Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – April 23, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Huntington met on April 23, 2026, to consider eight applications for area variances, accessory structure relief, and legalization of existing structures. The board granted five applications, reserved decision on two, and administratively adjourned one. Public testimony was heard on one item.

Consent Calendar

• The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting by a motion from Mr. McGrath, seconded by Mr. Castagna, with all in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 23667 – 7 Brighton Place, Huntington: Neighbors Jerry Van der Valentine and Rachel Van der Valentine (5 Brighton Place) opposed the application. They cited the property’s extended construction period (Tyvek for 3.5 years), overflowing street parking (six vehicles from household members), and concern that granting a variance would encourage building without permits. The applicant’s representative (Paul Curcio) proposed expanding the driveway to accommodate off-street parking for all six vehicles.

Discussion Items

• Item 23668 – 14 Cecil Court, Melville: Applicant Michael Arato (Captain Permit) sought a rear yard variance of approximately 6 feet to maintain an existing 325 sq. ft. sunroom (19.16 ft from rear property line vs. 25 ft required). The structure was built in 2023. No public opposition was noted. The board characterized it as minor and granted the application unanimously.
• Item 23667 – 7 Brighton Place, Huntington: Applicant Paul Curcio (Chris Garten Architects) requested side yard relief for a first-floor addition (4.23 ft relief), a second-floor addition (1.33 ft relief), and a deck (0.56 ft relief) in an R-10 zone. The work began under an expired permit and was substantially different from the original design. The neighbor testified against. The applicant promised to expand the driveway to accommodate six vehicles. The board closed the public hearing and reserved decision.
• Item 23583 – 23 Tree Hollow Lane, Dix Hills: Applicant Kelly Bennett (Jam Design) sought a side yard variance of 12.9 ft (25 ft required) to construct a new attached two-car garage and mudroom (730 sq. ft.). The existing garage had been converted to living space for family needs (disabled family member). The neighbor to the south expressed support. The board found the variance minor and granted it unanimously.
• Item 23672 – 47 Fox Hunt Lane, Cold Spring Harbor: Applicant Michael Truehart (True Blue Swimming Pools) requested accessory structure relief for an 18'x36' inground pool in a technical front yard on a corner lot. The site is heavily screened and no objections were received. Letters of support were noted. The board granted the application unanimously.
• Item 23608 – 67 Wildwood Drive, Dix Hills: Attorney Rabani (representing owner Georgios Spentzouris) sought a height variance (33.4 ft actual, 22.3 ft visible from street, vs. 20 ft max) and steep slope relief for a detached two-car garage with basement and attic (to be used for storage and hobby). The slope makes the structure appear lower from the road. No public opposition. The board noted the unique lot and closed the hearing, reserving decision for two weeks.
• Item 23663 – 47 Otsego Avenue, Dix Hills: Attorney Ryan Brown (Breslin & Brown PC, representing Samantha Taylor Realty LLC) requested variances to legalize a sundeck (8.5 ft setback vs. 10 ft), water feature (8.08 ft), roofed patio (8.92 ft), and pool equipment (3.75 ft vs. 5 ft). All structures date from the pandemic and had been in place over five years. No opposition. The board granted the application unanimously.
• Item 23661 – 235 Clay Pitts Road, East Northport: Applicant Paul Curcio (Chris Garten Architects, representing Robert and Britni Cabrera) requested relief for a 10'x16' shed in the secondary front yard (29.5 ft setback vs. 50 ft) and to legalize an existing chicken coop and run (setbacks 5.8 ft and 2.5 ft vs. 25 ft). An objection letter from a north neighbor mistakenly referenced a shed as a chicken coop. The immediate eastern neighbor (237 Clay Pitts) provided written support. No roosters are kept. The board determined the coop location was not objectionable and granted the application unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Granted (all unanimous): Items 23668, 23583, 23672, 23663, 23661.
• Decision Reserved: Items 23667 (7 Brighton Place) and 23608 (67 Wildwood Drive).
• Administratively Adjourned: Item 23617 (139 11th Avenue, Huntington Station) was adjourned to May 7, 2026.
• Next Meeting: The board announced no meeting on April 30; the next meeting is scheduled for May 7, 2026.