Huntington approves $130M Melville Crossing development
The Huntington Town Board approved a $130 million mixed-use development called Melville Crossing, bringing 400 rental units and new businesses to a 15-acre site in Melville despite some community concerns over infrastructure.
More Stories
The Town of Huntington has approved a major new development project in Melville, marking a significant step toward transforming the area into a mixed-use hub.
In a 4–1 vote, the Huntington Town Board granted a special use permit to developer Steel Equities for a proposed $130 million project known as Melville Crossing. The plan calls for a mix of commercial space and approximately 400 rental housing units at 75 Maxess Road.
Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth praised the proposal, calling it a model for future development in the area.
“I hope the plan for 75 Maxess Road is the first of several others over the next few years. It is the model for what development should be in Melville,” Smyth said.
The property had previously been slated for an Amazon warehouse, but those plans were scrapped when the company withdrew from the project.
The approval comes amid broader discussions about creating a larger, multi-use downtown district south of the Long Island Expressway.
Some residents expressed cautious optimism about the project’s potential economic benefits.
“If it works fine, part of me says great. More people, more business, more industry, more prosperity,” said Huntington resident Jeb Bergh.
However, others raised concerns about the strain new development could place on local infrastructure, including schools, water systems, and energy supply.
“I think we're going to have a big problem with electricity,” said resident Robert Lamont. “The issue will be, 'Where do we find more energy?' I think that property can be utilized as a solar farm.”
The only vote against the measure came from Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci.
“After carefully reviewing the application and listening to residents at last month’s meeting, I am not able to support the project at this time. I believe some details would benefit from further clarity,” Lupinacci said.
Town officials say the next step is for Steel Equities to submit a detailed site plan for review.
