Town Board Candidates Affordable Housing Answers #3

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.