Author: roger

HUNTINGTON – NOV. 19, 2025 – At a public hearing on November 14, Roger Weaving, vice-president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition, called upon Suffolk County policymakers to accelerate their efforts to remove obstacles to the development of affordable housing.   The Huntington Township Housing Coalition is a nonprofit, advocacy organization that encourages the development of affordable housing in the Town of Huntington. Mr. Weaving appeared before the Welfare to Work Commission of the Suffolk County Legislature.   While “many obstacles make building affordable housing on Long Island so difficult,” he highlighted the costs and delays arising from zoning regulations. “Zoning rules limit the creation of affordable housing,” Mr. Weaving said, “by requiring developers to seek variances on both new projects and changes to existing buildings.” This cumbersome process “requires more hearings, which means the builder has to hire more lawyers and experts.” Slow-moving approvals continually engender delays that “increase costs, as the cost of materials increase each year.” Mr. Weaving also said that additional “environmental reviews, architectural reviews, and management of community expectations all take their toll in time.”    He noted that the protracted, time-consuming approval process can also threaten a developer’s financing. Because project financing “isn’t committed forever,” delays can cause it to expire. Mr. Weaving also told the Commission that “the biggest impediment in Suffolk County is the lack of sewers.” He said that the Town of Huntington has “recently been fortunate enough to make progress on some of these issues.” He singled out the recent adoption of a Melville Town Center overlay zone, “which will reduce the number of steps to build apartments in Melville.” Mr. Weaving also praised the imminent opening of Matinecock Court “after more than 40 years of delays.” The complex is a 146-unit, limited-equity cooperative housing development in East Northport.    He closed by urging Commission members to keep pursuing ways to make the public more accepting of the need for affordable housing in Suffolk County. The Commission noted that “about half of Long Islanders are living in unaffordable homes, meaning they are paying more than 30 percent of their incomes for housing costs – rent or mortgage. It also stated that “this crisis in affordability is particularly harsh on low- and moderate- income families.”  

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 first question:   Question #1: Do you believe Huntington needs more housing, and if so, what types of housing? Stephen Anastasia (Democratic candidate for Town Council):  Yes, Huntington needs more housing – strategically planned, thoughtfully designed, and community-centered. We need housing that supports working families, seniors looking to downsize, young people who want to stay in the communities where they grew up, and essential workers who serve our town every day. That means a mix of housing types: affordable rental units, starter homes, mixed-use developments, senior-friendly options, and accessible housing for individuals with disabilities. I believe in smart growth that respects the character of our town while addressing the real housing needs of today and tomorrow. Dr. David P. Bennardo  (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council; incumbent):  I do believe that Huntington could benefit from more housing as long as it’s done wisely and in accordance with the area’s characteristics. For example, there are certain parcels which call for single-family home units in order to maintain the architectural continuity of the block. There are other places, such as the Melville Corridor, which are already office space in nature and could handle a bit more diverse housing options. The key is to utilize the various areas at our disposal and be creative to ensure that we produce housing in a way that maintains the “community flow” of our region. It’s also critical that the infrastructure, ranging from emergency services to schools and traffic, is enhanced to meet any housing additions. Gregory Grizopoulos (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council):  To help keep our young people and seniors from leaving the Town of Huntington and moving elsewhere, there is a real need for alternative housing options. This will allow seniors who may be looking to downsize but stay in the community while also increasing the housing stock since their homes will then become available for growing families to move up in the housing market. There may be some locations within the Town that are more consistent with creating those types of housing options and I would love to explore those options to keep our family members from moving away. At the same time the Town also has a responsibility to each existing homeowner to keep the neighborhood in which their house is located relatively the same and not change the character of the neighborhood. Jen Hebert (Democratic candidate for Town Council): I believe Huntington has a need to add more housing, particularly workforce housing for people like first responders, single income earners and young people just starting out. We need to offer a diverse housing stock, so our Town continues to be vibrant and welcoming for people from all walks of life. What we don’t need is to develop every last green space in our township with the addition of expensive mini-mansions that are unaffordable for most. I also don’t support the use of PILOT programs to attract more development. It puts a very unfair burden on the local school districts. Cooper Macco (Democratic candidate for Town Supervisor): Yes, Huntington is facing a massive housing shortage. First and foremost, there is very little entry-level housing in Huntington – either for sale or rent. Rental prices are through the roof largely in part to the increased value of homes in the area and rising tax base. We need to expand entry-level housing – housing focused on attracting young professionals, first responders, and skilled laborers. The shortage of housing is forcing people to leave Long Island (and Huntington), which is going to create a substantial void in the future as our existing population ages. I think we should focus on making it easier for homeowners to rent accessory apartments, particularly for owner-occupied houses.  This could create a new revenue source for the Town (owner-occupied rental permits), while also allowing the Town to ensure taxes are paid by homeowners who may be struggling as the cost increases each year (e.g., seniors on a fixed income). It would alleviate the financial burdens on the homeowner and create a new source of housing for workers. Additionally, we do not have sufficient affordable housing to meet the needs of the community, and that is evidenced by the number of submissions whenever a lottery for affordable units is created. While it is great that we have earmarked affordable housing, we need to expand it. The slowdown of residential projects in Huntington has also created a slowdown in affordable housing. Edmund J. Smyth (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Supervisor; incumbent):  Huntington is constantly reinventing itself and re-developing existing properties. Throughout this ever-present process, the Town Board, Planning Board, and ZBA always look to preserve the Town’s history. Our Administration has a proven record of approving residential development wherever appropriate, but unapologetically denies applications which would harm the surrounding community.

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.

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 third question:   3. Once the sewers are put into Huntington Station, what would you like to see built there? Stephen Anastasia (Democratic candidate for Town Council): The expansion of sewers in Huntington Station presents an opportunity to revitalize the area in a way that benefits the entire town. I would like to see a mix of residential and commercial development that includes affordable housing, small business storefronts, cultural venues, and community-serving infrastructure like green space, public parking, and transit connections. I believe we should prioritize inclusive development that reflects the diversity and potential of Huntington Station- driven by input from residents, small business owners, and civic leaders. The goal should be walkable, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods that foster pride and opportunity. Dr. David P. Bennardo  (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council; incumbent):  I am a firm believer that the market should dictate building. In other words, once sewers are built, the laws of supply and demand will naturally shape the development in the area. I’m not a believer in government planning relative to building, but I do believe that government needs to create the conditions that make building possible and then allow the power of the market to guide the flow. Gregory Grizopoulos (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council): Sewers are an important step toward any revitalization effort and responsible development of an area. I think a major hurdle to revitalizing the Huntington Station community has historically been a lack of sewers. I am excited to sit with our community leaders and residents of Huntington Station to discuss their needs and what they would like to see built once that sewer hurdle is cleared. Every community has different needs, so I have always believed that the people who live in a specific community know best what their community wants and needs. Jen Hebert (Democratic candidate for Town Council):    I want to see a family recreation center built for the very deserving families of Huntington Station. This project has been promised to the Huntington Station community for years, and it’s the first project I hope to advocate for as a town council member. Cooper Macco (Democratic candidate for Town Supervisor): I would like to see a rehab of some of the older store fronts and buildings down New York Avenue. It would be nice if there was more of a walkable storefront grouping similar to what has already been completed at the Gateway Plaza – mixed use buildings which could draw in businesses and potential residents with an earmark for affordable housing. I think the proximity to the train station makes that area particularly marketable for professionals and young families looking to commute to the city. I think we should also be reinvesting in additional parks in the area in order to further incentivize families. This includes opening more spray parks and recreational centers, the spray park at Manor is fantastic and well used during the summer. All of these things help reinvigorate the community identity of Huntington Station, which I think a lot of long-time residents had hoped would return. Edmund J. Smyth (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Supervisor; incumbent):  A thriving downtown community like it once was until it was literally bulldozed into parking lots in the late 1960’s.

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 fourth question:   4. One component that makes Huntington (and Long Island) unaffordable is the high taxes.  With the costs of goods and services to the Town likely to go up over time, that means our taxes will go up over time unless we increase the tax base.  What is your plan to increase the tax base so existing residents’ taxes don’t need to increase? Stephen Anastasia (Democratic candidate for Town Council):   My plan to responsibly increase the tax base includes three core strategies: Targeted Mixed-Use Development: Encourage smart, mixed-use development in appropriate commercial corridors like Melville and Huntington Station that balances residential growth with commercial vitality- generating property and sales tax revenue while reducing sprawl. Support for Small Businesses: Invest in local business development by streamlining permitting, improving infrastructure, and supporting entrepreneurs- particularly in underutilized areas. Thriving local businesses generate stable tax revenue and provide jobs. Adaptive Reuse and Redevelopment: Encourage the redevelopment of aging or vacant properties, including strip malls, office parks, and brownfield sites, into tax-generating mixed-use or residential properties- without overburdening schools or infrastructure. By pursuing a balanced, strategic growth plan, we can expand our tax base, reduce the pressure on longtime residents, and make Huntington more affordable and livable for all. Dr. David P. Bennardo  (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council; incumbent): Decades as a school principal and superintendent have provided me with an up-close seat to the increasing tax levy with shrinking tax base phenomenon. The bottom line is that the levy, which is the total amount of money municipalities and school districts can collect from taxpayers each year, goes up approximately 2% annually. That levy is then spread over the various homeowners and businesses, depending on their individual assessments. Each time a business shuts its doors or a home forecloses, the taxpayers’ contributions are removed from the levy, and a bit more of the levy is then spread over the remaining homeowners and businesses. As a result, the only way to manage tax rates is to bring both residential and business growth to our region. The Melville Corridor is conceived with the concept of bringing tax-contributing businesses to an increasingly barren area, thereby increasing the amount those businesses contribute towards the fixed levy. This type of careful growth is truly the only way to manage the contradiction of increasing levees and decreasing contributors. Gregory Grizopoulos (Republican/Conservative candidate for Town Council): The Town of Huntington offers so many desirable places to live but also provides a great place to own and operate a business. We have the best schools, beautiful beaches and parks, charming villages and downtown areas, the best restaurants and stores, and commercial business areas to create a strong and diverse tax base. The town owes a responsibility to keep taxes affordable for residents by working to keep businesses in the Town and to make the commercial areas attractive to new businesses. This is one of the best ways to help defer the tax base from the residents without compromising the nature and character of a community. I am always eager to work with others and discuss alternative options to help increase the tax base without increasing taxes for residents. Jen Hebert (Democratic candidate for Town Council):     To keep Huntington affordable, we need to keep our tax base up by supporting our local businesses and attracting new ones to our town. As the daughter of a small business owner, I would be honored to help our local businesses. I’d like to see every store front, all over the township, up and running. In this challenging economy, we’re going to need to be creative about  ways to help our local businesses thrive. This would mean working with the local BID on ways to attract businesses and customers to Huntington. In addition, the town should be doing everything possible to make doing business in town easier, including addressing issues like the parking problem in Huntington village. In addition, I would also advocate for any and all possible funding from the county and state, even if that means going to Albany to get Huntington our fair share of state funds/grant money. Cooper Macco (Democratic candidate for Town Supervisor): We need to increase revenue into the Town from outside sources. I think the parking system needs to be revamped. The Town should sell annual permits (similar to the train station) at a fixed price with a reduced cost for seniors and first responders. The confusion surrounding paid parking in the town is omnipresent and frustrates people to the point that they don’t pay and instead risk a ticket. People would pay more for an annual parking permit issued by the town then they would for metered parking collectively during the year. I would also create 2-3 spots for food delivery in each of the public lots surrounding business districts. That permit would be issued at a higher cost. However, I would seek to strictly enforce double parking violations.  Food delivery, while convenient, has created a traffic bottleneck almost everywhere. I would also install electric vehicle chargers at more municipal lots and parks in order to create a new revenue source. A large percentage of food delivery (and Uber/Lyft) use electric vehicles and it would allow the Town to retain some money for food deliveries that may be made from outside our boundaries. Finally, I would seek to opt-in to the sale of adult use recreational cannabis in Huntington. The State of New York collected approximately $160 million in tax revenue from the sale in 2024, and that number is expected to balloon up to $240 million this year. That money goes back to the municipalities, and our southern neighbor, Babylon, collected over $2 million last year. Additionally, NYS has earmarked funds to… Continue reading Town Board Candidates Affordable Housing Answers #4

APPLAUDS OPENING OF MATINECOCK COURT, 146-UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN EAST NORTHPORT . HUNTINGTON, NY – JULY 14, 2025  –  The Huntington Township Housing Coalition (HTHC), a nonprofit advocacy organization that encourages development of affordable housing in the Town of Huntington, has applauded the opening of Matinecock Court,  a 146-unit, limited-equity cooperative housing development in East Northport. Under development for more than 45 years, the property is located at the northwest corner of Elwood Road and Pulaski Road. The developers are Housing Help Inc. in Greenlawn and D&F Development Group in Levittown. “We commend Housing Help and D&F Development for their perseverance in bringing Matinecock Court to the finish line,” said Roger Weaving, president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition. “This attractive development stands as an excellent illustration of contemporary affordable housing.” The property is comprised of 17 two-story buildings consisting of 18 one-bedroom units, 89 two-bedroom units and 38 three-bedroom units. A two-bedroom unit is set aside for the superintendent, and six are reserved for residents with developmental disabilities. Under the limited-equity arrangement, residents are not buying the homes, but are able to build equity without taking on closing costs or down payments. Monthly maintenance fees range from $1,300 to $1,900, depending on unit size. Residents, selected through a June 24 lottery, must meet income requirements that restrict ownership in the gated community to households earning between $47,000 and $95,000 a year. The absence of affordable housing has helped trigger a net exodus of more than 100,000 residents from Long Island between 2017 and 2022, according to a 2024 report in Newsday. Individuals leaving Long Island are an average age of 29. “The few units of housing being created on Long Island today are overwhelmingly single-family homes, but this doesn’t meet the needs of smaller households,” said Mr. Weaving. “When people can’t afford housing, they leave town and look for opportunities elsewhere.” To help stem population loss in the town of Huntington, the coalition has been actively promoting the planned Melville Town Center, which will create an overlay zone that will ultimately allow up to 1,500 apartments to be built above stores, with 300 of these units designated as affordable. About the Huntington Township Housing Coalition The Huntington Township Housing Coalition is a nonprofit, advocacy organization that encourages the development of affordable new and rehabilitated homes, both rental and ownership, for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in the Town of Huntington. The coalition assesses and documents the degree of need; educates the public; identifies, monitors, and promotes affordable housing opportunities; and collaborates with a range of public and private organizations. Media contact: Steve Vitoff516-652-0785stevevitoff@gmail.com 

The HTHC would like to praise the perseverance of all the people at Housing Help inc and D&F Development for finally getting Matinecock Court built.  When people see what it looks like, they will better understand what affordable housing looks like today, which we suspect is very different from what they think it looks like.  For more on this subject, see this recent story in Newsday. Click https://archive.is/44TGO

For Immediate Release Contact Roger Weaving, president@hthcny.org JUNE 8, 2025 Huntington NY — Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition, has won an “Emerging Leader Under 30” award from Long Island Business News. The award recognizes “promising and dynamic young professionals who demonstrate significant professional accomplishments and unwavering integrity, and contribute to the Long Island region through community service as well as a dynamic work ethic.” Mr. Gross has played a longtime leadership role with the Huntington Township Housing Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy organization that encourages development of affordable housing in the Town of Huntington. “Hunter Gross is an energetic an d visionary leader who is committed to the expansion of affordable housing in our community,” said Roger Weaving, Jr., the coalition’s president. “He’s a model citizen and is richly deserving of this award.” Mr. Gross, who serves as government relations manager for National Grid, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences. Award honorees were selected by the editorial staff of Long Island Business News. Winners will be recognized at a celebration on August 4 at Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.  About the Huntington Township Housing Coalition The Huntington Township Housing Coalition is a nonprofit, advocacy organization that encourages the development of affordable new and rehabilitated homes, both rental and ownership, for low- and moderate-income individuals and families in the Town of Huntington. The coalition assesses and documents the degree of need; educates the public; identifies, monitors, and promotes affordable housing opportunities; and collaborates with a range of public and private organizations. # # #           Hunter Gross

By Hunter Gross  December 17, 2024 11:35 am This guest essay reflects the views of Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition. I was shocked by the rhetoric and vitriol spewed against my Huntington neighbors during a June 2023 Huntington Town board meeting regarding the expansion of accessory dwelling unit apartments. It truly made me question whether our town would be capable of making any progress on the issue of affordable housing. I wondered whether we would be able to ensure residents — old and young, those who grew up in our town and those looking to raise young families here — that they would be able to find an affordable place to live. Though the ADU expansion would have helped existing homeowners mitigate the costs of homeownership and provide a place to live for many, the Huntington Town board voted no on the proposal. Fast forward more than a year. NIMBYs and the Loud Minority tried to hijack another sound and reasonable solution to the housing crisis — Melville Town Center, a proposal to build modest housing and a vibrant, walkable downtown center in an underutilized office park with empty parking lots — that also will spur economic growth. This time, support for the proposal came from all over the township, and after a compromise was reached on lowering the number of units created, the town board did the right thing and voted to pass the legislation on Dec. 10 by a 3-1 margin. This was a surprise for a town that took nearly a half-century to start work on the Matinecock Court affordable housing development in East Northport. But the town board understood the dire need for housing and the economic consequences of not moving forward with Melville Town Center. Those who are in need of housing can celebrate this win. Young people from all walks of life, seniors of both political parties, and families of different backgrounds who are experiencing the housing crisis in Huntington can now look forward to affordable housing being built — this after years of reasonable housing projects being voted down or pulled from the town or zoning board agenda because the well-housed and well-to-do few didn’t want more housing for our less-well-off neighbors. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a Long Island trend of passing common sense solutions that kick-start the economy and give young professionals, working families, and seniors looking to downsize an opportunity to live in the townships in which they grew up. This guest essay reflects the views of Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition.