Public Meetings - Huntington, New York

The meeting on June 16, 2026, consisted solely of a "Liberty Minute" presentation as part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. The segment recounted the historical story of Fort Hill, formerly known as Gallows Hill, where two British soldiers were hanged in 1783. The presentation highlighted the sacrifices of Huntington Patriots and the enduring nature of liberty. Presentation: Liberty Minute - The speaker described the construction of a fort near the main east-west road through Huntington to guard the eastern approach to the village green. - Near the fort, two British soldiers were hanged in 1783, shortly before the British evacuated Long Island, after being convicted of robbery. - For over a century after the Revolution, the area was known as Gallows Hill; in the early 20th century, residents petitioned to change the name to Fort Hill. - The presentation concluded with a tribute to the sacrifices of generations of Huntington Patriots, emphasizing that "Liberty endures." Key Outcomes - No decisions, votes, or actions were taken. The meeting was purely informational and commemorative.

This recap reflects the only content available from the scheduled June 16, 2026 meeting. The provided transcription contains no agenda, minutes, or meeting proceedings. Instead, it features a Liberty Minute segment recounting a 1781 incident during the American Revolution. Liberty Minute: Joseph Buffett Story - The segment commemorates Huntington's role in the 250th anniversary of American independence. - It describes how British raiders seized livestock from farmer Joseph Buffett in eastern Huntington in 1781. - Buffett pursued the raiders to recover his property and was killed approximately four miles east of the village green. - The narrative closes by thanking Huntington Patriots for their sacrifices that preserved liberty. Key Outcomes - No meeting business, public comments, discussion, or votes were recorded or available in the provided transcript.

The meeting opened with a "Liberty Minute" commemorating Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. The segment recounted the story of Henry Scudder, an early Huntington settler who served as a second lieutenant in the Suffolk militia, was captured after the Battle of Long Island, escaped, and provided intelligence for whale boat raids from Connecticut, including the 1781 attack on Fort Slongo. After the war, he promoted the federal constitution as a Suffolk County representative and served in the New York State Assembly. The narrative concluded by honoring the sacrifices of Huntington Patriots. No agenda, minutes, or other meeting proceedings were provided in the source material.

This segment is part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. It recounts a historical event related to the American Revolution. Featured Story - The story focuses on Widow Rachel Chichester, who kept an inn on the shores of Huntington Bay at a place called the Cedars. - It is reputed to be the location where Nathan Hale was captured in September 1776 after gathering intelligence for General Washington, before he could make his report.

The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals convened on June 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM (UTC) to consider 13 public hearings, including variances for residential additions, accessory structures, lot line changes, and a special use permit for a car wash. The board also approved minutes from three previous meetings and granted a one-year extension for a prior approval. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The board unanimously approved minutes from May 14, May 28, and June 4, 2026, with minor corrections. - 23697 (7 Heather Drive, Northport): Granted a 2.6-foot variance for pool equipment (required 5 feet). Unopposed, de minimis. - 23708 (1 Cason Drive, Commack): Granted a 2-foot variance for pool equipment (required 5 feet). Unopposed, de minimis. - 23714 (20 Beltane Drive, Dix Hills): Granted a front yard variance (44.66 ft vs 50 ft) for a one-story addition to accommodate an aging parent. Unopposed. - 23683 (34 Snowball Drive, Cold Spring Harbor): Granted renewal of a previously approved variance for a garage addition, with same conditions. Unopposed. - 23702 (40 West Street, Northport): Granted a 20-foot side yard variance (proposed 5 ft vs required 25 ft) for a three-car attached garage. Unopposed; neighbor letter in favor. - 23690 (20 High Pasture Circle, Dix Hills): Granted a variance for 307 sq ft of additional accessory structures (total 1,507 sq ft vs 1,200 sq ft allowed) including cabana, gazebo, and shed. Unopposed. - 23698 (11 Bowman Lane, Commack): Granted front yard variances of 5.7 ft and 5 ft for a one-story addition on a corner lot, plus legalization of a pergola. Unopposed. - 23617 (139 11th Avenue, Huntington Station): Granted amended application for a detached garage, reduced from 5 to 4 parking spaces, with no height variance. Revised plans met board counsel recommendations; numerous neighbor letters in support. - 23709 (630 S. Service Road, Dix Hills): Granted rear yard variance (25.1 ft vs 50 ft) and front yard variance (43 ft vs 50 ft) for a two-story rear addition and front portico. Unopposed. - 23694 (27 Oregon Drive, Huntington Station): Granted variance for in-ground pool in secondary front yard on a corner lot. Unopposed; prior similar approvals cited. Public Comments & Testimony - 23699 & 23701 (35 & vacant La Rue Drive, Huntington): Multiple residents spoke in opposition: - Brian Moss (77 La Rue Dr.) argued the proposed 12-foot long street side yard setback (vs 30 ft required) was major, not minor, and part of a plan to squeeze an extra home onto the lot. He noted deed restrictions limiting one home per lot. - Brendan DeRidgey (36 La Rue Dr.) stated he has legal standing to enforce 1929 restrictive covenants and that reducing frontage to 78 ft would set a precedent for overdevelopment. - Ellen DeRidgey (36 La Rue Dr.) highlighted dangerous S-curve road conditions, existing parking issues, and 27 opposition letters from neighbors. - Jeffrey Murphy (25 La Rue Dr.) opposed, noting community opposition and a prior 2004 planning board reversal on access road. - David Harvey (73 La Rue Dr.) opposed, citing that variances lead to overdevelopment and change neighborhood character. - Peter Klein (278 West Neck Road) emphasized safety concerns on the S-curve and aesthetic squeeze. - Daniel Carpenter (3 Harbor Hill Drive) argued SEQRA violation (illegal segmentation from 1992 approval) and provided legal precedent (Onondaga Landfills v. Flacke). - 23703 (Jericho Turnpike, Commack): Two residents opposed the car wash: - Robert Chiefo (7 Hedgerow Court) cited concerns about noise pollution (80-90 dB), chemical exposure, vibrations, property value impacts, and disruption to his wheelchair-bound wife. - Charlie Scott (9 Hedgerow Court) opposed due to noise from existing commercial uses and questioned the need for a third Splash car wash within 3 miles. Discussion Items - 23699 & 23701 (La Rue Drive lot line change): Applicant Michael McCarthy (for John Kean) sought to straighten lot lines between two pre-approved subdivision lots, requiring long street side yard relief (12 ft vs 30 ft) and minor lot width changes. He argued the change was minor, would not create new lots, and the side yard adjoins an undeveloped paper road. The board closed the hearing and reserved decision. - 23703 (Splash Car Wash): Applicant Rachel Shelfo (Farrell Fritz) requested a special use permit for a car wash and a 100-foot business depth extension into an R-10 zone. Experts testified: real estate appraiser Michael Lynch stated no property value impact; traffic engineer Zara Khan confirmed acceptable level of service and adequate queuing; applicant Glenn Sheeley assured modern low-noise electric equipment and biodegradable chemicals. Planning recommended an 8-foot sound-attenuating fence and enhanced native buffer. The board closed the hearing and reserved decision. Key Outcomes - Votes: All other hearing items (10 total) were granted unanimously without opposition. - Reserved Decisions: The board reserved decision on La Rue Drive lot line change (23699/23701) and the Splash Car Wash (23703). - Extension Granted: ZBA 23314 (104 Soundview Terrace) received a one-year extension for a previously approved detached garage variance due to family delays. - Next Meeting: The board will meet next on June 25, 2026.

Councilwoman Theresa Mari hosted an informational discussion with Dr. Nick Fetterman, president of Huntington Hospital, about opioid overdose emergency response, New York's Good Samaritan Law, and the use of Narcan (naloxone). The session aimed to educate the public on life-saving steps and legal protections for bystanders. Discussion Items - Councilwoman Theresa Mari asked Dr. Fetterman to outline the first steps for a bystander witnessing a possible overdose. Dr. Fetterman emphasized: (1) activate EMS by calling 911, (2) administer Narcan if available, (3) assess breathing—if not breathing, begin rescue breaths; if breathing, place the victim in the recovery position on their side to prevent aspiration. He noted that Narcan (4 mg intranasal) is safe and available over the counter without a prescription. - Councilwoman Mari raised the common fear of legal trouble as a barrier to calling 911. Dr. Fetterman explained that New York's 911 Good Samaritan Law protects callers from prosecution for drug possession or paraphernalia, provided they are seeking emergency help. He stressed that the caller becomes a "rescuer" and urged them to stay with the victim. - Dr. Fetterman described signs of opioid overdose: unresponsiveness, shallow or stopped breathing, and pinpoint pupils. He advised that if there is any doubt, administer Narcan immediately—it is a safe drug and may save a life. - He noted that Narcan typically takes two to three minutes to work and may wear off before the opioid is metabolized, so a second dose may be necessary if breathing stops again while waiting for EMS. - Dr. Fetterman recommended that everyone, especially those who may encounter drug use, keep Narcan accessible in their car, home, or college dorm. He also cautioned that other drugs may not respond to Narcan, underscoring the importance of staying with the victim until help arrives. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or decisions were taken. The session was purely informational, intended to increase public awareness of overdose response protocols and legal protections under New York's Good Samaritan Law.

The Huntington Town Board convened at 5:30 PM on June 9, 2026, under the leadership of the Supervisor. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recognition of a successful community event at Texas Park the prior evening. The town attorney presented the agenda, which included one missing resolution and four late starters that were added to the agenda by unanimous vote. The board then proceeded to read through a lengthy series of resolutions (Res. 311–371), most of which were routine authorizations, budget amendments, and scheduling of public hearings. Consent Calendar - All resolutions (311–371) were read and considered for adoption. The following items received specific clarification or discussion: Res. 318 (employee time donation – names were struck to avoid HIPAA concerns), Res. 345 (electronic signatures – clarified it authorizes the Supervisor only), and Res. 359 (tax levy override – discussion noted it is a procedural necessity to preserve the option of a budget exceeding the tax cap). No resolutions were individually contested; they were adopted as a block subject to the noted amendments. Discussion Items - Resolution 318 (Employee Time Donation): Council members noted a potential HIPAA issue with naming employees in the resolution; the names were stricken from both the sponsor’s memo and the resolution itself. The resolution was amended accordingly. - Resolution 345 (Electronic Signatures): The board clarified that the resolution authorizes electronic signatures for the Supervisor only, not for individual council members. Traditional paper signatures remain acceptable. - Resolution 359 (Tax Levy Override): The Supervisor explained that this resolution is required by law to be passed before the budget process; it does not mandate piercing the tax cap but preserves the option. The board stressed that they will strive to keep the budget under the cap, but economic conditions may make it challenging. - Water Advisory Committee: A council member asked whether discussion of the Water Advisory Committee could be held in executive session; the Supervisor corrected that it is a public matter. Key Outcomes - All resolutions on the agenda were adopted, including: - Authorizations to amend the 2026 operating and capital budgets for multiple departments. - Scheduling of public hearings (July 14, 2026 at 2 PM) for local laws on traffic changes, noise code amendments, tax levy override, blighted property designations, and more. - Adoption of a six‐month moratorium on battery storage system permits (Res. 312). - Contracts and agreements for streetscape improvements, ferry dock restoration, youth services, ice skating instruction, and various license agreements. - Appointments to the Veterans Advisory Board and the Plumbing Advisory Board. - Surplus equipment declarations and bank depository designations. - The board then convened as the Board of Trustees and approved three items related to marina construction and licenses (BT5–BT7). - An executive session was scheduled for 6:00 PM to discuss legal personnel matters (Mealy v. Town of Huntington). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during the meeting. --- Meeting concluded with an executive session at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Town of Huntington held a combined meeting on June 9, 2026, beginning at approximately 6:00 PM at Town Hall. The meeting included presentations and proclamations, three public hearings (one for each body), public comments, and the adoption of numerous resolutions. Key topics included a newly enacted six-month moratorium on battery energy storage systems, a scheduled public hearing on a potential tax levy override, and multiple land-use and property maintenance issues. Presentations - Proclamation for Karen Rames: Councilman Bernardo honored Karen Rames for nearly 50 years of service with the Huntington Community First Aid Squad and Greenlawn Fire Department. - Street Naming for Robert Tellefson: A portion of East 23rd Street between New York Avenue and Holmcrest Road was ceremoniously renamed in honor of Robert “Bob” Tellefson, a U.S. Army veteran and 45-year volunteer firefighter. - Heroism Recognition: Natisha Campbell Moss and her son Giovanni Moss were recognized for rescuing a neighbor from a house fire on March 31, 2026. Giovanni called 911 and Natisha entered the burning home to alert the resident. - Social Justice Ambassadors: Over two dozen high school students from multiple districts were recognized for their work promoting tolerance and inclusivity. - Military Enlistees and ROTC Cadets: Proclamations were presented to young men and women enlisting in the armed forces, entering ROTC, or attending service academies. - Watch Party Appreciation: Supervisor Smith thanked town staff and the Suffolk County Police Department for organizing a successful Knicks game watch party at Heckscher Park the previous night. Public Hearings - Town Board Hearing 1 (Blighted Property): A hearing to declare the property at 5 Floor Street, Cold Spring Harbor, a nuisance and authorize remediation. No speakers signed up; hearing was closed. - Board of Trustees Hearing 1 (Nathan Hale Beach Club Dock): A hearing to extend a license agreement for a recreational dock assembly (fixed pier up to 125 feet, ramp, and float) for 25 years. No speakers; hearing closed. - Community Development Agency Hearing 1 (Annual Action Plan): A hearing to obtain public comment on the Second Year Annual Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2026. No speakers; hearing closed. - Note: A second Town Board public hearing (Local Law Introductory No. 22-2026 regarding Jericho Turnpike property) was rescheduled due to improper notice. Public Comments & Testimony - James Ryder (Wilchary Drive, Commack): Expressed frustration over a long-neglected blighted property at the corner of Jericho Turnpike and Wilchary Drive, citing 15 years of complaints, code enforcement failures, and safety hazards. He urged the town to take stronger action. - Jordan Christensen (Citizens Campaign for the Environment): Thanked the board for facilitating a meeting with fire chiefs on battery storage and urged the board to avoid a moratorium, arguing that a thorough review process already exists. - Matthew Becker (East Northport): Described a 20-year abandoned property at Larkfield Road and Fourth Avenue, noting safety concerns, overgrowth, and missing fencing. He asked the town to clear sidewalks and consider blight designation. - Daniel Carpin (Harbor Hill Drive, Huntington): Opposed the proposed alienation of parkland for an African American museum, suggesting an existing vacant Citibank building at Park Avenue and Pulaski Road instead. He also criticized the town for not allowing public comment at the May 19 meeting. - Amanda Miller (Melville, employee at Houghton Group): Supported battery energy storage systems (BESS), citing grid reliability, safety standards, and cost benefits to ratepayers. - Doug Ogenthaler (Glenhead): Opposed BESS, arguing that lithium fires are uncontrollable and pose evacuation risks. He urged a pause until technology matures. - Christine Panzacca (Glenhead): Opposed BESS and the Propel New York transmission project, asserting that the state’s energy mandates strip local control and that the projects are not safe or beneficial to Long Island. - Robert Lamont (Dix Hills area): Questioned the single-bid award to Steel Equities for a development and criticized overbuilding of apartments and mansionization, advocating for accessory dwelling units. - Lucia Yu (Key Capture Energy project developer): Opposed the moratorium, warning it would deter investment in Huntington and lead to higher electricity costs and grid instability. She highlighted recent power outages and urged project-specific reviews. - Lauren Doolin (Alliance for Clean Energy New York): Opposed the moratorium, stating that local control is exercised through project review, not postponement. She conveyed support from the Nassau Suffolk Building Trades for safe, responsible battery storage development. - Melanie De Palma (Huntington Station): Supported BESS, emphasizing cost savings for ratepayers (citing potential savings of $200–$300 per year) and the need for grid modernization. Discussion Items - Late Addition Resolution (2026-372): Added to the agenda, authorizing a license agreement with the Sorentino Family Foundation for a San Gennaro Festival on September 13, 2026, co-sponsored by the town board. - Resolution 2026-370 (Financial Impact Agreement for School Districts): Introduced by Councilman Bernardo, this resolution schedules a public hearing to amend the town code to require financial impact agreements between developers and school districts for certain mixed-use developments. The motion passed after an amendment to the header. - Resolution 2026-359 (Tax Levy Override Hearing): A procedural resolution to schedule a public hearing on a local law authorizing override of the state tax levy limit. Councilwoman Lupinacci voted no, stating she wants every effort to stay under the cap before considering an override. The resolution passed 4–1. - Resolution 2026-312 (Battery Storage Moratorium): Enacted a six-month moratorium on permits and approvals for battery energy storage systems. The resolution required a supermajority vote and was adopted (5–0, though not a roll call; Councilwoman Lupinacci did not speak against it). Multiple public speakers opposed the moratorium, but the board proceeded. - Other Resolutions: The board adopted a consent agenda of numerous resolutions (2026-313 through 2026-372, excluding those already voted) covering park improvements, donations, Special Olympics use of town facilities, professional services agreements, budget amendments, street abandonments, and appointments. Key Outcomes - Adopted Battery Storage Moratorium (Resolution 2026-312): A six-month moratorium on battery energy storage system permits was enacted, effective immediately. The board noted that a meeting with fire chiefs had been productive but more study was needed. - Scheduled Public Hearing on Tax Levy Override (Resolution 2026-359): A public hearing will be held to consider a local law authorizing the town to override the state tax cap. The hearing date was not specified but will occur before the November budget vote. - Approved Street Dedication for Robert Tellefson (Resolution 2026-311): Adopted unanimously. - Approved Water and Sewer District Bonding: Four resolutions (2026-364 through 2026-367) were adopted for $6.2 million in South Huntington Water District improvements (wellhead treatment for PFAS, including $3 million in bonds) and $875,000 for Huntington Sewer District improvements, all via supermajority roll call votes (5–0). - Approved Late Resolution for San Gennaro Festival (2026-372): Adopted. - Scheduled Public Hearing on Noise Code Amendment (2026-358): A hearing will be held in September 2026 (not sooner) to allow for a night meeting and broader public participation. - Scheduled Public Hearing on Clark Gillies Arena Pro Shop Concession (2026-361): Adopted. - Adopted Resolutions on Consent: All remaining items (2026-313 through 2026-372 as amended) passed unanimously.

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Huntington held a public hearing on June 4, 2026, primarily to consider application 23704 by McDonald's USA LLC to demolish a vacant bank and construct a 3,797-square-foot fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru at 260 East Pulaski Road, Greenlawn. The meeting began at approximately 11:15 AM and lasted over four hours. The board heard extensive expert testimony from the applicant, followed by overwhelming public opposition. The hearing was closed with decision reserved, and the applicant was given two weeks to respond to specific board questions. Public Hearing: McDonald's Application 23704 - Applicant's Presentation: Attorney Alison LePoint (Sir Tillman Bowen Adler Hyman) and experts presented the case. They argued that the use should be classified as a "food shop" (with a variance for 32 seats instead of the permitted 15) or alternatively a use variance. Experts included: Matthew Tyler (civil engineer), John Ellsworth (planning), Ethan Skikowski (traffic engineer), and Paul Dykes (real estate appraiser). The applicant emphasized that the site is uniquely zoned C8, surrounded by industrial uses, and that the project would reduce curb cuts from three to two, improve landscaping, and exceed setback requirements. They cited multiple prior board approvals for similar relief. - Traffic Study: Skikowski testified that the intersection of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue has a crash rate more than four times the statewide average (122 accidents in the study period). He claimed the proposed McDonald's would add less than 2% of total traffic, with 70% of orders via drive-thru. The study was based on two days of counts in June 2025. Board members questioned the adequacy of the data, the lack of consideration for Long Island Railroad gate closures, and the feasibility of left turns onto Park Avenue. - Planning and Zoning Analysis: Ellsworth stated the project is consistent with the town's comprehensive plan and would increase property tax revenue by approximately 83% (from $25,425 to $46,419). - Real Estate Appraisal: Dykes opined that the proposed use would not adversely affect surrounding property values, citing prior approvals for similar fast-food uses. Public Comments & Testimony - Approximately 40 speakers signed up; many more attended. Over 230 written objections and 537 online petition signatures were submitted. Speakers overwhelmingly opposed the application. - Key Opposition Themes: - Traffic safety: intersection already dangerous (crash rate 4x state average), left-turn impossible, railroad gate closures, emergency vehicle access. - Inadequate traffic study: only two days of data, no seasonal adjustment, not accounting for existing congestion. - Character of neighborhood: area is largely residential, not a commercial corridor; proposed use would set a precedent for further development. - Environmental concerns: litter, odors, light pollution, impact on adjacent Fair Meadow Park. - Zoning: the request to redefine a fast-food restaurant as a "food shop" is inappropriate; the proper path is a zone change by the town board. - Notable Speakers: - Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sannon: provided a detailed critique, stating the application fails to meet the burden of proof and that the board should deny all variances. - Several residents described near-miss accidents and daily traffic nightmares. - A retired nurse practitioner highlighted the risk to emergency vehicles serving Carolon Nursing Home and other medical facilities. - Community members called for the town to purchase the property for parkland or a community use. Discussion Items - Board members questioned the applicant's traffic engineer about the adequacy of data, accident rates, and the feasibility of left turns. The board noted that the intersection is already problematic and that the applicant's own study showed a high crash rate. - The chair asked about the classification of McDonald's as a food shop versus restaurant. The applicant confirmed they are seeking a variance from the 15-seat limit to allow 32 seats, and if that is not granted, they request a use variance. - The board indicated they may hire their own traffic expert to review the application. Key Outcomes - The public hearing was closed. - Decision reserved. - The applicant was given two weeks to respond in writing to specific questions raised by board members, particularly regarding traffic data and analysis. - The board will consider the definitions of "food shop" and "restaurant" under the town code, and may retain independent traffic expertise. - No vote was taken.