Huntington ZBA Meeting March 12, 2026: Seven Public Hearings and Other Business
Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – March 12, 2026
The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Huntington held a regular meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:15 AM. The board addressed seven public hearings and four other business items. Applications for accessory structure relief, parking and sign variances, and a legalization of an existing pavilion were considered. All applications were granted except one, which was reserved for decision after public opposition.
Meeting Opening & Minutes
- The board approved the minutes of the March 5, 2026 meeting unanimously.
Public Hearings
1. Adjourned Item
- Public Hearing #23624 (33 Wilton Road, Cold Spring Harbor) was adjourned to April 16, 2026.
2. 5 Glen Hill Court, Dix Hills – Pergola Legalization
- Applicant Salvatore Coscia (Permits R Us) requested accessory structure relief to maintain an existing pergola in a technical front yard on a corner lot. The pergola had been in place for over 20 years. No public opposition. The board granted the application.
3. 7 Dix Hills Road, Huntington – Garage Conversion to Accessory Dwelling Unit
- Paul Curcio (Christopher Garten Architects) requested side yard relief (two feet) to legalize a garage converted to an accessory apartment. The owner intends to obtain an accessory apartment license. No public opposition. The board granted the application.
4. 31 N. Hill Drive, East Northport – In-Ground Pool
- Michael Jeffrey, representing the Palmers, requested accessory structure relief to construct a below-ground swimming pool in a technical front yard on a corner lot. The pool would be set five feet from the side property line. The yard already contains a pergola, shed, and patio, and a slope limits options. No public opposition. The board granted the application.
5. 5 Glenna Little Trail, Huntington – Balcony and Side Yard Deck
- Samantha LoBue, owner, requested relief for a second-floor balcony (8 ft × 5 ft) and a side-yard deck with zero-foot setback (code requires 5 ft). The property has an unusual shape and the side yard functions as a backyard. The applicant submitted five letters of support from neighbors, including the most affected neighbor at 7 Glenna Little Trail. The board granted both variances.
6. 200 Carver Street, Huntington – Medical Office Expansion and Sign
- Attorney Abate represented the owner (200 West Carver Mgr. LLC). The existing medical office (built under a 1978 special use permit) needed upgrades: a 49-square-foot addition, concrete ramps, a loading space, a dumpster enclosure, and a new monument sign (withdrew second sign request). Parking would be 60 spaces instead of required 66. Traffic expert Wayne Muller testified that on-street and municipal parking nearby suffice. Real estate expert Michael Lynch noted the area is commercially oriented. No public opposition. The board issued a negative declaration under SEQRA and granted all variances, including parking and sign relief.
7. 20 Winter Lane, Dix Hills – Koi Pond Pavilion Legalization
- Paul Curcio again represented the owners, David and Ettie Ganz. The application sought relief for cumulative accessory floor area (2,078 sq ft existing vs. 1,200 sq ft allowed) and setback (pavilion inches from property line vs. 10 ft required). The 1,400-sq-ft pavilion over an existing koi pond was built without a permit. The owner cited leaf problems harming the fish. Neighbors James Cawley, Ted Tobias, and Linda Cawley strongly opposed, arguing self-created hardship, substantiality, precedent, and loss of property value. The board noted four opposition letters and one support letter. The applicant suggested possible relocation or demolition of the pavilion. The board closed the hearing and reserved decision.
Other Business
- ZBA 23503 (Amended Decision) – The board amended a prior decision to add the phrase “above grade” to satisfy the building department’s requirement for a height variance. Granted.
- ZBA 23567 (Amended Relief) – The board added permission for a range within a previously approved four-season cabana at 20 Peabody Road, Cold Spring Harbor, consistent with submitted plans. Granted.
- ZBA 23554 (83 Cedar Road, East Northport) – The board granted a variance for a travel trailer (parked behind a fence on a corner lot) with conditions: slide-outs must be kept closed except for maintenance, and the owner must plant screening vegetation to block the view from the side street. Motion carried 6-0-1 (one abstention).
- ZBA 23517 (15 Paul Revere Lane) – The board granted permission to construct a two-car garage in the front yard due to a steep slope and inadequate existing garage. The applicant provided a steep slope analysis and photographs. Granted.
Key Outcomes
- All public hearings except #23641 were granted with unanimous or majority votes.
- The board reserved decision on the 20 Winter Lane pavilion; a future meeting will decide.
- Four other business items were approved, including amended decisions and conditional relief.
- The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
Meeting Transcript
Okay, good evening everyone and welcome to the zoning board of appeals of the town of Huntington for our meeting of March the 12th 2026. Please rise for the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag in the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. First item on the agenda is the minutes for March the 5th, 2026. I've looked at them. If no one has any additions, deletions, or changes to make, I'd entertain a motion to accept the minutes for 3526. I'll make that Mr. McGrath on the motion. Ms. Castana on the second. All in favor. Any opposed? Minutes are accepting. Don are all the appropriate postings and publications done to give us jurisdiction for the hearings tonight. Yes, yes. Okay. The order of the hearings will be as follows. 23624 is being adjourned to April 16th, 2026. The first item on our agenda will be 23647, which is 5 Glen Hill Court and Dix Hills. The second is 23590 7 Dix Hills Road, Huntington. Then 23643, 35 North Hill Drive and East North Port. 23642, which is 5 Glen Alittle Trail in Huntington. Then 2363, which is 200 Carver Street, and finally 23641, which is 20 Winter Lane in Dix Hills. Will the applicant or the representative of the applicant for 23647? 5 Glen Hill Court, please address the board. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, members of the board. Salvatore Koshia from Premier's Rus, 338 Jericho Turnpike, Sayasa, New York, 11791. On behalf of Mr. Curto at 5 Glen Hill Court. Proposed to maintain the pergola. That's not permitted in the front yard. The pergola has been at the dwelling for over 20 years since my client purchased the home. They're in the process of selling, and this came up as requiring a variance. Pergola is open, doesn't have any line of sight issues. Take any questions. Correct. Is there anyone in the audience that wishes to be heard regarding this matter? Perceive it to be a minor application. I will entertain a motion to grant the application for the applicant. Mr. Castaña on the motion. Second. Mr. Campadano on the second. All in favor? Any opposed? Your application is granted.
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