sparked debate, with neighbors raising concerns about traffic and maintaining the area's rural feel.
Regulation of Secondary Habitable Buildings on Single Lots
The board reiterated its strict stance against having two separate habitable buildings on a single residential lot, pushing back against a homeowner trying to legalize an old caretaker's cottage.
Regulation of Four-Season Accessory Structures and Pool Houses
The board set clear boundaries on large pool houses by requiring restrictive covenants so they don't get turned into unauthorized living spaces or rentals down the road.
Historic Landmark Designation for 'The Nutshell' in Centerport
The town is moving forward with designating a historic site known as 'The Nutshell' at 289 East Main Street in Centerport as a protected historic landmark.
North Port Rural Cemetery Retaining Wall & Screening
The historic cemetery is building a 14-foot retaining wall to create flat ground for more burial plots. The board approved the wall with mandatory tree plantings to ensure neighbors don't have to look at a bare wall.
ZBA Referral: Corinne's Catering Outdoor Storage
A catering business on Jericho Turnpike is seeking permission to store trucks and materials overnight. The Planning Board recommended that the zoning board require proper fencing, landscaping, and the removal of rusting truck bodies used for storage.
Adaptive Reuse and ZBA Referrals for Commercial Properties
The board reviewed four zoning board applications, including parking and buffer variances for the Anne Brower School, sign and dumpster compliance at 40 Marcus Drive, office expansion and signage at 200 Carver Street, and outdoor dining for a new pizzeria at 185 New York Avenue.
Orient Avenue Half-Acre Home Proposal
A developer wants to build a home on a vacant 22,000-square-foot lot on Orient Avenue where one-acre zoning is required. Homeowners in the new Brenna Estates subdivision are furious, arguing it violates the neighborhood's character and sets a dangerous precedent.
ZBA Referral for Mixed-Use Conversion at 790 New York Avenue
The board discussed converting vacant second-floor office space into nine one-bedroom apartments. Members expressed general support for housing but chose to take more time to review parking under the building before advising the ZBA.
Lot Subdivision Proposal at 3 Caroline Drive
An application to split a 1-acre property into two half-acre lots in Dix Hills faced pushback from neighbors worried about oversized homes and neighborhood character.
Neighborhood Privacy and Retaining Wall Development in Melville
Residents raised concerns about clear-cutting and a lack of privacy buffers after property owners constructed extensive retaining walls without initial permits at 130 Bagatelle Road. The board weighed the property owner's request against neighbor complaints, ultimately reserving decision to explore landscape screening enhancements.
Detached Garage Scale and Neighborhood Compatibility in Dix Hills
Neighbors pushed back against a massive 2,500-square-foot garage proposal that was bigger than the house itself, leading to a unanimous board denial.
Retaining Wall Dispute at 30 Essex Drive
Neighbors and property owners clashed over an unpermitted retaining wall built in 2022 at 30 Essex Drive in Northport. Accusations of unauthorized fill, grading changes, and property damage sparked intense debate, prompting the board to leave the hearing open for further review.
LeMay Tree Nursery Agricultural Operations & Restrictions
A landscaping business is turning a residential parcel into a tree farm to grow plants. To keep neighbors happy, the board added strict rules banning retail sales and large commercial truck storage on site.
Retaining Wall and Site Compliance at 459 Deer Park Avenue
A 25-year dispute over mosque development came back before the board as the applicant sought to legalize two unpermitted retaining walls with zero setbacks. Neighbors raised serious concerns about structural cracks, vehicle safety hazards, trash accumulation, and property line disputes, asking the board to require a cash bond and strict inspections.