Trustees Oppose Transit Oriented District
Huntington School Board members voted 6-0 to oppose enactment of a "Transit Oriented District" under consideration by the Huntington Town Board. Trustees staked out the bold position at their Monday night meeting held in the Jack Abrams School auditorium.
The new TOD zoning classification is related to the proposed development of property on E. 5th Street in Huntington Station. Avalon Bay wants to construct a huge housing complex near the former state armory. The development would consist of more than two dozen buildings, 490 separate units and 944 bedrooms.
The TOD under consideration by the town would effectively rezone a swath of Huntington Station to allow for high density residential dwellings within one-half mile of the Huntington train station. The Huntington Town Board is scheduled to vote on the proposed TOD classification at its next meeting on Tuesday, September 21 at 6 p.m. at Huntington Town Hall.
Trustee Richard McGrath opened Monday night's discussion by reviewing the history of the district's interaction with Avalon Bay. Trustees then discussed the proposed TOD and several said they were originally unaware of the TOD's full scope and how it could lead to other large housing projects being developed within the confines of the Huntington School District.
Mr. McGrath received nods of agreement from his fellow trustees when he said, "last year's School Board decision to remain neutral on whether to support or oppose the Avalon Bay complex was made in the absence of the massive downzone in the Huntington School District's portion of Huntington Station." Trustee Emily Rogan agreed, stating "the issue of a TOD zone was never discussed with the Board."
Mr. McGrath explained that at the time "the Board was merely trying to decide whether an already approved complex of 109 single family homes on the site would generate more students than Avalon Bay's smaller, high density units. After evaluating extensive data showing Avalon Bay would generate slightly less students and significantly more school taxes than the single family home development, trustees decided to stay neutral on the Avalon Bay complex and not oppose it outright.
However, with the potential impact of similar-sized complexes that might be built, trustees were in full agreement on a resolution to oppose the TOD zoning proposal. Trustee Christine Bene asked, "Why is it always Huntington Station? Why not the other Huntington train stations?"
School Board President Bill Dwyer said he had concerns over what the town would allow in the new zone. Trustee Kim Brown said many of the controversial details that have come to light in recent months were not known when the School Board first addressed the issue. Trustee Elizabeth Black has steadfastly opposed Avalon Bay all along, even without TOD rezoning.
After trustees voted to oppose a TOD, dozens of residents in attendance stood and cheered. During a later public comment period, several speakers thanked School Board members for acting decisively on the issue, which has become a major controversy in the community.
The 26.5 acre parcel that Avalon Bay is seeking to develop is bordered by the Long Island Railroad tracks on the north, Manor Field and the armory on the west and Park Avenue on the east. According to Avalon Bay's website, "Avalon Huntington Station would be the largest transit oriented development on Long Island."