Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting – October 1, 2026

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Huntington convened on October 1, 2026 (recorded as 11:15 AM, though the transcript begins with "Good evening", indicating a potential time discrepancy). The board approved the minutes of September 24, 2026, and conducted four public hearings. Three variances were granted, one hearing was left open pending further review, and three administrative matters were resolved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill Brosnan, neighbor at 35 Hemingway Drive, opposed the retaining wall variances, citing the wall's height (nearly 10 ft), excessive square footage (1,600 sq ft vs. 844 allowed), minimal setbacks (less than 1 ft vs. 10 ft required), safety hazards (partial collapse in December 2022), and self-created difficulties. He requested denial and compliance.
• Clement Laughlin, neighbor at 19 Penn Drive, opposed the wall variances, arguing the wall is uncharacteristic of the neighborhood, unsafe (leaning, risk of collapse), and that the difficulty was self-created due to illegal grading and fill. He detailed code violations and water pooling.
• Melissa McLaughlin, also of 19 Penn Drive, submitted photographs showing the wall collapsing and leaning against a dead tree, emphasizing the ongoing danger and lack of action since 2021.

Discussion Items

• Application 23771 – 445 Coolidge Drive, Centerport: Applicant representative Mary Ellen Curtis requested a front yard setback variance (14.08 ft where 20 ft required) to legalize an existing front entry deck (14.10 ft by 7.4 ft). The deck is within neighborhood character, with letters of support from neighbors. No public opposition. The board granted the variance.
• Application 23760 – 9 Radcliffe Drive, Huntington: Applicant representative Mary Ellen Curtis requested a front yard setback variance (16.3 ft where 30 ft required) to construct a two-story addition (primary bedroom, bath, guest room, mudroom, laundry). The corner lot constrained placement, and the addition would keep bedrooms together. Neighbor letters in favor. No public opposition. The board granted the variance.
• Application 23758 – 67 West 11th Street, Huntington Station: Applicant representative Stephen Sicamani (architect for Habitat for Humanity of LI) requested a rear yard setback variance (7.25 ft where 25 ft required) for a second-floor addition. The existing home is only 16 inches from the property line; the addition would improve that to over 7 ft. No public opposition. The board granted the variance.
• Application 23729 – 35 Hemingway Drive, Dix Hills: Applicant Todd O'Connell (architect) and owner Emanuel Catechis requested variances for a second kitchen (for parents with medical needs) and to legalize/repair existing retaining walls (height up to 8.9 ft, setback as close as 0.8 ft, wall area 1,600 sq ft vs. 844 allowed). Neighbors opposed, citing safety, non-compliance, and self-created conditions. The board noted the complex history—including prior violations, fill placement, and a wall collapse. The board decided to leave the hearing open and retain an independent engineer (at applicant's expense) to assess the wall and propose a solution. The second kitchen variance was addressed as typically grantable with a sunset clause. The hearing was adjourned to December 17, 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Variances granted:
  • 445 Coolidge Drive (front deck) – granted unanimously.
  • 9 Radcliffe Drive (front yard setback) – granted unanimously.
  • 67 West 11th Street (rear yard setback) – granted unanimously.
• Application 23729 (35 Hemingway Drive): Hearing left open; adjourned to December 17, 2026. The board will select an independent engineer to evaluate the retaining wall issue.
• Other Business:
  • ZBA 23549 (524 McKinley Terrace): One-year extension granted for an unexpired grant due to new baby, construction changes, and relocation.
  • ZBA 23383 (70 East 11th Street): Modification of a rear yard setback variance granted to accommodate an exterior staircase as built.
  • ZBA 23416 (17 Bluebird Lane): Application dismissed with prejudice after property sale and restoration of garage from illegal ADU to original use.
• Note: The transcript's "Good evening" conflicts with the provided timestamp of 11:15 AM; actual meeting time may have been in the evening.