Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting, May 7, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Huntington met on May 7, 2026, to conduct public hearings and address other business. The board approved minutes, revoked an accessory dwelling unit permit, granted several area variances for residential properties, and approved amendments to prior decisions and accessory dwelling unit permits. Two public hearings were adjourned to later dates.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of April 23, 2026: Unanimously approved (motion by McGrath, second by Castagna).
• Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits: Three ADU applications (ADU 2220 at 11 More Place, Melville; ADU 2175 at 58 Lauren Avenue, Dix Hills; ADU 1173 at 12 Rose Place, Huntington) were approved. All units were one-bedroom, within square footage limits, and did not exceed the 10% saturation threshold. No relief required. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Public Hearing #23662 (29 Leeds Street, Huntington Station): Neighbor Mr. Panisi spoke initially expressing concerns about the proposed three-car garage (including a second-story office) and potential loss of trees. After meeting with the applicants and learning the second story was withdrawn, he withdrew his objections. He requested preservation of mature trees and asked about planting on adjacent town-owned property. The board clarified that town property issues were beyond their jurisdiction but noted historical practices regarding abandoned streets.

Discussion Items

• Public Hearing #23601 (194 Dix Hills Road, Huntington Station): Adjourned to June 25, 2026 due to improper publication (jurisdictional requirements not filed).
• Public Hearing #23617 (139 11th Avenue, Huntington Station): Adjourned to June 4, 2026 to allow the applicant to downsize the proposed structure.
• Public Hearing #23675 (11 Jameson Court, East Northport): Assistant Town Attorney Lori Gato Argerio requested revocation of an accessory dwelling unit permit. She stated the owner, Emre Ocak, failed to perfect a transfer application, blocked inspections, lacked building permits, and defaulted on summonses. No public testimony. The board granted revocation.
• Public Hearing #23614 (44 Makamah Beach Road, Northport): Applicant's attorney Eric Snipas noted ongoing discussions with the town attorney regarding coastal erosion hazard area issues. The board recommended resolving the matter with the town board sitting as coastal trustees and administratively adjourned the hearing to September 24, 2026 to avoid republishing.
• Public Hearing #23673 (49 Longworth Avenue, Dix Hills): Applicant's attorney Dev Dhamija requested area variances for an existing above-ground pool (12 ft round, located 2.5 ft from southerly lot line and 3.6 ft from easterly lot line where 5 ft required in R10 zone) and a prefabricated sunroom (19.8 ft from easterly lot line where 25 ft required). Both improvements predated the current owners' purchase (pool ~10 years, sunroom ~20 years). The variances were described as de minimis. No public comment. The board granted the variances.
• Public Hearing #23662 (29 Leeds Street, Huntington Station): Applicant's attorney Tom Abate presented for Diana LaSpisa and Jonathan Auer. The lot is 0.94 acres (R10 zone). Applicants sought to: convert existing detached garage to a pool house, construct a new three-bay detached garage (withdrew second-story office), install an in-ground pool, and legalize a shed. Relief needed due to accessory structures in a technical front yard (through lot) and garage dimensions (3 bays vs. 2 allowed, 19 ft height vs. 15 ft allowed). Attorney argued the lot size would permit R20 zoning where no relief would be needed. Neighbor Mr. Panisi spoke (see Public Comments). The board granted the application after neighbor concerns were addressed.
• Public Hearing #23674 (10 Leeds Street, Huntington Station): Applicant Dieter Specht sought variances for an in-ground pool in the technical front yard (through lot fronting Leeds and Murdoch) and to legalize two sheds. He withdrew relief for one plastic shed. The pool would be 10 ft off rear property line; the lot is fenced. No public comment. The board granted the variances.
• Public Hearing #23669 (32 Stiles Drive, Melville): Applicant Scott Kahn of Oyster Bay Drafting requested lot width, front yard, side yard, and combined side yard variances to construct a two-story dwelling on a vacant lot in an R80 zone. The lot is 111.7 ft wide (150 ft minimum), requiring several minor setbacks. Most neighborhood lots are similarly undersized. The property backs onto West Hills Park. No public comment. The board granted the variances.

Other Business:

• Amendment #23621 (Double Check Builders): Granted reduction in square footage variance from 1,768.5 sq ft to 1,674.4 sq ft (correction for improper counting of gazebo and pool house sizes).
• Amendment #23581 (Hennessy): Granted increase in retaining wall square footage from 1,230 sq ft to 1,778 sq ft, consistent with testimony at the original hearing.
• Application #23667 (7 Brighton): Mr. Curcio sought side yard variances to legalize additions under construction. Neighbors complained about street parking. Applicant submitted a revised site plan providing off-street parking for six vehicles. The board granted the variances and approved the revised plan.

Key Outcomes

• Revocation of ADU Permit (#23675): Granted (motion by Castaño, second by Capadano; unanimous).
• Variances Granted (#23673): Granted for pool and sunroom at 49 Longworth Ave. (motion by Cote, second by Basso; unanimous).
• Variances Granted (#23662): Granted for three-car garage, pool house, shed, and pool at 29 Leeds St. (motion by Cote, second by Castaño; unanimous).
• Variances Granted (#23674): Granted for pool and shed at 10 Leeds St. (motion by Basso, second by Cappadano; unanimous).
• Variances Granted (#23669): Granted for new dwelling at 32 Stiles Dr. (motion by Castagno, second by Whalen; unanimous).
• Amendments Approved: #23621 and #23581 amended as requested.
• Variances and Site Plan Approved (#23667): Granted for 7 Brighton with revised parking plan (motion by McGrath, second by Basso; unanimous).
• Three ADU Permits: Approved without opposition.
• Adjourned Hearings: #23601 to June 25, 2026; #23617 to June 4, 2026; #23614 to September 24, 2026.