Two Democratic candidates for Huntington Town Council said Friday that the town should study the feasibility of turning the Elks Lodge building property into a municipal parking lot.
Earlier this year, the Elks building was purchased by developer Frank Viteritti, who wants to add a third floor to the property, using one for retail and the other two for 14 apartments. The property is on the corner of Main Street and Gibson Avenue, adjacent to an existing municipal lot.
“We need to take a step back and carefully review and determine if a public acquistion would be feasible,” Don McKay said. “The issue of creating and expanding municipal parking in Huntington Village has been debated, discussed and studied for far too long. We need to act and take advantage of opportunities when they arise.”
Jen Hebert said that if the space became a parking lot, it could be used for other activities, such as a farmers’ market, or events at the Huntington Arts Council and Huntington Historical Society, when the need for parking is less pressing. “Instead of installing asphalt, we should investigate a green parking surface that will greatly reduce stormwater runoff,” she said. “Coupled with sustainable landscaping and native plantings, this area would be transofrmed into a welcoming gateway to downtown Huntington Village, adjacent to the Old Town Hall historic district.”
The future of the Elks building brings together two Huntington issues that are frequently at the center of fierce debate: downtown parking and housing.
Bontempi Campaign
Members of the Suffolk County Correction Officers Association were out campaigning Saturday for Suffolk Legislator Stephanie Bontempi. The Republican is serving her first term representing the 18th Legislative district, and is being challenged by Democrat Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief.
Republican Oktoberfest and More
Huntington Republicans are raising funds with an Oktoberfest Monday at Industry Lounge and Gallery, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
On Tuesday, Republican Town Council candidate Theresa Mari will have a fundraiser in Centerport, starting at 6 p.m, and on Oct. 24, Manuel Esteban is fundraising with an event at El Sueno Mexican restaurant, at 5 p.m.