Huntington residents crowd board meeting to speak on controversial rental plan

Complaints from residents included worries about the strain that extra apartments would put on sewers and schools.

News 12 Staff

Jun 14, 2023, 10:23 AM

Updated 561 days ago

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A large crowd of Huntington residents packed a meeting Tuesday night on what’s considered a polarizing housing plan.
Hundreds spoke on the proposal by the Town Board to provide more affordable housing options. The plan would allow homeowners to apply for what’s called an “accessory dwelling unit” to rent out places in their homes, like garages or attics.
Councilwoman Joan Cergol supports the proposal, but also says it will allow the town to regulate something that’s already happening. But not everyone is on board.
"I believe that the town should spend more time trying to enforce the policies they have in place than worrying about things they can't enforce,” says one resident.
Complaints from residents included worries about the strain that extra apartments would put on sewers and schools.
The meeting was contentious at times, with boos from the crowd when the board attempted to limit the speaking time due to the sizable audience.