Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting - October 8, 2026

The Huntington Town Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 8, 2026, to consider six agenda items. The board approved the minutes from the previous meeting and, after hearing public testimony and discussion, granted all five applications presented for hearings. One item was adjourned to a later date.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes of the October 1, 2026 meeting were approved with a minor correction (motion by Mr. McGrath, second by Mr. Castagna, all in favor).

Public Comments & Testimony

• For Item 2 (33 Pine Drive), Francis Brown of 8 Thicket Drive voiced opposition to the pool construction, citing concerns about steep slopes, potential mudslides, and structural integrity. He questioned the granting of three variances. The applicant and board clarified that the pool would be placed on flat ground and that geotechnical information had been provided.

Discussion Items

Item 1 – Adjournment (Public Hearing #23774)

• 427 Wolf Hill Road, Dix Hills: The hearing for relief regarding existing retaining walls and accessory structures was adjourned to October 29, 2026.

Item 2 – 33 Pine Drive, Cold Spring Harbor (Public Hearing #23752)

• Applicant Joseph Grace requested a front yard setback variance for an in-ground pool on a through lot and a variance for the cumulative square footage of a retaining wall. The applicant stated the wall would be 745 sq ft, disputing the 993 sq ft figure in the legal notice. The existing retaining walls would be removed. The board noted six or seven letters of support from neighbors.
• The board granted the three requested variances (motion by Mr. Bass, second by Mr. Castagna, all in favor).

Item 3 – 10 Hillock Court, Huntington (Public Hearing #23766)

• Applicant Mary Ellen Curtis sought a rear yard setback variance of 4.75 feet to legalize an existing family room extension and expand the kitchen. The lot is pie-shaped and heavily wooded, limiting expansion options. A dry well would handle stormwater runoff. No public testimony.
• The variance was granted unanimously (motion by Mr. Castaño, second by Mr. Capadano).

Item 4 – 344 Coolidge Drive, Centerport (Public Hearing #23778)

• Attorney Ryan Brown presented variances for an undersized triangular lot: lot area (6,987 sq ft vs. 7,500 required), side yard for an attached garage (6.33 ft vs. 7 ft), and front yard setbacks for a second-story addition (approx. 11 ft vs. 25 ft). The existing detached garage would be replaced, moving the structure farther from the neighbor. Six letters of support were received; no public opposition.
• The board granted all variances unanimously (motion by Mr. Campadano, second by Mr. Coty).

Item 5 – 15 Academy Place, Huntington Station (Public Hearing #23551)

• Attorney Abate sought legalization of a four-family dwelling as a continuation of a pre-existing nonconforming use. He presented two 1980 affidavits stating the property had always been used as a multi-family dwelling, along with prior town zoning codes permitting such use, and evidence that the town had issued rental permits for all four units. No public testimony.
• The board accepted the proof and granted the application unanimously (motion by Mr. Castagna, second by Mr. Basso).

Item 6 – 225 Broad Hollow Road, Melville (Public Hearing #23753)

• Attorney Keith Archer requested variances for existing signs: a monument sign (height 8.3 ft vs. 6 ft allowed, setback 10.8 ft vs. 24 ft) and a directional sign (setback 4 ft vs. 10 ft, area 18 sq ft). The signs were consistent with others along Route 110. No public comment.
• The board granted the variances and issued a negative declaration under SEQRA (motion by Mr. McGrath, second by Mr. Cotet, all in favor).

Key Outcomes

• All five applications (Items 2-6) were granted by unanimous votes.
• Item 1 was adjourned to October 29, 2026.
• The board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for October 22, 2026.