HUNTINGTON – DEC. 11, 2024 – The Huntington Township Housing Coalition has praised the Huntington Town Council for passing the Melville Town Center Plan on December 10 by a vote of three to one, with one abstention.
The coalition, a nonprofit advocacy organization that encourages development of affordable housing in the Town of Huntington, also thanked the large numbers of supporters who turned out at four public hearings to speak in favor of the proposal.
“Adoption of the Melville Town Center plan is an important step toward ensuring the long-term economic health of the Town of Huntington,” said Roger Weaving, president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition. “This innovative project will revitalize Melville by replacing underutilized office buildings with a vibrant and walkable downtown, supporting our tax base, and increasing the number and types of housing available to Huntington residents well into the future.”
The plan, which creates an overlay zone, will ultimately allow up to 1,500 apartments to be built above stores, with 300 of these units designated as affordable. There will be a pause after the first 400 units are built, in part because more units than that will require additional sewer infrastructure. The first 400 units will include 80 affordable residences.
“Of course, this removes only one obstacle to getting anything actually built,” said Mr. Weaving. “The town will now hear proposals for specific developments, and each and every proposal will have to undertake the usual, state-mandated environmental studies, traffic studies, architectural review hearings and all the many, standard steps that always make building in Huntington an expensive proposition.”
Mr. Weaving noted that one of the common tactics that opponents of projects like this use is to sue the town over new laws they do not like.
“We call upon those opposed to all building to exercise restraint and not cause further delays through frivolous lawsuits,” he said.
As an example of lengthy construction delays, he noted the lawsuits that were filed decades ago against Matinecock Court in East Northport, a 146-unit, fully affordable development. Mr. Weaving said the suits have cost the town millions of dollars — and also cost “an entire generation” the opportunity to remain in Huntington in housing they could afford by delaying construction by 45 years.
“It’s essential that our neighbors throughout the town work with the town to find acceptable solutions without causing undue delay and expense by suing,” he said. “Don’t just tell us ‘no.’ Instead, tell us how you want new housing to be built.”
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 contacts:
Roger Weaving
Huntington Township Housing Coalition
631-793-1643
Steve Vitoff
Huntington Township Housing Coalition
stevevitoff@gmail.com
516-652-0785
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