The Huntington Republican Party said Tuesday it opposed a proposal that would expand the legalization of accessory apartments.
The proposal, which was outlined in a packed public hearing held June 13 at Town Hall, and was opposed by a large majority of residents who attended, would have allowed for the return of basement units and the addition of already existing garages under the town’s accessory apartment law. Basement apartments were legal until 2019 and those accepted before then continue to be legal.
“A fundamental component of our platform was to ensure that the preservation of Huntington’s suburban quality of life was to be a top priority of the administration. I am writing today to reassure you that the Huntington Republican Committee, and all our elected officials and candidates, are strongly committed to that foundational belief and that we will continue to work together with you to ensure that Huntington remains the most beautiful and safe place in New York State to live, work and raise our families,” Chairman Tom McNally wrote.
Meanwhile, the Huntingon Township Housing Coalition solicited its supporters to email members of the Town Board in support of the apartments, writing,
“It’s unfortunate that you heard mostly angry negative reactions to the proposed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) legislation on June 13. Most of these reactions were not based upon facts — and regrettably, circumstances did not allow the many positive ADU voices to be heard. I am writing to you today in support of the proposed legislation allowing safe and regulated ADUs in Huntington.
“ADUs will provide critically-needed affordable housing in our community — and help build more diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. They are a great option for young professionals and critical service workers who can’t afford to live in Huntington. They allow seniors to age in place and help families who need a little more income.”
McNally noted that Supervisor Ed Smyth, and Councilmen Sal Ferro and Dr. Dave Bennardo were elected in 2021 on a platform to “ensure that the preservation of Huntington’s suburban quality of life was to be a top priority of the administration. I am writing today to reassure you that the Huntington Republican Committee, and all our elected officials and candidates, are strongly committed to that foundational belief and that we will continue to work together with you to ensure that Huntington remains the most beautiful and safe place in New York State to live, work and raise our families.”
The email also said that when its candidates for Town Board are elected, “hey will work with our Republican majority to fashion a safe and sustainable housing policy that provides diverse housing options for Huntington.”
When a public hearing on the reinstatement of basement apartments was proposed in January, but then withdrawn, the proposal had the support of Councilwoman Joan Cergol, Bennardo and Ferro.