Huntington Town Board Meeting – July 14, 2026

Meeting Overview

The Town Board met on July 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM in Town Hall. The session opened with a special ceremony inducting U.S. Army veteran John F. Fox into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame, presented by Senator Mario Matera. The board then conducted six public hearings, heard extensive public comment – primarily on the proposed Huntington African American Museum at Fair Meadow Park – and adopted a series of resolutions, including the next phase of museum planning, a tax cap override authorization, and multiple operational and budget items.

Public Hearings

• Hearing #1 – Blighted Properties (533 Caledonia Road, Dix Hills): No public speakers. The hearing was closed.
• Hearing #2 – Pro Shop Concession at Clark Gillies Arena: No public speakers. The hearing was closed.
• Hearing #3 – Stop Signs (Audrey Lane, Carmela Lane, Romeo Lane, Phaetons Drive, Phaetons Gate): No public speakers. The hearing was closed.
• Hearing #4 – Covenant Modification for Huntington Square Shopping Center (Pickleball Facility): Attorney Philip Butler (representing the applicant) explained the request to modify covenants to allow a 47,000 sq ft former Best Buy to become an indoor pickleball facility with 14 courts, pro shop, and sound‑deadening equipment. The only change sought is a 6 AM opening time instead of the current 8 AM. Neighboring developer B2K Development expressed no objection. The board asked about noise and deliveries; the applicant confirmed no outdoor noise issues and no large truck deliveries. Dustin Hicks (landlord representative) declined to speak. The hearing was closed.
• Hearing #5 – Tax Levy Limit Override (Local Law 26-2026): No public speakers. The hearing was closed.
• Hearing #6 – Melville Town Center Overlay District (Financial Impact Agreements with School Districts): Daniel Carpin argued the resolution is illegal under SEQRA and alleged secret segmentation. Daniel Bryant, a Melville resident, expressed concerns that the proposed payments offset only a small fraction of taxes lost to PILOTs (e.g., Melville Crossing PILOT shifts $11 million to residents, with $7 million in school taxes; the resolution offsets only $2.8 million). He also noted no inflation adjustment, risk that PILOTs may be calculated to absorb the payments, and that the Melville Crossing project has 40% lower property taxes per unit than the overlay intended. He urged the board to honor original promises not to approve developments requiring PILOTs. The hearing was closed.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Bartels (Lloyd Harbor): Raised concerns about erosion of the sandbar at Lloyd Harbor, flooding of the causeway, and the condition of culverts at Westneck Beach. Proposed a multi‑agency hearing to address sea‑level rise and infrastructure. The supervisor noted the Westneck Beach culvert project is already bonded.
• Barry Lights (Chairman, Huntington African American Museum Board): Stated the museum wants to preserve Fair Meadow Park, with no less than 75% of the park remaining as open space. The building will be placed as far north as possible, away from the intersection of Park Avenue and Pulaski Road.
• Tracy Edwards (NAACP National Board): Thanked the board for bipartisan support of the museum. Emphasized that the museum board evaluated three sites, and after the state rejected the original Hale site proposal, Fair Meadow Park was selected. Condemned racist comments and misinformation, and urged respect for the decision. Stated the museum will occupy less than 2.5 acres of a 9.7‑acre park.
• Lauren Olivia Green (Huntington resident): Expressed concern about loss of green space due to a housing development on Stony Hollow Road that clear‑cut a forested area. Called for more environmental education and initiatives.
• Catherine McGeary (paramedic, volunteer park steward): Described volunteer work removing invasive species and creating a native pollinator garden at Veterans Park in East Northport. Emphasized the importance of protecting remaining green space.
• Laura DeMeo (Huntington Country Farms resident): Opposed both a proposed McDonald’s and the African American Museum at Fair Meadow Park, citing traffic, noise, and loss of open space. Noted that many residents could not attend because they work.
• Alison Benyo (Huntington Country Farms HOA board member): Presented a petition with 99 signatures opposing the museum location. Stated that when she bought her home, she was told the park could only have gravel walking paths. Argued the process lacked transparency and that open space is a community asset.
• Eddie O’Brien Carroll (Hillside): Opposed the museum itself, claiming there are already 252 African American museums in the U.S., and criticized the NAACP and the museum’s political character. The supervisor and several council members expressed strong disapproval of his remarks.
• Sal D’Angelo (Huntington resident): Supported the museum location at Fair Meadow Park, calling it a prime gateway location. Also urged a longer moratorium (at least two years) on battery storage facilities, citing a fire incident in East Hampton. Opposed any restriction on ICE cooperation.
• Cheryl Bloom (Huntington resident): Questioned whether Fair Meadow Park is officially designated as a park, argued it is a conservation area, and suggested a museum would be a compatible educational use.
• Matt Harris (Huntington Station resident, 46 years): Opposed the museum location, claiming lack of transparency and that the park was promised as open space. Proposed an alternative town‑owned parcel in the DRI revitalization zone near the train station. Asked to be on the advisory board.
• Barbara Casa (Fair Meadow Park Steward): Spoke in favor of keeping the park as open space, saying the town broke a promise to the community.
• Lisa Lopiano (Huntington Station resident, 29 years, educator): Enthusiastically supported the museum, describing the park as underutilized grass bordered by busy roads and train tracks. Noted that the museum would be a transformative landmark, similar to Heckscher Museum in Heckscher Park.
• Gail Lumberta (lifelong resident, 73 years): Expressed support for the museum, noting evolution of the town. Argued the museum is a compatible passive use and will enhance the park.
• Desiree Ben (Huntington resident): Requested enforcement of resolution 2015-70 and a Hold Harmless Agreement regarding trail use at Meadowlock Park, claiming unauthorized activities (racing, concerts, drinking, tree cutting) are occurring.
• Irene Moore (Vice Chair, Huntington African American Museum): Thanked the board for supporting the museum site. Emphasized that the museum will showcase African American history and contributions, and will be a resource for schools and the community.
• Magdalene Hull (Huntington resident): Stated she was repulsed by some earlier comments. Supported the museum but criticized the lack of community input. Asked that a community member be added to the advisory team. The supervisor responded that he had already requested adding one or two community members from the adjacent area to the advisory committee.
• Stephanie Gothard (Executive Director, Huntington Historical Society): Supported the museum, having worked with many advocates. Believed the compromise is good and that the community will gain from the museum.
• Beth Ezrin (Melville resident, former town employee): Expressed disappointment with the process, noting that the meeting to discuss parkland alienation was held at 4:30 PM with little notice and that neighbors were not consulted. Urged a transparent process for any future parkland alienation. Also commented on the tax cap.
• Lynn Kaufman (Huntington resident): Supported the museum as a complement to the park, similar to Heckscher.
• Anthony Cacciato (Huntington Village resident, recent CMU graduate): Presented his senior thesis on housing affordability, recommending a split‑rate tax system to slow home value appreciation and increase supply.
• John Marcinka (67‑year resident): Opposed setting a precedent of giving away parkland, fearing future encroachments. Warned against taking parkland for other purposes.
• Janet (Huntington Station resident, 59 years): Supported the museum but proposed a creative alternative: using the Armory building and making Fair Meadow Park a walking exhibit with historical displays.
• Mark McIntyre (local business owner): Supported the museum, calling it an excellent park improvement with precedent (e.g., Heckscher Museum).
• Dorothy Fitzsimmons (lifelong resident): Criticized lack of transparency; concerned about setting a precedent for alienating parkland in other communities. Also raised concerns about the impact of NYU Langone on the aquifer.
• John Wilson (Huntington resident): Criticized the town for posting a photo of a salt marsh sparrow nest on Facebook, which he said could harm the birds. Also opposed the museum location and criticized clear‑cutting at Froelick Wicks farm.
• Nathaniel Ham (Dix Hills resident, 46 years): Strongly supported the museum location, noting it is centrally located, accessible, and will be built at no cost to the town.
• Robert Lamont (Huntington resident): Asked about the tax cap override and why the town is short on income. Suggested raising fines and enforcing parking and landscaping truck regulations.
• Helen Boxwell (Huntington resident): Supported the museum, expressing hope that the community can have both the museum and open space.
• Ruth Ann Cooley (President, NAACP Huntington Branch): Expressed strong support for the museum at Fair Meadow Park, stating it belongs in the heart of Huntington Station. Emphasized the museum’s educational and cultural value.
• Susan Benyo (Northport resident, former school board member): Criticized holding the meeting at 2 PM in July, arguing it limited public participation. Urged meaningful dialogue before piercing the tax cap or alienating parkland. Expressed concern about precedent.

Discussion Items

• The board did not hold separate discussion items beyond the public hearings and public comments. After the public portion, the board proceeded to vote on resolutions.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-373: Dedicated Union Place in Huntington to Andrea and Luisa Sorrentino. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-374: Authorized the Supervisor to apply for 2026 Regional Economic Development Council grant funding. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-375: Authorized application and acceptance of FTA funds for HART transit capital assistance, nunc pro tunc. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-376: License agreement with Huntington Human Services Institute for Breezy Park Summer Family Festival. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-377: Appointed Anthony Annunziata as Director of General Services. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-378: Accepted donation of garden shed renovation and tools from Girl Scout Silver Award candidate Samantha Graber for the Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Organic Garden. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-379: Amended Resolution 2026-323 to authorize restoration agreement with Steward Preservation Services for Nathan Hale Memorial, accepting DAR donation, and budget amendment. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-380: Authorized construction inspection services agreement with N&P Engineering for Essex Drive outfall pipe reconstruction. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-381: Same for Westview Road outfall pipe reconstruction. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-382: First extension of building management system maintenance contract with Peconic Energy Products. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-383: First and final extension of loose leaf removal contract with CarlsonCorp Inc. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-384: Memorandum of Agreement with Local 342 (Supervisory Unit) labor contract, nunc pro tunc. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-385: Second and final extension of Gasboy fuel management system contract with Global Fueling Systems. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-394: Authorized retroactive property tax exemption for Halesite Fire Department premises for 2022‑2023. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-395: Authorized actions under Chapter 156 (Blighted Property) for failure to abate violations. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-399: Amended agreement with Huntington Community First Aid Squad for ambulance services. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-400: Amended engineering retainer agreement with H2M for Huntington Sewer District. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-401: Appointed Carol Nucci and Gail Lumberta to the Beautification Advisory Council. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-402: Declared surplus equipment and vehicles for disposal. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-403: Designated Huntington Animal Shelter as recipient of voluntary contributions under Agriculture & Markets Law §109. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-404: Established the next phase of planning for the Huntington African American Museum, recognizing key stakeholders and creating an Implementation Advisory Team. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-405: Granted license agreement to Cozzi Sports, Inc. for pro shop concession at Clark Gillies Arena. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-406: Adopted Local Law 22-2026 amending covenants and restrictions on property at Jericho Turnpike, Elwood (for pickleball facility). (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-410: License agreement with Huntington Human Services Institute for Manor Field Park National Night Out event on August 4, 2026. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-411: License agreement with Huntington Human Services Institute for Coral Park Afro-House event on August 29, 2026. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-412: Authorized grant application for Climate Smart Communities greenhouse gas mitigation project. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-413: Authorized grant application for Climate Smart Communities extreme heat project. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-414: Scheduled a public hearing on license agreement for use of town land and covenants. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-415: Appropriated funds from Environmental Open Space Fund for Heckscher Park improvements. (Adopted 5‑0)
• Resolution 2026-416 (late starter): Authorized Supervisor to execute six remnant defendants’ combined participation form. (Adopted 4‑0, Supervisor recused)
• Board of Trustees Resolutions:
  • 2026-BT-8: Approved extension of recreational dock license for Nathan Hale Beach Club. (Adopted 5‑0)
  • 2026-BT-9: Scheduled public hearing on variances and special use permit for a pier/dock at 271 Little Neck Road, Centerport (Tomlinson). (Adopted 5‑0)
  • 2026-BT-10: Scheduled public hearing on a license agreement for the same pier/dock. (Adopted 5‑0)