Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – September 24, 2026

The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals held its regular meeting on the evening of September 24, 2026, at the Town Board Room. The board heard seven public hearings and transacted other business, including de minimis determinations, amended decisions, extensions, and accessory dwelling unit approvals. All votes were unanimous, with conditions applied where noted.

Minutes Approval

• The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 3, 2026 meeting after a motion by Mr. McGrath and a second by Mr. Castaño.

Public Hearings

1. Adjourned Hearing – 23614 (44 Makamah Beach Rd.)

• Applicant: Mark J. Seelig Trustee. The hearing for a side yard and combined side yard variance to legalize an existing deck on the property line was adjourned to December 10, 2026.

2. 23769 – 314 10th Avenue, East Northport (Garage)

• Applicant George J. Sutherland III requested accessory structure relief to relocate a proposed detached garage five feet closer to the curb, allowing a 25-foot setback. No public opposition; board observed the site was non-controversial. Motion by Ms. Whalen, second by Mr. Castagna. Granted.

3. 23745 – 126 Spagnoli Road, Melville (Island Harvest Food Bank)

• Applicant Randi Dresner/Island Harvest LLC, represented by Rachel Shelfo (Farrell Fritz PC), sought a Special Use Permit, parking relief (from 131 to 79 spaces), sign relief (second freestanding sign at 8.76-foot setback vs. 10-foot required), and lifting of a prior condition from ZBA Case #19345. The property is a 3-acre industrial I2 site used as a food bank headquarters. The request included legalization of existing outdoor storage (refuse enclosure, refrigerated container, pallet storage, shed), overnight parking for 13 trucks and 79 vehicles, and a directional sign. Traffic expert Wayne Muller testified that the parking reduction and sign location would not create congestion or safety issues. No public comments. Board issued a negative declaration under SEQRA. Motion by Mr. Castagna and Mr. Capadano. Granted with the understanding that final site plan approval is needed from the Planning Board.

4. 23751 – 54 Tuscarora Drive, Centerport (Shed)

• Applicant Doug Ambrose requested accessory structure relief to legalize an existing 10x10 shed in the front yard, 1.3 feet from the easterly line (2 feet required). The property has a very deep front yard and limited backyard. A neighbor’s letter in support was read. No public opposition. Motion by Mr. Basso, second by Mr. Capadano. Granted.

5. 23737 – 93 Luyster Street, South Huntington (Garage Addition & Portico)

• Applicant Steven Lerner, a resident, requested front, side, and rear yard, lot width, and lot area variances to construct a one-story garage addition and front portico on his R40-zoned quarter-acre lot. He cited New York State Town Law §267-B(3)(b) and presented five supporting letters from neighbors. The board noted neighboring lots are similarly sized. No public opposition. Motion by Mr. Bassell, second by Mr. White. Granted.

6. 23749 – 27 Essex Drive, Northport (Garage Addition)

• Applicant Harvey Brown requested accessory structure relief to add a third bay (approx. 200 sq. ft.) to an existing two-car detached garage. The garage is 125 feet from the street and downhill. No zoning relief was needed for setbacks. Two neighbors in attendance expressed support. Motion by Mr. Castagna, second by Mr. Capadano. Granted.

7. 23748 – 11 Teaneck Drive, East Northport (Legalization & Second Kitchen)

• Applicant Paul Curcio (Christopher Garten Architects) requested front and rear yard relief and permission for a second kitchen to legalize existing construction (enclosed deck, roofed stoop, egress window well, awning over cellar entrance) and add a second kitchen in the finished basement. All structures were already built without permits. The property was upzoned from R10 to R20 in 1947. The board stressed that second kitchens are rarely granted and imposed a sunset condition: the second kitchen must be completely removed if the elderly father (for whom it was installed) leaves the residence. No public opposition. Motion by Ms. Whalen, second by Mr. White. Granted with conditions.

Other Business Before the Board

• De Minimis Variations (Building Department requests):
  • 12 Greendale Lane, East Northport: existing side yard of 19.68 ft (20 ft required) – approved as de minimis.
  • 889 Columbia Street: existing front yard of 19.2 ft (20 ft required) – approved as de minimis.
• Amended Decision – ZBA 22647 (Benchmark Senior Living): The board approved an amended decision confirming that the applicant does not need to re-appear, because the prior grant had not expired and notice under General Municipal Law §239-M had been provided to Suffolk County, which left the matter to local determination.
• Extension – ZBA 23040: Third extension granted for site work permits and certificate of occupancy, as fees had been paid.
• Accessory Dwelling Units: Preliminary approval was given for two ADU applications (24 Bainbridge Avenue, Melville – 645 sq. ft. one-bedroom; and 8 Trafalgar Court, Huntington – 420 sq. ft. two-bedroom in existing garage conversion), subject to Suffolk County referral, as no additional relief was required.

Key Outcomes

• All six public hearings resolved were granted: one adjourned, five with unanimous votes, one with a sunset condition.
• De minimis variations, amended decision, extension, and ADU approvals passed without opposition.
• The next meeting was set for October 1, 2026.