Town Board Candidates Affordable Housing Answers #2

The Huntington Township Housing Coalition has released the results of its survey of Huntington Town Board candidates on issues relating to the expansion of affordable housing within the township.   

The coalition received replies to a four-question survey from six candidates. Here are their answers to the second question:  

Question #2: Do you support more housing in Melville, including the 20% affordable housing, as outlined in the Melville Town Centre plan?

Stephen Anastasia (Democratic candidate for Town Council):

I believe we need to explore opportunities for thoughtfully planned development in Melville, especially when it includes affordable housing for our workforce, seniors, and young people.

The Melville Town Center plan has some promising ideas, including mixed-use development and walkability, but it’s critical that any plan moves forward only with meaningful community input, proper traffic planning, environmental safeguards, and respect for school capacity and infrastructure.

I’m open to creative, responsible solutions that help address our housing needs while protecting the character of Melville. We have to get this right — not just in concept, but in execution. That means engaging residents early and often, and making sure that growth benefits the whole town, not just a few. Whatever plan moves forward, I do support the 20% affordable housing piece.

Dr. David P. Bennardo  (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council; incumbent): 

The Melville Corridor is an increasingly blighted and underutilized area, which provides a perfect opportunity for a “live, work, play” model of housing. The concept of a viable downtown surrounded by “first-step housing options” such as one or two-bedroom units that bring young professionals to the area would help revitalize the region. The code requires a 20% affordable housing component, but it is important to understand that the term “affordable housing” is often misunderstood in our region. The affordability level for a couple with one child is quickly approaching the $100,000 mark. That number clearly indicates that these affordable units would bring young professionals who are looking for a first-step housing option that prevents them from leaving for opportunities down south. Twenty percent of affordable housing, which is required by statute, tends to conjure up visions of tenement-style living, which is clearly not the case given Huntington’s remarkably high median income.

Gregory Grizopoulos (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council):

I support the idea of some housing in the proposed concept of the Melville Town Center, but only if it does not negatively impact the Half Hollow School District or the property values of homeowners in the neighborhood. I would not be in support of any high-density housing. Although I understand no plans have been submitted yet, if and when the time comes for us as a Town and a community to discuss proposed plans, I welcome the conversation with the residents, community leaders, and property owners. I would also cautiously examine any and all SEQRA studies and reports to ensure we fully understand the impact of any project on the community and maintain integrity and transparency with the public. The affordability component of any new housing plans, depending on the size and scope of the project, are a required as part of that plan. Offering housing in downtown areas that is affordable, allows for young people who have not yet started families a place to live and work in the community without compromising the character of a neighborhood.  

Jen Hebert (Democratic candidate for Town Council):  

I support housing in the Melville corridor but strongly object to the way the Town handled the planning of this project. I don’t believe a proper environmental impact report was done. In addition, when this was originally proposed, the Melville community was told there would be a cohesive plan that would reflect their input and address their concerns. Instead, the Town went ahead with a plan that clearly lacked community support, and the Town Board’s interactions with the community became contentious and unproductive.

Cooper Macco (Democratic candidate for Town Supervisor):

I support the proposals of converting vacant commercial space into “downtown” areas with associated housing (and therefore affordable housing). I think a walkable downtown in Melville was a good idea when it was outlined in the “Melville Employment Center Plan” proposed in 2016 by Frank Petrone and the Town Board (with the support of the local civic associations including the Half Hollow Hills School District). I think the current overlay failed to adopt enough of the MECP and has therefore created a lot of confusion in the area. I would have liked to see (and would encourage that it still be completed) a full SEQRA to put the communities’ fears at ease. While I do not support the procedure used by the Town Board in passing the overlay district, I generally support the goal of the Melville Town Center. I think the housing it brings with it will be great boost to the community and create new opportunities for residents and small businesses.

Edmund J. Smyth (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Supervisor; incumbent): 

Yes.