New development proposal in Elwood faces pushback
Residents raised concerns about the impact on the surrounding community, including traffic, environmental effects and quality of life.
More Stories
A proposal to build 46 single-family homes on a long-undeveloped property off Jericho Turnpike in Elwood drew mixed reactions during a Huntington Town Planning Board meeting Wednesday.
Residents raised concerns about the impact on the surrounding community, including traffic, environmental effects and quality of life.
"I've been living here over 25 years and it's changing, and not for the good," said Huntington resident Barbara Hermanns.
Others echoed concerns about preserving the area.
"I'm concerned about the animals. I'm concerned about the environment. I'm concerned about the traffic. I'm also concerned about the taxes," resident John Mazzorana said.
Neighbors noted the area is already heavily traveled because of nearby shopping centers, restaurants and car dealerships.
"And the roads here aren't meant for it. And the people that don't live here race through the area in a dangerous way," Hermanns added.
Developers said traffic and environmental impacts have been carefully studied. Christopher Robinson, president of R&M Engineering, said the project includes a single access point and roadway improvements aimed at easing congestion.
"We did a full traffic analysis,” Robinson said. “We have a sole single point of access in the middle with turn lanes. And we created turn lanes and acceleration-deceleration lanes for the travelers on Jericho.”
Under the proposal, the homes would be clustered on part of the property, while approximately 20 acres would remain preserved as wooded open space.
One resident voiced support for that approach, saying, "I have gone to many of these meetings about this property. And I am supportive. I am glad they are finally preserving half of the property."
Robinson said the project was designed to meet current zoning requirements after decades of development discussions.
"I think we all kind of looked back and said, let's meet today's zoning code. That is what everybody has asked for. For the last 30 years, this property has been available for development," he said.
The Huntington Town Board said public comment on the proposal will remain open through the end of the month.
