David Kilmnick, president of the LGBT Network, has defended the decision to cancel this year’s L.I. Pride parade in Huntington, citing safety issues, cost and a desire to retool the structure of the parade.

The site of a March 2014 fire in downtown Huntington has been purchased for $2 million, and plans for the property now include 10 new apartments.

Walt Whitman’s legacy to Huntington has permanently planted its roots in the heart of its birthplace with an historic marker now standing near the barn where Whitman produced The Long-Islander 178 years ago.