Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - January 15, 2026

The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals met on January 15, 2026, to consider several variance applications, including residential additions, a mixed-use redevelopment, and new commercial tenants in the Elwood Shopping Center. The meeting began with a welcome back to board member Al White after heart surgery. Two items were withdrawn or adjourned, and three accessory dwelling unit approvals were handled under other business. All applications on the agenda were granted, with public comment heard from one resident.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robert Lamonte, a frequent visitor to the Elwood Shopping Center, expressed concerns about traffic safety at the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Elwood Road. He noted that the exit from the shopping center onto Jericho Turnpike involves crossing multiple lanes and a median, and that drivers often speed. He questioned whether signage was adequate to prevent left turns and whether the additional traffic from the proposed uses would exacerbate the situation.

Discussion Items

• Application 23598 – 20 Grace Park Drive, Commack (James Cressy): Applicant requested side yard relief (required 7 ft, existing 5.2 ft for a sunroom) and yard modification for pool equipment (required 5 ft, existing 4 ft). The pool was installed incorrectly based on a fence line. No public opposition. The board noted the minimal encroachments and granted the application.
• Application 23602 – 12 Seaside Court, Northport (Osmar Martinez Suarez, architect for owners): Requested front yard relief on a corner lot for a 303 sq ft addition (required 30 ft front yard, proposed 24.84 ft). The property overlooks Crab Meadow Golf Course. No public opposition. Board granted the application.
• Application 23595 – 89 Lone Oak Drive, Centerport (Michael Arato, Captain Permit): Requested side yard and modification relief to legalize an existing deck (setbacks of 1.4 ft and 1 ft vs. required 5 ft). The deck existed since 2002; the neighbor at 93 Lone Oak Drive submitted a letter of no objection. The board noted heavy foliage between properties and granted the application.
• Application 23477 – 149 Depot Road, Huntington Station (Attorney Thomas Abbate for Michael Grigoraki): Requested depth extension, multiple buildings, buffer, and parking relief to renovate two existing structures into mixed-use buildings with two apartments and commercial space. The same variances were granted in 2015 but never perfected. The applicant sought removal of a prior condition limiting commercial uses to "dry uses" to allow food shops (e.g., bagel store, coffee shop). Traffic consultant Wayne Muller and a real estate expert were available but not called. Planning board concerns about a parking stall conflict were deferred to site plan approval. The board granted the application with a negative declaration under SEQRA.
• Application 23607 – Elwood Shopping Center (Pilar coffee bar, Attorney Michael McCarthy): Requested a variance to allow a restaurant use (luxury coffee bar/gelato) that would increase the percentage of restaurant space in the shopping center from 10% to 14.88%. Traffic consultant Wayne Muller testified that a comprehensive traffic impact analysis showed ample parking and no negative effect. The board noted similar variances granted at other centers. Granted.
• Application 23634 – Elwood Shopping Center (Little Lux Playhouse, Attorney Tara Visconti): Requested a special use permit for a children's recreation center, a parking variance (412 spaces exist vs. 444 required), and continuation of outdoor storage containers (belonging to other tenants). The playhouse is reservation-only, with fixed sessions and adult supervision. Traffic analysis showed de minimis impact. The board granted the application.

Key Outcomes

• Application 23598 granted unanimously on motion by Ms. Whalen, seconded by Mr. Castagna.
• Application 23602 granted unanimously on motion by Mr. Basso, seconded by Mr. White.
• Application 23595 granted unanimously on motion by Mr. Castagna, seconded by Mr. McGrath.
• Application 23477 granted unanimously on omnibus motion (negative declaration and variance) by Mr. McGrath, seconded by Ms. Whalen. The condition limiting commercial uses to dry uses was removed.
• Application 23607 granted unanimously on motion by Mr. Castagna, seconded by Mr. Basso.
• Application 23634 granted unanimously on motion by Mr. Cappadano, seconded by Ms. Whalen.
• Other Business: Three accessory dwelling unit applications (ADU 1419 at 31 Oakledge Dr., ADU 1725 at 10 Colony Ct., ADU 1810 at 28 Cherry St.) were approved as no variances were required, subject to Suffolk County Department of Health Services review.
• The meeting was adjourned to January 22, 2026.