Huntington High School Could Host ZBA Hearing on April 11

Huntington High School could be the site of the resumed Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on the Downtown Huntington application, which was adjourned Jan. 24 after hundreds of people were unable to get into the packed Town Hall hearing because the room was at capacity.

The town said Friday afternoon that it had received a commitment from Huntington High School to allow the ZBA to use its auditorium.

Town Departments, including Public Safety, the Office of the Fire Marshal and Information Technology will look at the site to ensure the required security, safety and transparency measures can be implemented for the meeting.

The ZBA is awaiting confirmation of the April 11 date from the Downtown Huntington applicant; upon confirmation and sign-off from the various Town Departments, a public hearing on variances requested by the  applicant will be scheduled.

Opponents said the project, which involves five parcels on Stewart Avenue,  Main and Gerard streets, is far too large for the retail area.

Developer John Kean and property owner Alan Fromkin want to convert the space for a mix of residential and retail and argue it is the best use for the area.

The project requires ZBA approval for variances on building height and parking requirements.

“We embrace the participation of the public because this is their forum,” said ZBA Chairman John Posillico, as he suggested the hearing be adjourned until the ZBA would be able to “put this into a venue where you will all have your voice.”

Typically, the applicant presents their comments at the opening of a hearing and the public follows with their comments. Only part of the applicant’s presentation was heard prior to the meeting adjournment. The ZBA assured those in attendance that the cards that were filled out by those wishing to speak would be held for the rescheduled meeting in the same order they would have been heard at the adjourned January 24 hearing.

Site Plans and the Expanded Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for the Downtown Huntington project are currently available online and at Huntington Town Hall for those wishing to visit the Department of Planning and Environment, Room 212 at 100 Main Street, Huntington.

Site Plans and the Expanded Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for the Downtown Huntington project: http://www.huntingtonny.gov/filestorage/13749/13847/16804/99893/16878/20861/ZBA_21756_Downtown_Huntington_Renderings_and_Expanded_EAF.pdf

 

ADJOURNED: ZBA Hearing on Apartment Project Postponed

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