Residents pack Huntington Town Hall to oppose McDonald's proposal in Greenlawn

Huntington residents packed town hall Thursday evening to oppose plans for a McDonald's at a busy Greenlawn intersection.

During a four-hour hearing of the town's zoning board of appeals, residents spoke out against plans for a dual lane drive-thru eatery on the northeast corner of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue.

Representatives for McDonald's presented their case to the seven-member board. The company wants to have the eatery designated as a food shop instead of a restaurant.

If the request is denied, McDonald's would have the option of seeking a zone change before the town board, Huntington officials have said. Currently, food shops are allowed at the property under the current zoning, but not restaurants.

Residents raised a range of issues during the meeting, including about traffic, odor and other environmental impacts.

A food shop, under town code, has 15 or fewer seats and serves prepared food, town officials said. A restaurant contains more than 15 seats. McDonald's proposal calls for 32 seats.

Camille Perretti-Fiato, who has lived near the intersection for 25 years, said it's often "unbearable" to drive on Pulaski Road and Park Avenue.

“This is an extremely busy intersection — a dangerous intersection,” she said. “It’s not going to add any good qualities to the community, and it needs to not be approved.”

Huntington Station resident Kristin Ballantyne said McDonald’s is seeking multiple variances that will result in big changes to the community.

“Our concern is simple: this project does not fit the character of this neighborhood,” she told board members.

At the end of the hearing Alison LaPointe, the attorney for McDonald's, said her client would reduce the proposed 24-hour operating hours. She thanked the community for the comments and said her client would work to answer questions. 

McDonald’s would also need a special use permit to establish a drive-thru if the food shop request is granted. They would also need parking and sign variances.

A petition opposing the project has more than 500 signatures. More than 200 people have filed objections to the proposal, according to zoning board member Rich McGrath. 

Residents and zoning board members pointedly criticized a traffic study prepared by a consultant for McDonald's as inadequate.

“Traffic is a critical issue in this application,” said W. Gerard Asher, the board's chairman.

Suffolk Legis. Rebecca Sanin (D-Huntington Station) urged board members to reject the plan. McDonald’s has not shown that they deserve “extraordinary relief at one of the most problematic intersections in our community,” she said. Sanin's district includes areas in Huntington Town, but not the proposed site for the McDonald's. 

Asher gave McDonald's two weeks to answer questions.

If the food shop request is denied, LaPointe said McDonald's would ask the zoning board to consider a “use variance” to allow for a drive-thru restaurant.

Suffolk Legis. Stephanie Bontempi (R-Centerport) whose district includes the proposed site, said in an interview Friday that she's heard from constituents and agrees the location is not right for a McDonald's.

"It's very important that the zoning board and the town board, if it gets there, listen to the concerns of residents," Bontempi said.

By Deborah S. Morris

deborah.morris@newsday.comdsvmorris

Deborah Morris is a native Long Islander and covers the town of Huntington.