Public Meetings - Huntington, New York

The Town of Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 29, 2026, for a regular evening meeting. The board approved the previous week's minutes, conducted six public hearings, and handled other business including zone change referrals, a consultant resolution, and accessory dwelling unit preliminary approvals. Five of the six applications were granted; one decision was reserved. The meeting adjourned to November 5, 2026. Consent Calendar - Minutes of October 22, 2026, accepted unanimously (motion by McGrath, second by Castagna). - Jurisdiction confirmed for hearings 23784, 23774, and 23786. Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Levignon of 424 Wolf Hill Road, Dix Hills, opposed application 23774 (427 Wolf Hill Road), describing four years of flooding, mud, blocked sewers, construction vibrations, and alleged town enforcement failures. He asked the board to deny the request and review the full scope of development, noting that a neighbor who died that weekend had said the project "was going to kill me." - Neil Arichio, speaking for his fiancée at 6 Ivy Hill Court, Huntington Station, questioned the traffic study for application 23786 (950 East Jericho Turnpike), citing unsafe truck loading in roadways and potential noise from jet skis/ATVs. He urged the board to set a precedent for more aesthetic, compliant development. - No public speakers appeared for the other five hearings. Discussion Items Public Hearing 23747 – 27 Carman Road, Dix Hills - Applicants/owners Yoel Antonio Rojas Ortiz and Felix Martinez requested side yard and combined side yard relief to construct a two-story addition and roof over deck. - The attorney stated the R-40 lot is substandard: 97.9 feet wide where 125 feet are required. The house currently does not meet side yard setbacks; relief was previously granted. The requested variances were 11.58 feet where 25 feet are required, and a combined setback of 36.08 feet where 50 feet are required. The lot has 1.3 acres and three times the required front yard. - No opposition. Board granted the application. Public Hearing 23765 – 9 Montana Street, Huntington - Owner Patricia Franco requested accessory structure and lot area relief to legalize an existing front deck. She stated the deck predated her ownership, no devaluation had occurred, and the community's development pattern was unchanged. - The board recognized the R-40 neighborhood had mostly been built under R-5 zoning, resulting in substandard lots. The deck is 19.2 feet where 50 feet are required. - No opposition. Board granted the application. Public Hearing 23764 – 56 Wintercress Lane, East Northport - Architect Tom Winnis, for applicant Bobby Vaughese and owners Bobby and Betsy Varughese, withdrew the request to construct a two-story addition; that portion would be revised and refiled without needing ZBA approval. - The remaining request was to legalize existing pool equipment set back 2 feet where 5 feet are required. The pool and equipment were installed in 1986. - No opposition. Board granted the application. Public Hearing 23785 – 169 West Pulaski Road, Huntington Station - Owner John Casey sought to rebuild a fire-damaged detached two-car garage on an existing poured foundation, requesting an area variance for 810 square feet where 750 is allowed, and a height variance for 25 feet where 15 feet is allowed. - Casey stated the prior garage had a certificate of occupancy at the same height, and he uses a car lift for rebuilding cars. A neighbor's letter in the record supported the rebuild. - No opposition. Board granted the application. Public Hearing 23784 – 10 Jameson Court, East Northport - Attorney Ryan Brown, for applicant Uygar Konur, sought relief to convert a balcony to living space, add an egress window well, and legalize existing shed, hot tub, and fence. The R-7 corner lot is 8,268 square feet with 50-foot width where 75 feet is required; prior lot width relief was granted in 1983. - Requests included: balcony setback 22.6 feet vs. 25; addition setback 6.8 feet vs. 7; unobstructed side yards 3.66 and 3.5 feet vs. 5; and zero fence setback vs. 2 feet. - No opposition. Board granted the application. Public Hearing 23774 – 427 Wolf Hill Road, Dix Hills - Attorney Ryan Brown, for 427 Wolf Hill Road LLC (Gene French), sought to legalize retaining walls, a sports court with fencing, and a detached covered patio. Requests included: retaining wall facial area 2,510 sq ft vs. 833.54 allowed; retaining wall setbacks 4.4 ft west and 1.4 ft east vs. 10 ft; sports court fence setbacks 9.58 ft west and 9.66 ft east vs. 10 ft; and cumulative accessory structure square footage 2,207 sq ft vs. 1,200 allowed. - Brown explained the slope and a design professional's misinterpretation of tiered retaining wall rules; existing arborvitae screening was noted. - Robert Levignon, the across-the-street neighbor, objected at length, claiming flooding, mud, unauthorized construction, and disproportionate scale. He asked for denial. - The board closed the hearing and reserved decision. Public Hearing 23786 – 950 East Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station - Attorney Tara Visconti, for Motorrad Realty LLC (Erik Habberstad), sought a special use permit for a motorsports repair, service, and parts facility with outdoor overnight storage of personal watercraft and ATVs in an existing building vacant since 2024. - Variances requested: five parking spaces where eight are required; parking buffers and landscaping; and signage area of 100.5 sq ft where 97.5 sq ft is allowed. - Traffic expert Wayne Muller (RM Engineering) testified parking and traffic impacts would be minimal; real estate expert Michael Lynch testified the use was consistent with the surrounding motor-vehicle corridor and would not harm property values. - Neil Arichio spoke in opposition, citing traffic safety and noise concerns. - The board discussed conditions, including that all repair work would occur inside, only watercraft/ATVs would be stored outside, hours would be Monday–Friday 9–6, Saturday 9–5, closed Sunday, and site plan approval would still be required. - Board granted the application with a negative declaration. Key Outcomes - 23747 (27 Carman Road): Granted. Motion by Basso, second by Castagna. Vote unanimous. - 23765 (9 Montana Street): Granted. Motion by Whalen, second by Cote. Vote unanimous. - 23764 (56 Wintercress Lane): Granted after withdrawal of addition request. Motion by Castagna, second by White. Vote unanimous. - 23785 (169 West Pulaski Road): Granted. Motion by Cote, second by McGrath. Vote unanimous. - 23784 (10 Jameson Court): Granted. Motion by Whalen, second by Castagna. Vote unanimous. - 23774 (427 Wolf Hill Road): Decision reserved; no vote taken. - 23786 (950 East Jericho Turnpike): Granted, with conditions and a negative declaration. Motion by McGrath, second by Whalen. Vote unanimous. - Approved a resolution to retain H2M Architects/Engineers as a consultant for ZBA 23729 (35 Hemingway Drive, Dix Hills) concerning retaining walls, with an initial escrow of $6,100. Motion by Castagna, second by Basso. - Issued preliminary approval letters for accessory dwelling units at 4 Griffin Place (ADU 2284), 8 Basswood Place (ADU 2295), and 3 Greystone Drive (ADU 2297), all subject to building department referral to Suffolk County. - Took no action on zone change referrals 2026-ZM-492 (Railroad Street west of 11th Street) and 2026-ZM-493 (Woodman Road north of Gwyn Road, West Hills), treating them as informational coordination items. - Adjourned to November 5, 2026.

The Town of Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 22, 2026, to conduct public hearings on six applications and to consider four additional business items. All applications on the hearing calendar were granted except one hearing that was adjourned because required legal postings were not completed. The board also acted on two accessory dwelling unit (ADU) requests, an amended written decision, and a time extension request. Consent Calendar - The board accepted the October 8, 2026 meeting minutes, as corrected by the chairman, on a motion by Mr. McGrath seconded by Mr. Cortey; all voted in favor. - Town counsel confirmed that affidavits of posting, publication, and notice were filed to establish jurisdiction for the evening’s hearings. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public requested to be heard during the public comment portions of the hearings. - Richard Bronchick (JL Drafting), for owner Dawn Fasano, testified at the 48 Highland Court hearing. - Paula Ruiz (Universal Science and Service), representing Wing Stop, testified in support of the proposed signage at 215 W. Jericho Turnpike. - Jessica Zalin (Cuddy & Fader), attorney for the Dickens Avenue applicants, presented the retaining wall requests, with structural engineer Charles Clackett available to answer questions. Discussion Items - 88 Harriet Lane (Public Hearing 23779): The hearing was adjourned to December 10, 2026, because the applicant did not complete required postings and publications. - 48 Highland Court (Public Hearing 23762): The applicant requested a front-yard setback reduction from 20 feet to 17 feet to build a three-foot-deep front vestibule. The representative said the vestibule would address a dangerous stair entrance located less than four feet behind the front door. The agenda describes the work as a one-story addition, while the transcript describes it as a two-story addition; this discrepancy was not discussed by the board. - 215 W. Jericho Turnpike (Public Hearing 23757): Paula Ruiz requested a 12-foot-tall freestanding ground sign with a 10-foot setback. She argued the sign was needed for visibility on a 40 mph commercial corridor. Board members noted the application also covered existing building signs and asked about vacant space behind the 14-seat food shop; the representative said she did not have that information. The board determined a negative declaration was required under environmental review before granting the request. - 8, 10, 12, 14 Dickens Avenue (Public Hearings 23781, 23776, 23770, 23775): The four contiguous properties were heard jointly. Attorney Jessica Zalin explained that a shared rear retaining wall appearing on surveys from 1969 was removed in 2024 after the town found a portion at 12 Dickens unsafe. The proposed replacement wall, with a ready rock ledge stone base and a 5-foot PVC fence, would have a maximum exposed height of about 11 feet. Letters of support were provided by owners of rear properties at 9, 11, 16, and 17 Cather Avenue. Board members praised the application and stated all five legal factors were met, characterizing the project as a repair rather than a new hillside cut. - Other Business: The board heard four non-hearing items: a second extension for Application 23314 at 104 Soundview Terrace, Northport; an amended decision for Application 23752 at 33 Pine Drive, Cold Spring Harbor to include 993.2 square feet of retaining wall relief (code allows 746.2 square feet) that had been granted on October 8 but omitted from the written decision; and preliminary approvals for ADU 2258 at 27 Weston Street, Huntington Station (300 square feet, one-bedroom, owner-occupied, no saturation issues) and ADU 2256 at 689th Avenue, Huntington Station, after the building department confirmed a meaningful connection between the main dwelling and the proposed ADU. Key Outcomes - The October 8, 2026 minutes were approved unanimously. - Public Hearing 23779 for 88 Harriet Lane was adjourned to December 10, 2026, without action. - Public Hearing 23762 was granted: front-yard setback reduced to 17 feet for the 48 Highland Court vestibule. - Public Hearing 23757 was granted: sign variances for 215 W. Jericho Turnpike, with a negative declaration under environmental review. - Public Hearings 23781, 23776, 23770, and 23775 were each granted by separate unanimous motions for 8, 10, 12, and 14 Dickens Avenue, respectively. - Application 23314 received a second extension of the prior grant due to family and financial concerns. - Application 23752 was directed to receive an amended written decision reflecting the retaining wall relief granted on October 8. - ADU 2258 and ADU 2256 received preliminary approvals. - The meeting was adjourned to October 29, 2026.

The Town of Huntington Planning Board held its regular meeting on October 21, 2026, and acted on minutes, project extensions, site plans, subdivisions, lot line changes, and Zoning Board of Appeals referrals. Most resolutions were approved by voice vote; the September 16 minutes were approved with two opposed after a procedural dispute, and one board member recused on the lot line extension resolution. Minutes - Approved the September 2, 2026 Planning Board minutes. - Approved the September 16, 2026 Planning Board minutes with two opposed. A board member objected to a requested edit and what he called a changed procedure for amending minutes; planning staff said the procedure had not changed. The final motion approved the minutes as submitted. - Approved public hearing transcripts from August 5, 2026 (Estates at Elwood) and September 2, 2026 (Map of Soundridge). Project Extensions - Extended Nawabi Plat review time by 62 days to November 8, 2026 (nunc pro tunc). - Extended Linakis and 10 Melville Road lot line changes to January 15, 2027 (nunc pro tunc), with one recusal. - Extended the landscape bond for 20 Creek Road. Site Plans - 195 Depot Road: Staff presented a proposal to legalize a plumber's office with outdoor storage and parking. The drive aisle would be 13.8 to 14 feet wide, versus the 24-foot code requirement for two-way traffic. Staff supported the modification because the use is low-impact and the lot has no practical alternative. Board members raised no objection; no formal vote was taken. - 1714 New York Avenue (Take 5 Oil Change): The board granted conditional site plan approval. The applicant reduced the street-side logo and added a window after prior board concerns about visual impact. The number of signs was previously authorized by the Zoning Board of Appeals. - Anton Realty of Long Island: The board granted conditional site plan approval to convert an existing gas station/auto repair use to a convenience store. The conversion follows a town board zone change from C6 to C10 and variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals. One illuminated fascia sign facing a residential property will be removed; several pre-existing driveway widths remain undersized as existing conditions. Subdivisions - Marcy Avenue Plat: The board issued a negative declaration under SEQRA for an expedited two-lot subdivision south of Jericho Turnpike in an R-5 zone. - 9 Fern Place Plat: The board issued a negative declaration under SEQRA to legalize two existing tax lots, one with a house and one vacant flag lot. - Nawabi Plat: The board granted a partial sidewalk waiver for the existing asphalt sidewalk on Carl Strait Path, conditioned on construction of an ADA-compliant concrete sidewalk ramp at the corner. The board then approved the preliminary plat resolution; the motion carried. - Map of Soundridge, Lots 14-16: Discussion only. The applicant requested waivers of curbs and sidewalks. Staff supported the sidewalk waiver because there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood. For curbs, staff recommended denying the waiver uphill of a new catch basin on Narcissus Lane to improve drainage, while waiving curbs along Bayberry Lane and other frontage. Neighbors had raised drainage concerns at the earlier public hearing; no vote was taken. - Map of Huntington Gardens, Lots 132-138: Project introduction only. The applicant proposes a two-lot subdivision in Huntington Station by moving an interior lot line and building a new house. The property is outside a sewer district, so health department approval will be required. Lot Line Changes - Chuckwood-Kilmer: Project introduction only. The proposal would move the lot line two feet west on the south side and two feet east on the north side, exchanging an equal area, so the eastern neighbor can have the option to attend the Cold Spring Harbor School District. - Ryder-Reece: The board granted conditional approval. The applicant will demolish the existing house, straighten the diagonal lot line from the prior subdivision map, and create two more regular lots for two new houses. ZBA Referrals - NYU Langone (ZBA-23772): The board discussed a proposal to add parking on residentially zoned land adjacent to the Pulaski Road medical offices. The site has known parking shortages despite complying with parking codes. The board recommended that the ZBA require an oversized landscaped buffer between the new parking area and the residential buildings as a condition of the special use permit; the project will later come back for site plan review. - Erik Habberstad / Motorrad Realty (ZBA-23786): The board discussed reoccupying an existing auto repair shop on Jericho Turnpike for repair of ATVs, snowmobiles, and other non-road motorized equipment. The board will handle site plan conditions itself and will convey that to the ZBA as part of its recommendation. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public spoke during the October 21 meeting. The agenda listed current communications, but they were not read or discussed on the record. Prior public hearing testimony about drainage at Map of Soundridge was referenced during the staff presentation. Key Outcomes - Approved the September 2 minutes, September 16 minutes (with two opposed), and the two public hearing transcripts. - Approved all requested extensions, including the Nawabi review-time extension, the two lot line change extensions, and the 20 Creek Road landscape bond extension. - Granted conditional site plan approvals for 1714 New York Avenue and Anton Realty of Long Island. - Issued negative declarations for Marcy Avenue Plat and 9 Fern Place Plat, and approved the Nawabi Plat preliminary approval. - Granted conditional approval of the Ryder-Reece lot line change. - Took no formal action on 195 Depot Road, Map of Soundridge, Map of Huntington Gardens, Chuckwood-Kilmer, or the two ZBA referrals.

On October 8, 2026, the Huntington ESPA committee met to review funding requests, park improvement proposals, and open-space acquisitions. No members of the public spoke during the public comment period. The major focus was a proposed renovation of the Cedar Road Park field and a funding shortfall for a fence at Halesite Marina. Discussion Items - Cedar Road Park field renovation: Michael, representing the Little League, presented a town engineer estimate of $550,000 to fully renovate the field, including roughly $256,000 for turf, fencing/backstop work, ADA-compliant concrete access, new bleachers, other site improvements, and a 10% contingency. At the start of the discussion, he was told the project is first in queue for the next quarter/2027, but that the committee cannot vote on funds it does not currently have. He said the league could contribute about $130,000, later referencing $139,000 from the Cedar Society, but could not cover the full gap. He cited 550 children served last spring and said the project would make an immediate improvement, while acknowledging the field might need to be closed for construction. Committee members called spring 2027 completion unrealistic due to Land Tech's queue, engineering, procurement, weather, and school projects; late fall 2027 or early spring 2028 was mentioned as more likely. - Open Space reallocation debate: To fund the field, a motion was made to transfer $1,000,000 from the Open Space Acquisition fund to the Park Improvement fund. Laura opposed the transfer, calling it a dangerous precedent and saying land-acquisition reserves remain important for small parcels in underserved communities. Other members argued the open-space fund, roughly $6.4 million, was built for a seminary purchase that did not occur, and that park improvements are now the most heavily used fund. The motion failed with five in favor, three opposed, and one abstention; six yes votes were needed because a full-board majority is required. - Cedar Road Park funding alternative: The committee discussed using approximately $100,000 from Park Improvement and recommending $260,000 from the Neighborhood Parks fund, with $139,000 from the Cedar Society. Members noted that Neighborhood Enhancement criteria were not a clean fit for a ballfield project because it is parkland rather than a streetscape or neighborhood improvement. A recommendation was approved contingent on town board approval. - Halesite Marina fence: Melissa reported a $4,259.17 shortfall for post-and-rail fencing at Halesite Marina Park, replacing aged galvanized chain-link along the road front in the style used at Billy Joel Park. The committee initially approved the amount from Park Improvement, but later rescinded that vote and recommended the $4,259.17 come from Neighborhood Enhancement instead, to preserve Park Improvement funds for Cedar Road Park. There was disagreement about the exact Park Improvement fund balance. - Other park and open-space updates: The committee approved minutes from the previous meeting. It also reviewed the Huntington Village Artery alley project, where a $50,000 neighborhood enhancement request is anticipated for benches, garbage cans, or art; Center Shore Park, where an invasive-species clearing and limited parking proposal is expected; 336 Larkfield Road, the old Taco Bell property, which was described as blighted and too small to redevelop, with the county declining interest; a 2.14-acre Dix Hills property near the proposed power-line greenway, listed at $2.4 million, with county interest if the existing structure is demolished; and a county-owned parcel adjoining Gristmill Park, which the committee voted to recommend the town accept, subject to resolving an HOA encroachment through lot line adjustment and dedication. Updates were also given on Village Green Park/Sabbathday Path demolitions, the completed Burley Avenue playground, Cold Spring Harbor waterfront planning, and Harbor Walk behind the American Legion. One member objected to the privatization of town-owned waterfront moorings by clubs such as Seafarers, arguing for more public access and a more democratic allocation. Key Outcomes - The $1,000,000 Open Space Acquisition-to-Park Improvement transfer failed: 5 in favor, 3 opposed, 1 abstention; 6 votes needed. - The committee recommended $100,000 from Park Improvement and $260,000 from Neighborhood Parks for Cedar Road Park, with $139,000 from the Cedar Society, contingent on town board approval. - The committee rescinded the earlier Halesite Marina fence appropriation from Park Improvement and recommended $4,259.17 from Neighborhood Enhancement instead. - The committee voted to recommend accepting the county-owned parcel adjoining Gristmill Park, subject to encroachment resolution, lot line adjustment, and dedication. - Minutes from the prior meeting were approved.

The Huntington Town Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 8, 2026, to consider six agenda items. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and, after hearing public testimony and discussion, granted all five applications presented for hearings. One item was adjourned to a later date. Consent Calendar - The minutes of the October 1, 2026 meeting were approved with a minor correction (motion by Mr. McGrath, second by Mr. Castagna, all in favor). Public Comments & Testimony - For Item 2 (33 Pine Drive), Francis Brown of 8 Thicket Drive voiced opposition to the pool construction, citing concerns about steep slopes, potential mudslides, and structural integrity. He questioned the granting of three variances. The applicant and board clarified that the pool would be placed on flat ground and that geotechnical information had been provided. Discussion Items Item 1 – Adjournment (Public Hearing 23774) - 427 Wolf Hill Road, Dix Hills: The hearing for relief regarding existing retaining walls and accessory structures was adjourned to October 29, 2026. Item 2 – 33 Pine Drive, Cold Spring Harbor (Public Hearing 23752) - Applicant Joseph Grace requested a front yard setback variance for an in-ground pool on a through lot and a variance for the cumulative square footage of a retaining wall. The applicant stated the wall would be 745 sq ft, disputing the 993 sq ft figure in the legal notice. The existing retaining walls would be removed. The board noted six or seven letters of support from neighbors. - The board granted the three requested variances (motion by Mr. Bass, second by Mr. Castagna, all in favor). Item 3 – 10 Hillock Court, Huntington (Public Hearing 23766) - Applicant Mary Ellen Curtis sought a rear yard setback variance of 4.75 feet to legalize an existing family room extension and expand the kitchen. The lot is pie-shaped and heavily wooded, limiting expansion options. A dry well would handle stormwater runoff. No public testimony. - The variance was granted unanimously (motion by Mr. Castaño, second by Mr. Capadano). Item 4 – 344 Coolidge Drive, Centerport (Public Hearing 23778) - Attorney Ryan Brown presented variances for an undersized triangular lot: lot area (6,987 sq ft vs. 7,500 required), side yard for an attached garage (6.33 ft vs. 7 ft), and front yard setbacks for a second-story addition (approx. 11 ft vs. 25 ft). The existing detached garage would be replaced, moving the structure farther from the neighbor. Six letters of support were received; no public opposition. - The board granted all variances unanimously (motion by Mr. Campadano, second by Mr. Coty). Item 5 – 15 Academy Place, Huntington Station (Public Hearing 23551) - Attorney Abate sought legalization of a four-family dwelling as a continuation of a pre-existing nonconforming use. He presented two 1980 affidavits stating the property had always been used as a multi-family dwelling, along with prior town zoning codes permitting such use, and evidence that the town had issued rental permits for all four units. No public testimony. - The board accepted the proof and granted the application unanimously (motion by Mr. Castagna, second by Mr. Basso). Item 6 – 225 Broad Hollow Road, Melville (Public Hearing 23753) - Attorney Keith Archer requested variances for existing signs: a monument sign (height 8.3 ft vs. 6 ft allowed, setback 10.8 ft vs. 24 ft) and a directional sign (setback 4 ft vs. 10 ft, area 18 sq ft). The signs were consistent with others along Route 110. No public comment. - The board granted the variances and issued a negative declaration under SEQRA (motion by Mr. McGrath, second by Mr. Cotet, all in favor). Key Outcomes - All five applications (Items 2-6) were granted by unanimous votes. - Item 1 was adjourned to October 29, 2026. - The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2026.

On October 7, 2026, beginning at 16:15 UTC, a meeting in Huntington, New York, was held as a commemorative and informational retrospective on the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office. No agenda or minutes were available, so this summary is based solely on the raw transcript, which contains some apparent transcription errors (for example, Gilgold Peach for Gilgo Beach and Rex Humerman for Rex Heuermann). Current and retired sheriff's office personnel, joined by Riverhead town historian George Case, traced the office's history, described major incidents, and highlighted modern programs and recruitment. No end time was recorded in the transcript. Historical Presentation - The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office was created in 1683 and is described as one of the oldest sheriff's offices in the nation; the word sheriff derives from shire reeve, and Long Island's colonial divisions included the North, West, and East Ridings of Yorkshire. Josiah Hobart was the first appointed sheriff of Suffolk County. - The sheriff's historical duties - keeping the peace, collecting taxes, maintaining jails, arresting fugitives, and serving writs - remain the foundation of the office's work. The presenter emphasized that the sheriff reports directly to citizens and is the highest-ranking law enforcement official in the county by charter, while the county executive oversees the budget. - The first jail was erected in 1727 on Main Street in Riverhead, a compromise after county leaders argued over a North Fork versus South Fork location. Rebuilt in 1784 after British occupation, the jail was later replaced by an octagon facility in 1855 and a new 1911 building designed for 136 inmates. As the population exceeded 200, overflow inmates were sent to Nassau County at $4.50 per inmate per day. In 1966, construction began on a new jail, renamed the Suffolk County Correctional Facility in 1977 under Sheriff Finnerty; the Honor Farm became the minimum security facility, and later expansions added a 200-bed Yapink addition in 1980 and a 300-cell Riverhead expansion. - Thomas Wicks, a Huntington resident and ancestor of the presenter, formed a militia, spied for General Washington, and used his 10-year-old son to smuggle messages about British troop movements. Wicks served two terms as sheriff. Huntington's 1775 Articles of Association were described as a mini declaration of independence. - George Case, Riverhead town historian, identified himself as a descendant of Josiah Reeve, the 16th sheriff of Suffolk County, and noted his father's service as a deputy sheriff. Public Comments & Testimony - Most of the meeting consisted of personal testimony from current and retired sheriff's office personnel rather than formal public comment. - George Case presented family history connecting him to the early sheriff's office. - Several officers shared career recollections: starting in the early 1970s before civil service, being appointed through local political leaders, receiving shields passed down from retirees, and describing low early pay. One officer said he was making three oh seven a month... bi-weekly - the transcript is ambiguous - and recalled his first check as $4,800 a year. - A female officer described being the third woman hired, the federal lawsuit that opened promotional opportunities for women, and her path to becoming the first female sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. She described having to prove herself and using communication and de-escalation to complement physical strength. - Officers described the 1961 Yapink Honor Farm, where incarcerated people grew about 80% of the food for county jails, children's shelters, and the infirmary; one former officer ran the butcher shop and described meat processing, gardening, carpentry, and poultry programs. Domestic Violence and Protective Orders - The transcript states that two women were killed in 1992, and Kathy's murder was the catalyst for the sheriff's office taking over service of orders of protection in August 1992. Previously, Suffolk County residents were often left to serve their own orders, sometimes with deadly consequences. - Speakers expressed pride in protecting domestic violence victims and noted that extreme risk protection orders allow deputies to remove weapons from individuals deemed dangerous pending a hearing. - Multiple speakers said domestic violence has not subsided and that education, law enforcement, and support systems are essential. One officer taught a college course called Women in the Criminal Justice System. A speaker concluded: if you choose to abuse, you will be held accountable. Major Incidents and Emergency Response - The sheriff's office coordinated responses to the 1995 Sunrise wildfires and assisted in search and recovery after the 1996 TWA Flight 800 crash off East Moriches. Officers helped establish a command post, makeshift morgue, sleeping area for Navy SEALs, and helicopter landing pads; inmate work crews later maintained the memorial. - The first CERT (sheriff's emergency response team) class went through in 1997. Earlier extraction tactics were described as a mattress with four people and hand-me-down helmets, with training later provided by Rikers Island personnel. - After the September 11, 2001 attacks, more than 20 deputy sheriffs went to New York City, meeting before sunrise and driving to Manhattan. They transported personnel and equipment to and from ground zero, escorted remains to the medical examiner's office, and worked long shifts. One officer described watching deputy sheriff cruisers pass while serving as a New York City police officer and deciding to join the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office in 2002. - During the 2003 Northeast blackout, deputies helped direct traffic. In 2008, after the county executive removed police highway patrol, Sheriff DeMarco directed deputies to take over highway patrol, a temporary measure that lasted four years and created a rift with the police department. Officers expressed pride in helping motorists, including changing tires. Bail Reform and COVID-19 - A speaker said bail reform in January 2020 reduced the jail population from roughly 14-1500 inmates to about 600 at one point, while also making the remaining population more violent because more serious offenders were not released. This reduced work-release and intervention opportunities. - The COVID-19 pandemic began two months after bail reform. The office used vacant space to reduce housing-unit occupancy from about 20 inmates to seven or eight. Incarcerated women who were seamstresses made approximately 10,000 masks for inmates and public donation. - The office did not lose a single inmate to COVID-19, although two officers died and almost one-fifth of officers were out at one point. Speakers said attendance remained high, visits became virtual, and cleaning regimens were increased. They also noted the office resisted county proposals to close facilities, preserving space needed for distancing. Corrections, Re-Entry, and Specialized Programs - The modern corrections facility uses six large pods that can hold up to 60 incarcerated individuals each. Speakers described this podular housing as safer, more controllable, and better suited to active supervision than older dormitory or linear designs. - A corrections intelligence center is used to share information with the district attorney's office and police department, helping solve crimes while also improving jail safety. - The START Resource Center, unveiled in February 2020, creates Individualized Reentry Plans, provides clothing, about two weeks of non-perishable food and hygiene items, rides to safe locations, and referrals for substance abuse, mental health, employment, and housing. - The sheriff's anti-trafficking initiative, created in 2018, was described as the first jail-based human trafficking unit in the nation; hundreds of traffickers and victims have been identified, and investigative leads aided the Gilgo Beach serial killer case (spelled in the transcript as Gilgold Peach and Rex Humerman). - Speakers highlighted specialized units: a full-time DWI unit ranked number one in the state, a marine unit currently with two boats and four deputy sheriffs on patrol, a community relations unit, canine unit, bike patrol, ATV enforcement, airport patrol, tactical team, aviation unit, drones/DFR, and a full-time wellness unit created in response to rising officer suicides. Key Outcomes - No formal motions, votes, or action items appear in the transcript; the meeting was an informational, commemorative presentation rather than a legislative session. - Speakers repeatedly encouraged viewers to apply to the sheriff's office, describing it as a secure, fulfilling career with opportunity, training, pensions, and benefits. - The recurring message was that the Sheriff's Office is modernizing, engaging with the community, and aiming to serve, protect, and strengthen Suffolk County as it celebrates 250 years since America's independence.

The Town of Huntington Town Board convened on October 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Town Hall. The meeting included three public hearings, a presentation recognizing a young Taekwondo athlete, a public portion with testimony on various topics, and action on numerous resolutions. Key outcomes included the passage of a special use permit for the Cornerstone Melville mixed-use development by a 3-2 vote and the defeat of a local law restricting gas-powered leaf blowers by a 2-3 vote. Presentations - Dr. Dave Bernardo introduced Preston, a senior and four-time Team USA Taekwondo member, national champion, and first New York State athlete to make the U.S. national team. The board congratulated him. Public Hearings - Public Hearing 1 (Blighted Property): Property at 17 Seaward Drive, Dix Hills. No speakers; hearing concluded. - Public Hearing 2 (Certificate of Approval): Addition to Booker T. Washington House, 30 Cousins Street, Northport. No speakers; hearing concluded. - Public Hearing 3 (Stop Signs): Proposed stop signs at multiple intersections. One resident spoke inquiring about shopping center markings; board responded that intersections comply with national standards. No further speakers; hearing closed. Public Comments & Testimony - Jeff Bartells raised concerns about culverts and deer overpopulation, urging action. - Carl Muhlberg advocated for a ban on gas leaf blowers, noting no observed switch to battery-powered equipment. - Anthony Korr (Omni Recycling) thanked the town for past services, expressed disappointment over losing the recycling contract to Great Northern Fibers, and requested fairer review in future. - Sal D'Angelo supported gas leaf blower restrictions, citing public health. - Lois Hain supported the leaf blower ban, referencing cancer risks and state rebates. - Robert Schwartz promoted Raptor Day event on November 7 and spoke about Manor Farm's environmental potential. - James O'Shea supported the compromise leaf blower legislation, stating residents and landscapers had reached a fair agreement. - Cheryl Bloom highlighted accessibility issues at New Street parking lot, expressed confusion about budget timeline, and thanked Congressman Tom Suozzi for $850,000 in federal funds for Southgate Affordable Housing. - A speaker (name unclear) supported piercing the tax cap to maintain services and urged consideration of revenue impacts. - Robert Lamont supported piercing the tax cap and complimented the board. - Daniel Carpenter opposed Long Island Cares' use of Manor Farm, alleging illegal alienation of parkland, and suggested an environmental education program. - Van James Furness / Diane James Ferness opposed the Cornerstone development, arguing it would shift tax burdens and not provide meaningful affordable housing. - Bonnie Sager urged passage of the leaf blower ban, citing emissions comparisons. - Donald Payne supported the leaf blower ban, stating gas blowers violate the town's noise code. Discussion Items - Resolution 2026-516 (Cornerstone Melville Special Use Permit): Councilmembers Hebert and Lupinacci opposed, citing unmet 'pause' condition. Passed 3-2 (Hebert and Lupinacci in the negative). - Resolution 2026-517 (Gas Leaf Blower Local Law): Councilwoman Hebert described it as a compromise. Councilwoman Lupinacci commended effort but found language too restrictive for homeowners. Councilman Maury noted potential tweaks. Failed 2-3. Key Outcomes - Adopted unanimously (resolutions 2026-493 to 2026-515, 2026-518 to 2026-534, and 2026-BT-13 to 2026-BT-15): Included acceptance of native plant donation; grant applications; contracts for engineering, fire monitoring, garage repairs, communications, recycling (Great Northern Fibers), traffic signals, sports court resurfacing; continuation of Youth Court Program; budget amendments; blighted property actions; amendment to EDC agreement; surplus equipment disposal; snow removal rates; charter fee waiver for charity hockey game; local laws for disabled veterans exemption and truck exclusions; scheduling of public hearings for sewer districts, budgets, blighted properties, traffic signals, property maintenance, stop signs, bond redemption, parking restrictions, and Kratom products regulation; a settlement with Cablevision; license agreement for San Janeiro Festival; and dock permits. - Resolution 2026-516 approved 3-2. - Resolution 2026-517 defeated 2-3. - Public hearings scheduled for November 5, 2026 and November 17, 2026.

The Huntington Town Board and Board of Trustees convened on October 6, 2026 to consider a full agenda. Key actions included adding four late-start resolutions, adopting numerous contracts and budget amendments, scheduling public hearings for November 5 and 17, and approving a bond redemption for the Greenlawn Water District. The meeting also included passage of local laws related to veteran tax exemptions, noise codes, traffic regulations, and kratom products, along with Board of Trustees items concerning waterfront structures. Consent Calendar - Resolution 2026-493: Accept donation of native plants from Northport Native Garden Initiative. - Resolution 2026-494: Apply for NYSERDA Charge Ready New York grant. - Resolution 2026-495: Agreement with H2M Architects for Dix Hills Water District services. - Resolution 2026-496: Agreement with Serena Protection Systems for fire monitoring. - Resolution 2026-497: Extension of agreement with Desmond Inc. for LIRR parking garage repairs. - Resolution 2026-498: Requirements contract for communication equipment repairs with Telecom Communications Inc. - Resolution 2026-499: Requirements contract for recyclables processing with Great Northern Fibers LLC. - Resolution 2026-500: Traffic signal maintenance contract with Wellsback Electric Corp. - Resolution 2026-501: Third extension to requirements contract for sports court resurfacing with Land Tech Group Inc. - Resolution 2026-502: Traffic signal requirements contract with Hink Electrical Contractor Inc. - Resolution 2026-503: Continuation of Huntington Youth Court program. - Resolutions 2026-504 through 508: Various budget amendments for operating and capital budgets. - Resolution 2026-509: Blighted property actions at 17 Seward Drive (Dix Hills) and 5 Mountain View Court (Northport). - Resolution 2026-510: Amendment to resolution 2026-53 regarding agreement with the town’s Economic Development Corporation. - Resolution 2026-511: Declaration of surplus equipment and vehicles. - Resolution 2026-512: Rental rates for snow removal machinery. - Resolution 2026-513: Waive fee for Suffolk County Sheriff's charity hockey game. - Resolution 2026-514: Local law for property tax exemption for totally disabled veterans. - Resolution 2026-515: Traffic code amendment for Barker’s Lane truck exclusions. - Resolution 2026-516: Special use permit for Cornerstone Melville mixed-use development. - Resolution 2026-517: Noise code amendment. - Resolution 2026-530: Extension of refuse collection contract for Consolidated Refuse District. - Board of Trustees Resolutions BT13-BT15: Authorizing public hearings and license agreements for residential piers and docks in Northport. Discussion Items Late Starters: Four late-start resolutions were added to the agenda after a motion and vote. Resolution 531 authorized a settlement with Cable Vision Systems. Resolution 532, initially co-sponsored by Supervisor Smith, was amended to remove his name from the header; it authorizes a license agreement with the Sorrentino Family Foundation for the San Janeiro Festival on October 18, 2026. Resolution 533 amended the operating budget for the Highway Department. Resolution 534 scheduled a public hearing on a local law to regulate kratom products. The missing resolution 2026-508 (budget amendment) was also noted and included. Public Hearing Scheduling: The board discussed consolidating numerous public hearings scheduled for November 5. Resolutions 518-524 were initially set for November 5, but some were moved to November 17 to avoid a crowded agenda. Ultimately, resolutions related to sewer assessment rolls, the preliminary operating and capital budgets, blighted properties, and certain traffic and noise amendments remained on November 5; others concerning traffic stop signs and parking restrictions were set for November 17. The public hearing on kratom products (Resolution 534) was also set for November 17. Bond Redemption (Resolution 526): John Clark, commissioner of the Greenlawn Water District, explained that bonds issued for the district’s capital projects were being redeemed using grant funds to reduce the town’s debt-to-operating budget ratio, which had reached 20%. The resolution authorized up to $1,615,000 for redemption. Mill Dam Road Grant (Resolution 529): A typo in the memo was noted; the resolution authorizing a grant application for roadway improvements was co-sponsored by Councilwoman Hebert and Councilman Maury. Traffic Signal Contracts: Council members questioned why two separate traffic signal contracts (Resolutions 500 and 502) were awarded to different companies. The town board was informed that they involve two different pieces of legislation and separate bidding processes, and that one of the vendors is already utilized by the town. Key Outcomes - All resolutions on the agenda were adopted with unanimous votes where recorded. - Resolution 526 (bond redemption) was approved, authorizing the use of up to $1,615,000 to redeem 2019 Series A bonds for the Greenlawn Water District. - Resolution 514 (disabled veterans property tax exemption) was enacted with all board members co-sponsoring. - The board voted to adjourn to executive session following the regular meeting. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the meeting.

The Town Board met on October 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM in Town Hall pursuant to New York State Town Law Section 106(3), requiring the Town Clerk to present the Supervisor's 2027 tentative budget to the Board no later than October 5, 2026. The meeting consisted of the Pledge of Allegiance, a brief announcement and distribution of the budget by Town Clerk Andrew Raia, and adjournment. Budget Presentation - Town Clerk Andrew Raia announced the purpose of the meeting and distributed copies of the 2027 tentative budget to each member of the Town Board. Key Outcomes - The Supervisor’s 2027 tentative budget was formally presented to the Board. No resolutions, public hearings, or public comments were scheduled or conducted. - The Board voted to adjourn the meeting immediately following the presentation (motion by the Supervisor, seconded by Councilwoman Hebert, all in favor).