This week in Huntington newsletter: A developer pitches housing on Jericho Turnpike. Will it succeed?
The 55-acre property in Elwood where a developer wants to build dozens of single-family homes. Credit: Neil Miller
Hello, folks. This is Joe Ostapiuk. I'm filling in for Deborah, but she'll be back in the saddle next week.
Here's what's happening in Huntington.
A developer is looking to transform a 55-acre property in Elwood, mostly woods, into a 46-lot neighborhood.
For those familiar with the area, the Estates at Elwood proposal is a bit different from others that have fallen through. In 2015, a developer proposed nearly 500,000 square feet of retail, supermarket, office, fitness and restaurant space. Residents strongly opposed it, and the application was withdrawn. In 2022 and 2023, town officials said they wouldn't consider proposals with more than 300 housing units.
So what's different about this proposal?
More on that in a moment.
Elsewhere in town
A new taco shop opened in Dix Hills. Taquero Mucho, on the list of Newsday's best Long Island taco spots, opened its brick-and-mortar store on Deer Park Road earlier this month.
Dick Kelley, of Huntington village, clears a path. Credit: Kathy M Helgeson
Catfish Annie's, the longtime seafood restaurant and fish market, is closing. A staple in Commack since the 1970s, the eatery is closing its doors at the end of the month. Owner Kathleen Annunziato said she's decided to "hang up her apron."
New wellness businesses are expanding across Long Island. One Huntington spot, Revive Health Studio, offers red light and vibration therapy, part of an uptick in wellness and fitness businesses on Long Island.
Back to Elwood ...
Reaction to the Estates at Elwood plan was mixed during a recent town board meeting. Some were supportive of a provision to preserve 21 acres of the land. But others cited potential parking and traffic woes and a possible strain on school district finances.
“We’re not asking for any rezoning. We’re not asking for any density increases, and we’re not asking for any legislative changes,” said Christopher Robinson, of R&M Engineering, who presented the plan to Huntington’s planning board.
Hydrant hero Jonathan Naborre. Credit: Wendy Naborre
The proposal, though, is in its early stages. It still needs approvals from the planning and town boards. If all goes smoothly, Robinson said it would take about two years to build the development.
What do you think about the project? Let us know at huntington@newsday.com.
Things to do
Look out for fun and interesting things to do in the coming week and more at newsday.com/lifestyle.
The artist Matisyahu is performing at the Paramount on Saturday.
Suffolk County will hold its second annual Oyster Jamboree and Frolic in Port Jefferson on Saturday at Harborfront Park. The event will feature booths from local oyster farms.
Find more things to do in Newsday's calendar of events.
'Democrats say this is a misuse of taxpayer funds' Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story.
'Democrats say this is a misuse of taxpayer funds' Nassau Republicans awarded over $1 million in taxpayer-funded legal contracts to the one-man law firm of Sheharyar Ali, a longtime GOP ally. Ali's father is an adviser to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Nassau County politics reporter Bahar Ostadan have the story.
