Opinions Split At Code Change Hearing

A move to claw back a rewrite of zoning regulations enacted a dozen years ago drew a sharply divided crowd to Huntington Town Hall Wednesday night.

If approved, the changes to C-6 zoning codes proposed by the Republican majority would lower height restrictions, restrict density allowances and require developers to meet stricter parking regulations.

A public hearing on a package of three resolutions before the town board drew a sharply divided crowd with preservationist-minded residents calling for even stricter regulations and abolishing that section of code altogether, and pro-development forces who cited the need for affordable housing to offset the exodus of young workers from Long island.

Opinions among speakers ran to extremes on one side or the other, with virtually nothing in between.

The proposed changes came as a response to growing sentiment among many that Huntington village is getting overbuilt, resulting in overcrowded and parking problems. “It’s become very difficult to drive through town,” Adam Akula, a 25 year resident of Huntington said. There are great restaurants in town and we can’t go to them because of the parking.” Michelle Conlon Feeney echoed that sentiment, calling Huntington “a great town to shop, to dine and to live in. But when my husband and I come down for a meal, we can’t park,” she said.

Suzanne Gruber, a long time resident and business owner, noted the virtual explosion of apartment buildings has occurred only in recent years. “It’s like I woke up from a bad dream. Suddenly there are apartments all over,” she said. “I am proud to be a villager but I don’t feel like it’s my village anymore.”

Arguments from the other side were equally passionate with pro-development supporters pointing to the need for affordable rental units in Huntington. “If we do not address the affordable housing crisis then the people who work in our thriving restaurants and shops will have a very difficult choice of either very long commutes, or to live in illegal apartments,” Roger Weaving, president of Huntington Housing Coalition said.

Weaving noted parking has been a problem in the village since before the zoning changes were enacted over a decade ago. “If parking is the problem, then a parking structure is the answer. A parking structure would allow the town to consider variances on parking for new apartment buildings, leading to the creation of more affordable units.”

Opinions for the most part fell on to one side or the other, which Elyssa Kyle, program director for Vision Long Island said is a result of the process under which the changes were developed. “Successful code is formed from a public and open process where concerns of residents are addressed in an open conversation and developed into a long term plan,” she said.The plan should be based on public input, data and best practices... not written behind closed doors while rumors swirl on social media.”

Board members have been hearing in put since the code changes were released in a press conference last month and will likely make substantial changes before voting on any final measure, said Councilman Ed Smyth, a proponent of stricter codes.