The Huntington Planning Board voted unanimously Wednesday to table action on a parking request at the Del Vino Vineyards in Northport.
The development of the vineyard has been controversial from the beginning, as neighbors near the Norwood Avenue property fought against it, fearing parking and noise problems.
Former Supervisor Frank Petrone objected in December 2015 when the Suffolk County Legislature designated the property as agricultural, taking away the town’s ability to strictly regulate the site.
And that ability to regulate the property came up again Wednesday, as those speaking before the Planning Board described what action it was asking the board to take on an area originally described as drainage is being turned into parking space and the installation of a fence. It was not clear, according to speakers, including planning director Anthony Aloisio and vineyard attorney Anthony Guardino, whether the board’s approval was necessary.
Two neighbors complained about continuing parking problems on their streets, providing photos of cars in front of their property.
Fred Giachetti, who owns the vineyard with his wife, Lisa, spoke, outlining several steps he had taken to alleviate parking and views of the property, including the planting of hundreds of trees, but expressed frustration with the opposition.
“We did this because we thought it would be a great thing for the community and a great thing for the town and it is. Just because we have a few naysayers and a journalist who likes to rip us constantly but doesn’t really–he can’t spell or use grammar properly.. no, it’s true….”When the board admonished him to remain civil, he said, “My wife and I are a little tired of the complaining and we’ve been trying to do what we needed to do in a professional manner and a neighborly manner.”
He apparently was referring to David Ambro, editor of the Northport Observer, who has written stories about the conflict.
Board members said they wanted to investigate the situation further before voting.
Del Vino discussion begins at 30:14.