Town of Huntington Town Board Meeting - February 10, 2026
Town of Huntington Town Board Meeting - February 10, 2026
The Town of Huntington Town Board held a regular meeting on February 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Town Hall. The meeting featured presentations recognizing community members, two public hearings (one withdrawn), public comments from residents, and the unanimous adoption of over 40 resolutions, including a road dedication, grant applications, contract extensions, and scheduling of future public hearings. A special meeting was added for February 25, 2026, to consider tax exemptions for surviving spouses of police officers, senior citizens, volunteer firefighters, and active military members.
Presentations
- Steve Rossetti and Gershow Recycling: Recognized for community service and commitment to Huntington. Gershow Recycling, founded in 1964, employs over 400 Long Islanders and has invested approximately $90 million in environmental sustainability projects since 2005.
- Bifolco Family and All Weather Tire: Recognized for over 40 years of service. Resolution 2026-40 was adopted unanimously to dedicate a portion of East 6th Street in Huntington Station in honor of Charles N. Bifulco. (Note: The supervisor verbally referenced Depot Road, but the agenda and resolution refer to East 6th Street.)
- Pat Sorentino: Recognized for his community contributions and support to his brother, Highway Superintendent Andre Sorentino.
Consent Calendar
Routine resolutions were passed unanimously (5-0) as a block, including:
- 2026-41: Grant application for Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment.
- 2026-42: Grant application for Dix Hills Park improvements.
- 2026-43: Extension to shellfish enhancement contract with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
- 2026-44: Bus services contract with Huntington Coach Corp.
- 2026-45: Summer food services extension with Florian Food Service, Inc.
- 2026-46: Authorization for 2nd Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on June 6, 2026.
- 2026-47: Establishment of Climate Change Education and Engagement Program.
- 2026-48: Application for Household Hazardous Waste State Assistance.
- 2026-49 & 50: Grant applications for Zero Emissions Vehicle rebates and infrastructure.
- 2026-51: Agreement with American Bocce Club for Mill Dam Park courts.
- 2026-52: Software license agreement for Town Attorney’s Office.
- 2026-53: Agreement with Town of Huntington Economic Development Corporation.
- 2026-54 & 55: Cultural Affairs agreements and grant for Chapin Rainbow Outdoor Stage improvements.
- 2026-56: Revised fee schedule for sports clubs and leagues.
- 2026-57: Engineering design services extension for LIRR North Train Station Parking Garage repairs.
- 2026-58: Pavement markings contract extension with Safety Marking, LLC.
- 2026-59: Courier service contract for Tax Receiver’s Office.
- 2026-60 & 61: Traffic control device agreements with Suffolk County at two locations on Townline Road.
- 2026-62: Grant application for Mill Dam Marina (SAM Facilities Grant).
- 2026-63: Software license amendment with Ekos, Inc.
- 2026-64 & 65: Budget amendments for various departments and General Services.
- 2026-66: Blighted property enforcement at 634 Caledonia Road, Dix Hills.
- 2026-67: License agreement with Verizon Wireless.
- 2026-68 & 69: Abandonment of portions of Catherine Street/Railroad Avenue (East Northport) and Washington Avenue (Dix Hills).
- 2026-70: Appointment of Sabrina Mastriani as Deputy Comptroller.
- 2026-71: Appointment of Alexandra Hoffman to Conservation Board.
- 2026-72: Designation of Smith, Carroad, Wan & Parikh, P.C. for debt collection services.
- 2026-73 & 74: Establishment and modification of Parks and Recreation fees.
- 2026-75: Reappointments to Plumbing Advisory Board.
- 2026-76: Reappointments to Advisory Committee on Energy Efficiency, Renewables & Sustainability (ACEERS).
- 2026-77: Stay of enforcement of Local Law No. 48-2024 (Noise Ordinance).
- 2026-78: Adoption of Local Law No. 30-2025 rezoning Nova Park from R-5 to R-3M Garden Apartment Special District.
- 2026-79: Adoption of Local Law No. 31-2025 amending Building Construction Code on permits.
- 2026-80 to 89: Scheduling public hearings for March 10, 2026 (various traffic and zoning items) and March 19, 2026 (Melville Crossing special use permit).
- 2026-90: Extension of license agreement with Suffolk County for Coindre Hall.
- 2026-91: Appointment to Zoning Board of Appeals (Clam Code).
- 2026-92: Appointment of Greg Black as alternate to Planning Board.
- 2026-93: Intermunicipal agreement with Northport-East Northport School District.
- 2026-94: Budget amendment from Snow and Ice Reserve Fund.
- 2026-95: Budget amendment for General Services.
Public Hearings
Public Hearing #1: Blighted Properties
No public speakers. The hearing was closed.
Public Hearing #2: Zone Change Application #2025-ZM-488 (B2K Starbucks/Retail at Melville)
The applicant, B2K, seeks to rezone 1.81 acres at 937 and 945 Walt Whitman Road from R-40 and R-10 to C-6 General Business to build a Starbucks with drive-thru and additional retail. The plan was modified from a prior 2024 application: buffer increased to 30-35 feet, building moved 120 feet away from the sole residential neighbor, and drive-thru activity shifted to the east side. Suffolk County Planning Commission recommended approval.
Supporters (7 speakers):
- William Benesso (attorney for applicant) outlined the modifications and argued the property is unsuitable for residential use.
- Tom Dixon (engineer) detailed buffer improvements and nitrogen reductions from proposed wastewater treatment (effluent <20 mg/L vs. existing ~50 mg/L).
- Michael Lynch (real estate appraiser) stated the rezoning will not harm property values and is appropriate for the corridor.
- Patrick Lenahan (traffic engineer) said the site will not significantly impact Route 110 traffic; 84 parking spaces provided vs. demand of 45.
- Nicole Grodner (Carpenters Union Local 290) supported job creation.
- Aidan Cuthbertson (resident) noted the rezoning is logical given surrounding commercial uses.
- Other supporters included Tim Tanzer, Dan Tanzer, Anthony Confredo (construction industry), Lenny Minervini, Scott Hoyle, Marguerite Bynum, Nicholas Cappadana, David Bloom, Dennis Pedro, and Gwendolyn James, citing convenience, jobs, and compatibility.
Opponents (2 speakers):
- Dorothy Fitzsimmons (adjacent property owner on Gwynne Road) argued that the proposed six-foot vinyl fence and 14-foot trees would not block her view (she is 27 feet above the site). She raised traffic safety concerns, noting the nearby Northern State Parkway ramps and existing backups, and presented a petition with ~350 signatures. She noted that the owner of 945 Walt Whitman Road could reopen the driveway to Gwynne Road.
- Scott Haleck (Sweet Hollow Civic Association) opposed the intensity of C6 zoning at this location, citing previous litigation where the town successfully defended against C1 zoning. He urged the board to vote rather than let the application expire.
The hearing was closed. No vote was taken at this meeting.
Public Hearing #3: Withdrawn by the applicant before advertising.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Sal D’Angelo: Requested the town adopt a resolution to raise the senior property tax exemption from 50% to 65% of assessed value (per new state law) and urged adoption of a local ordinance to restrict ICE operations, requiring judicial warrants and opposing 287(g) agreements.
- Tor Vincent (commercial fishing advisory board member): Criticized the town’s online permit portal for IT issues and requested in-person permit processing options, especially for harbormaster permits.
- Billy Roberti (ACEERS): Reported on the committee’s work, including $465,410 in green projects funded (LED lighting, EV chargers, living shoreline). He supported resolutions 2026-76, 2026-47, 2026-49, and 2026-50.
- Lisa Tuzzolo (widow of fallen police officer Sgt. Paul Tuzzolo): Urged adoption of NYS Law S 683A to provide property tax exemptions for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty. She spoke from personal experience. Following her testimony, the board added late-starter resolutions to schedule hearings on tax exemptions for surviving spouses, senior citizens, volunteer firefighters/ambulance workers, and active military members.
- Greg Mazzola (landscaper): Opposed the gas-powered leaf blower ban (Local Law 48-2024, whose enforcement was stayed by Resolution 2026-77). He cited high costs of battery equipment (over $11,000 per truck), reduced performance, and safety concerns with lithium batteries. He suggested a compromise allowing gas blowers during spring/fall cleanup.
- Johanna Suchow (former assistant town attorney): Questioned the town board’s resolution granting lifetime medical insurance to elected officials after only six years of service and six years of age 55 (or 50 for pre-August 2020 employees). She requested an actuarial analysis and criticized the elimination of dedicated legislative aides.
- Joan Sergle (former councilwoman): Joined Suchow in urging restoration of legislative aides. She and Heather Ornett offered to volunteer as aides to Councilwoman Hebert.
- Heather Ornett (executive director, Heckscher Museum of Art): Reported the museum nearly doubled visitorship to ~40,000 in the past year, served 7,000 students from 100 schools, and presented the Emma Stebbins retrospective. She thanked the town for support.
- Amy Morgolis (resident): Requested repaving of Dix Hills Road north of Jericho Turnpike, citing dangerous potholes and cracks. She submitted 75 signatures.
- Thomas Martin (resident): Opposed the leaf blower ban, stating gas-powered blowers are more practical than battery-powered for heavy leaf cleanup.
Discussion Items
- Melville Crossing Public Hearing (Resolution 2026-89): Councilman Bernardo noted ongoing dialogue between the developer (Steel Equities) and the school district, assuring robust planning board involvement. Councilwoman Hebert stated she will vote for the hearing to allow public input. The resolution passed 5-0.
- Noise Ordinance Stay (Resolution 2026-77): Councilwoman Hebert expressed desire to work with landscapers and the public to find a workable solution. The stay was adopted 5-0.
Key Outcomes
- All resolutions were adopted unanimously (5-0), including the late-starter resolutions added during the meeting:
- 2026-97: Schedule public hearing for March 10, 2026 on volunteer firefighter/ambulance worker tax exemption.
- 2026-98: Schedule public hearing for March 10, 2026 on active military service tax exemption.
- 2026-99: Schedule public hearing for March 10, 2026 on senior citizens tax exemption (increase to 65%).
- 2026-100: Schedule a special town board meeting on February 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM to conduct hearings on the above tax exemptions.
- 2026-101: Schedule public hearing for February 25, 2026 on tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty.
- The board also adopted late-starter resolutions 2026-96 (police surviving spouses hearing) through 2026-101, all with unanimous votes.
Key Outcomes
- All 40+ resolutions on the agenda, including late starters, passed unanimously (5-0).
- The road dedication for Charles N. Bifulco (East 6th Street) was approved.
- The enforcement of the noise ordinance (leaf blower ban) was stayed pending further discussion.
- A special meeting was scheduled for February 25, 2026 at 9:00 AM in Town Hall to adopt local laws granting tax exemptions to surviving spouses of police officers, senior citizens (up to 65% assessed value), volunteer firefighters/ambulance workers, and active military members, before the March 1, 2026 state deadline.
- Public hearings were scheduled for March 10, 2026 (2:00 PM) on multiple traffic and zoning matters, and for March 19, 2026 (6:00 PM) on the Melville Crossing special use permit.
- The public hearing on the B2K Starbucks zone change was closed; no immediate vote was taken.
Meeting Transcript
Please join Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci for the Pledge of Allegiance. And I would ask you to remain standing for a moment of silence for police officer Patricia Espinoza and our town employees that passed this week, Roy Matheson and Carolyn Paladino. Thank you. Okay. We have several presentations to make in no particular order. I think the first one is going to be. Where is Steve Rossetti from Gershow Recycling? Is he here? There he is. Come on up, Steve. If you can get past him. Face the audience, Steve. You get to smile. So over the past several years, and you're going to hear a common theme tonight, and it all revolves around Andre Sorentino. Where's Andre? There he is. All right. This is Andre's presentation, but he's got a little stage fright, doesn't want to, he wants me to do it, right? So there you go. So over the past several years, Andre has partnered with this town board and like-minded members of the community to combat drunk and distracted driving, especially during the holiday season. One of those key community partners has been Stephen Rossetti and the Gershau Recycling Corporation. That is why today at Andre's suggestion, we are recognizing Steve Rossetti and Gershau for their service and commitment to the town of Huntington. Steve Rossetti has served as the vice president of special projects for Gershau Recycling since 2008, demonstrating strong leadership and deep commitment to the community. Gershau Recycling founded in 1964 as a privately owned company and one of the largest metal dealers and processors in the United States, proudly employing more than 400 Long Islanders. Mr. Rossetti has maintained a strong personal connection to the town of Huntington, where he and his wife Donna have lived and raised their family since 1995. He has played a key role in leading Gershau Recycling's Huntington community outreach efforts, including support of honey of the Town of Huntington's Mothers Against Drunk Driving holiday display and the Chuck Verice Extraction Tournament benefiting first responders and the awarding of scholarships to Huntington High School or Huntington School graduates. Mr. Rossetti has served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, contributing his time, experience, and leadership in support of economic development and youth-focused organizations. The town of Huntington recognizes and honors Steve Rossetti for his continued dedication, generosity, and service, and extends its sincere appreciation for his positive impact on the town and its residents. And a special thank you to Gershow Recycling. Steve, congratulations, and thank you for all you do for the community. Hey Steve, hold on. Take your photo first. Steve, you want to go to everyone on the podium? We'll just hear a few words from Steve Rossetti. Good evening, everyone. On behalf of myself and Gershow Recycling Corp, I'd like to thank Town Supervisor Edmund Smith, Highway Superintendent Andre Sorentino, and all the council members here for giving me this great recognition. The town of Huntington has always been a special place for my family and I, who spent 30 years here of our lives being a part of. Three of our principals happen to live here in the town. You know about Sam Gershewitz founding the company in 1964. Our greatest marvel is that we get to employ 400 people, and we work in the environmental space, improving Long Island's environment as much as we possibly can as fast as we can. I'd like to recognize tonight Richard DiAngelo, who is sitting right here. He is the manager of a Huntington yard, and who I think runs the neatest and most organized scrap metal recycling facility in the United States. Rich was the original owner of the yard before acquisition 2007, and is now one of our valued team members. Rich also was the first person to work with the Huntington Fire Department on extrication training using our yard and crash cars that we have on site. Rich also presents many scholarships to the Huntington graduates over the years. You should all know that Gershow Recycling has been and will remain committed to being a good neighbor of the town of Huntington and all of Long Island. And a show of that commitment in 2005. We've reinvested just about 90 million dollars in the following projects to help keep Long Island environmentally sustainable.
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