Huntington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Huntington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Valentine Avenue Residential Development Variances
A developer is seeking multiple variances to build a two-story home on a corner lot in a neighborhood where most lots are substandard due to 1943 rezoning. Neighbors raised concerns about proximity to existing homes, though the applicant stated nearby property owners were satisfied.
Historic Landmarks & Overlay Districts on Woodbury Road
The board is considering historic landmark designation and a Historic Building Overlay District application for the Charles A. Bateson House and John Bumpstead House in Cold Spring Harbor. These measures seek to preserve local architectural heritage along Woodbury Road.
Retaining Wall Variances and Site Plan Compliance at United American Muslim Association
The religious organization constructed retaining walls and parking areas out of compliance with their approved site plan. They are currently seeking variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals to legalize the retaining wall heights and locations.
Carport and Garage Conversion Setback Dispute
Neighbors at 111 Stoothoff Road raised concerns about an oversized carport built close to property lines, arguing it blocks views and impacts neighborhood character.