Town Of Huntington Businesses Can Run Outdoor Dining Through 2021

HUNTINGTON, NY — At its Dec. 15 meeting, the Huntington Town Board approved pro-business measures and set the 2021 Town Board meeting schedule, among other items, the Town announced on Monday.

Temporary permits for outdoor dining on town sidewalks and rights-of-way were extended through Dec. 31, 2021. The $200 application fee for businesses to apply for these permits was also waived.

"The economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly severe for restaurants," Supervisor Chad Lupinacci stated. "It's important the Town does everything in its power to help our small businesses stay on their feet and comply with State regulations. Waiving fees for outdoor dining permits on Town sidewalks, combined with the newly enacted Town policy waiving fees for the use of outdoor propane heaters, will help our restaurants stay open no matter what indoor dining limitations are imposed by the State."

The Huntington Town Board also urged New York state to pass legislation that would allow the town the option to reduce operating expenses and improve efficiency in the Building Department by accepting construction documents based on their certification by a state-licensed architect or professional engineer.

The Town Board meeting schedule for 2021 was set in keeping with the new tradition established in 2018 of splitting the schedule between days and evenings to ensure the most participation possible:

• Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 16, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 11, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 15, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 13, 2 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 13, 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov., 4 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m.

The board approved measures improving and beautifying the town's green, open spaces:

• Seeking $20,000 in 2021 TD Green Space Grant funds for improvements at Fair Meadow Park in Huntington Station, allowing for the implementation of the first stage of a plan prepared by the Laurel Group in 2010 consisting of a trail, pollinator garden, and public art.
• Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement Funding for EOSPA-recommended improvements: up to $100,000 for a new playground at Centerport Beach and up to $75,000 to install adult fitness equipment and safety surfacing at Crescent Beach, enabling outdoor exercise, balance and strength training.
• Accepting a donation of picnic benches and a split rail fence at Arboretum Park by Nathan Elliot Wolf-Sonkin for his Eagle Scout Service Project.

A public hearing was scheduled for the Feb. 23 Town Board meeting at 7 p.m. considering zone change application #2019-ZM-445, FMP Holdings, LLC, to change the zoning from C-6 General Business District to C-11 Automotive Service Station District for the property located on the east side of Broadhollow Road, south of Ruland Road, Melville; to construct a gas station and convenience store.

The Town Board adjourned, to April 13 at 7 p.m., the public hearing to consider adopting Local Law Introductory Number 8-2020, considering zone change application #2019-ZM-444, Equestrian Estates of Melville, to change the zoning from R-80 Residence District to R-20 Residence District for the property on the east side of Round Swamp Road, south of Northern State Parkway, Melville, at the request of the applicant.