Town of Huntington Town Board Meeting - January 6, 2026

The Town Board met on January 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. (as per agenda, though date/time provided as 2026-01-06 19:15:00+00:00) for a regular meeting that included presentations, three public hearings, a public comment period, and adoption of numerous resolutions. The meeting also convened as the Community Development Agency board.

Presentations

• Recognition of Charles Holt: Councilwoman Maury presented a proclamation honoring Mr. Charles Holt, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, on his upcoming 94th birthday (January 16, 2026). Mr. Holt served from 1954 to 1982 and later as vice president of Guardian Insurance Company and president of the Melville Senior Club. A citation from Assemblyman Keith Brown’s office was also presented.

Consent Calendar

• Resolutions 2026-1 through 2026-37 were adopted unanimously (5-0) as a consent agenda. These included: designating a bank depository; approving public official insurance and bonds; authorizing grant applications (NYSDOT TAP, Homeland Security Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity grants); accepting donations (Commack South Little League, office furniture); authorizing agreements for website hosting (Catalis), engineering services (H2M), sewer rehabilitation, assessment rate review, Black History and Hispanic Heritage programs, Dix Hills Water District wellhead treatment for 1,4-dioxane (contracts with JVR Electric and Philip Ross Industries), storm debris removal, senior services grants, youth bureau agreements, and budget amendments. Resolutions 2026-38 and 2026-39 were removed from the agenda and are inactive.

Public Hearings

Hearing 1: License Agreement with Verizon Wireless (2025-M-35)

• Denise Vista (Motto Law Group) and Matthew Claro (Verizon) presented a 10-year lease for small wireless facilities. No public speakers opposed. The board noted that the application will also go before the Planning Board.

Hearing 2: Local Law 31-2025 – Amending Building Permit Code (Chapter 87, Article III)

• No speakers. Public hearing closed.

Hearing 3: Zone Change Application #2024-ZM-485 – Nova Park (R5 to R3M Garden Apartment Special District)

• Applicant Position: Attorney Michael McCarthy and engineer Chris Robinson proposed a 36-unit age-restricted (55+) for-sale development on 2.92 acres at the west end of West 23rd Street, Huntington Station. The project includes 24 townhomes and 12 flats in seven buildings, with a 20% affordable housing component (3–4 units, not age-restricted, with preference for first responders). Two community meetings were held. The South Huntington School District, Planning Board, and Suffolk County Planning Commission (staff report) recommended approval. The site is currently vacant ballfields sold by the school district in 2022 after a successful referendum.
• Support: Vita DeLia, designee of the South Huntington Board of Education, read a letter expressing support, citing increased tax base (no tax abatement), revitalization, and affordable housing for first responders.
• Opposition: Daniel Carpen argued that the conversion of open space violates environmental law (SEQRA), called for preservation as open space, and accused the school district of greed.
• Questions: Robert Lamont asked for the definition of “affordable” (staff explained it is based on HUD area median income and bedroom count) and raised concerns about a single entrance/exit for fire safety. The board noted the project will be subject to further review.
• The public hearing was closed; no vote was taken at this meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

1. Connie Chambers (West Shore Road): Expressed urgent concern about deer-vehicle collisions, describing a near-hit with a fawn. Asked for deer warning signs and speed reduction. Supervisor acknowledged the issue and pledged to follow up with Maritime Services and consider signs.
2. Sal D’Angelo: Welcome new board member Jen Hebert. Raised two issues: (a) asked the town to deny ICE access to town property for raids, citing due process; (b) urged enforcement of the gas leaf blower ban starting January 2027, with escalating penalties.
3. Cheryl Blum: Congratulated Supervisor, Dr. Bernardo, and Jen Hebert. Welcomed Hebert as a “citizen patriot” and asked that Town Hall be a welcoming place for all.
4. Dennis Yonkers (veteran): Urged the town to adopt the state law providing property tax relief for 100% service-connected disabled veterans, noting that it must be locally enacted. Expressed appreciation for the board’s support of veterans.
5. Denise Schwartz (East Northport): Criticized a December 2025 resolution that reduced the time requirement for lifetime health insurance for elected officials from 12 years to 6 years, calling it self-serving and urging the board to represent all residents.
6. Robert Lamont (Dix Hills): Questioned the cost of electric vehicles (seven vehicles at ~$100,000 each) and charging stations, and requested explanations. Supported outreach to elderly residents and better support for veterans.
7. Daniel Carpen (Huntington): Proposed scheduling a public hearing to reduce speed limits on Creek Road and West Shore Road to 20 mph, and install deer warning signs. Supervisor noted signs do not require a public hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar adopted unanimously (5-0).
• Public hearings on the Verizon lease, building permit code amendment, and Nova Park zone change were closed; no votes taken on substantive actions.
• Community Development Agency board adopted Resolution 2026-CD-1 (bank account and check signers) unanimously.
• The board indicated plans to follow up on deer safety signs and speed limits, and to consider the veterans’ property tax exemption and gas leaf blower enforcement.
• The next meeting is anticipated for February 2026.