Residents' Concerns Over AvalonBay Run Deep

AvalonBay held the second of three public information sessions pertaining to its proposed development in Huntington Station, this time in Huntington Station. A crowd of more than 40 concerned and curious residents came out to St. Hugh of Lincoln last Thursday to learn about Avalon Huntington Station and voiced their questions and concerns.

Huntington Station resident Michael Weaver said he is unsure about the project and attended the informational session seeking more concrete answers.

"I am mostly opposed to this because I believe increased traffic conditions would decrease the value of my home and surrounding homes in the area," Weaver said.

Many Huntington Station residents at the information session said they feel they have good reason to be leery about the project.

Jennifer LaVertu questioned the true affordability of Avalon Huntington Station.

"Avalon Bay is selling this as affordable housing to get the backing of Vision Long Island, Long Island Progressive Coalition, YIMBY, Long Island Housing Partnership, League of Woman Voters, and Habitat for Humanity ... all special interest groups now backing the project due to the affordability component," LaVertu said. "But as it turns out, it is affordable housing people cannot afford. It is affordable for certain income categories only."

LaVertu also questioned the parking conditions surrounding the complex and the burden of an increased amount of children that could potentially be added to the Huntington School District.

Frank Bonavita, owner of the property set to house Avalon Huntington Station, a 490-unit community which will rent 80 percent of its units and sell the other 20 percent, explained that if the potential re-zoning of the property is not approved at a Sept. 21 Huntington Town Board meeting that the Town of Huntington would be losing out on tax incentives for the Huntington School District and other amenities.

"This would bring a tax revenue of approximately $1.5 million to the school district, 25 percent of the units would be affordable housing and the homes would be located within one-quarter of a mile of the Huntington LIRR station, which makes this a Transit-Oriented Development," Bonavita said. "I don't understand why so many are against this project."

Thomas Dixon, one of the project engineers with Nelson and Pope said that if approved, construction would take approximately two years.

"The 490 units would consist of two and three-story homes, which will run along 5th Street and near the railroad station," Dixon said.

Huntington resident Bill Smith said he is suspicious and confused about the whole project.

"This is supposed to be the revitalization of Huntington Station, but where is the transparency?" Smith said. "What are the long-term benefits to the town?"

Bonavita said no matter how much opposition the project may get that he is anticipating a positive outcome at the hearing.

"Hopefully, residents learned more about the AvalonBay project and realize it is a benefit for the community," Bonavita said.

The third and final AvalonBay public information sessions on the proposed development Avalon Huntington Station will be held on Sept. 13 at Avalon Court North, located at 100 Court North Drive in Melville, from 6 to 9 p.m.