Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Huntington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues in development with medium priority
Steep Slope Preservation and Flag Lot Access at 27 Dunlop Road
The board handled six homeowner variance requests in one night, most tied to Huntington's steep waterfront terrain and legacy small lots. All were granted, showing the board generally supports home improvements when neighbors don't object.
8 Ruth Plat Subdivision and New Road Dedication
The town would accept roads in the Golf Estates subdivision and amend contracts with Chesterfield Associates for drainage pipe work on Westview Road and Essex Drive.
Mixed-Use Redevelopment at 1044 New York Avenue
A long-vacant commercial strip next to the Gateway property could be redeveloped into a mixed-use building with apartments, but a shared-parking deal collapsed when the neighbor sold. The applicant is returning to the ZBA for a bigger parking variance.
Church Property Subdivisions for Fundraising
Both St. Matthew's Church and the Congregational Church of Huntington applied to carve off portions of their land to sell as residential lots, helping pay for building maintenance and church repairs.
St. Matthew's Church Three-Lot Subdivision
St. Matthew's Church is proposing a three-lot subdivision off the North Service Road to create two conforming residential lots while keeping the church property intact. Neighbors and church representatives discussed buffer plantings and utilities during the public hearing.
Map of Wychwood Cluster Subdivision
The Congregational Church of Huntington is proposing a cluster subdivision on Washington Drive to turn three parcels into two, selling off a residential lot to fund major repairs for its 70-year-old sanctuary.
Animal Rescue Hospital Special Use Permit
The Wildlife Center of Long Island applied to convert a storage building on Washington Drive in Centerport into an animal rescue hospital. While many town residents and businesses supported the project, immediate neighbors on Shawnee Street raised vocal concerns regarding noise, operations, and waste disposal.
Blighted Property Enforcement in East Northport and Cold Spring Harbor
Residents brought forward long-standing concerns regarding severely neglected, vacant commercial and residential properties creating safety hazards and eyesores in their neighborhoods.
Greenlawn Center Two-Lot Subdivision
Tracy Edwards presented a request for a two-lot subdivision on Amsterdam Street to build two single-family homes. The board held a public hearing and discussed the historical background of the neighborhood.
Residential Expansion and Neighborhood Compatibility on Leeds Street
Homeowners are updating properties with large garages and pools, leading to constructive talks with neighbors about privacy and trees. Green buffers are being planted to keep everyone happy.
Industrial Park Parking and Signage Standards
A Melville industrial property needed a small parking variance and extra signage to update its site layout and add loading and trash areas. The board used a traffic study to confirm the minor parking reduction caused no issues.
Sidewalk Waivers for Cuba Hill Road and Tiziana Estates Subdivisions
A lot line change allows neighboring property to be sold to homeowners in Tiziana Estates to expand their backyards.
15 Hart Place Subdivision and Clearing
The planning board approved a two-lot flag lot subdivision in Dix Hills. Officials also clarified that tree clearing could wait until standard permits are filed, as the site is outside protected bat zones.
Map of Wheatley Heights Estates Subdivision
A developer is adding two new homes to a property in Dix Hills while keeping an older house. The board checked on drainage, lot conformity, and potential health department requirements.
Map of Huntington Manor Subdivision & Steep Slopes Protection
A proposal in Huntington Station will replace an old, run-down house with three new homes and protect nearby steep slopes with a conservation easement.
Waterfront Development and Private Dock Regulations in Huntington Harbor
Residents raised concerns about the proliferation of private docks in Huntington Harbor and asked for a moratorium until waterfront revitalization plans are finished. The board reviewed a specific dock permit application at 67 East Shore Road.
Residential Additions and Family Care Accommodations
Several homeowners sought variances to build additions or legalize existing structures for family needs, such as creating accessible living spaces for aging relatives.
Fortunoff Backyard Store Site Plan Review
The board is reviewing the conversion of the former Sam Ash music store into a Fortunoff Backyard Store. Members discussed improving landscaping buffers for nearby homes on Chichester Road and fixing parking lot safety and striping issues.
City Bank Pad Site at Huntington Square Plaza
A new City Bank branch with a drive-thru is coming to the Huntington Square Plaza parking lot in East Northport, using existing shopping center parking and land-banked stalls.
Public Notification for Administrative Site Plans
Citizens raised concerns about not receiving prior notice for commercial site plan approvals like the tree farm on Manor Road. Officials clarified that town code only mandates public hearings and direct mail notices for subdivisions and zoning board applications, not standard site plans.
Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy Compliance
A local homeowner urged the town to tighten building inspections, eliminate blanket waiver forms, and stop accepting closed-wall inspections without verifying licensed contractor work after discovering major unpermitted additions on a recently purchased home.
Legalization of Historic Estate Structures at Harbor Road
The board reviewed the legalization of historic structures, including a sea captain's home addition, a front yard shed, and a secondary cottage on a single lot at 128 Harbor Road in Cold Spring Harbor.
Retaining Walls and Drainage Concerns in Dix Hills
Homeowners debating fence and retaining wall projects in Dix Hills highlighted ongoing community anxieties around stormwater runoff and property line disputes.
Caretaker Cottage at 39 Prospect Street
A family sought permission to house a son in a rear cottage to care for his 96-year-old mother. The board approved the request under commercial zoning with a condition that it must end when she passes away.