HUNTINGTON, NY — MARCH 10, 2026 — The Huntington Township Housing Coalition is conducting a targeted outreach campaign aimed at engaging young residents in the conversation around housing affordability and the future of development in the Town of Huntington.
As part of the effort, the coalition is sending text messages to Huntington residents between the ages of 18 and 35, encouraging them to participate in the upcoming Town Board public hearing regarding the proposed Melville Crossing project.
The hearing takes place Thursday, March 19 at 6:00 pm at Huntington Town Hall at 100 Main Street in Huntington.
The outreach campaign will provide recipients with a direct link allowing them to quickly send an email to the Huntington Town Board – as well as information on how they can attend and speak at the public hearing.
“Young people across Long Island are increasingly being priced out of the communities they grew up in,” said Hunter Gross, president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition. “We want to make sure their voices are heard when decisions are made about housing and the future of our communities.”
The proposed Melville Crossing development would include new rental and ownership housing options — including 20 percent affordable units — along with retail, dining, and public open space designed to create a more walkable mixed-use environment in Melville.
Advocates say engaging younger residents is critical as Long Island continues to face a growing housing shortage that has made it difficult for young professionals, families, and local workers to remain in the region.
“Too often, young people care deeply about issues like housing but aren’t plugged into the traditional channels where local decisions are made,” said Mr. Gross. “Meeting people where they are — including through text outreach — helps make sure their voices are part of the conversation and that the next generation has a seat at the table when we talk about the future of housing on Long Island.”
The coalition’s outreach campaign will include two rounds of text messages ahead of the Town Board hearing to provide reminders and encourage participation.
“The future of Long Island depends on whether we can create places where the next generation can afford to live,” Mr. Gross said. “Long Island cannot solve its housing shortage without engaging the next generation in the conversation.”
Residents will have the opportunity to submit comments to the Town Board or speak directly during the public hearing.
Media contact:
Steve Vitoff, Secretary
Huntington Township Housing Coalition
516 652 0785
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