Stop the Economical Ethnic Cleansing in Small Town America!! Its you they are after!!
- by: William Dunne
- recipient: Town Of Huntington, Suffolk County Legislature, Govenor of New York
I live in Huntington Station, Long Island, New York. I have purchased a home here, and have a family. I live in an area, that due to a Neighborhood Revitalization Program in the 50's, tore down what once our Village, since then the land was procured by NYS DOT for commuter parking lots. So on both sides of New York Ave, north of the tracks are commuter parking lots, and on the south side also, as well as a School Bus company and parking. The people of Huntington Station have been patiently waiting the 66 years for the proposed changes.
Its obvious the neighborhood was neglected due to the poor and racially cultured families living here, In a white Government, those of color are regularly dismissed by this culture. The Station has seen a difference in Cultures over the last 20 years, with over 50% Latin now today. The local government has taken advantage of the racial diversity and the supposed legality residential status of the people in the Station. Through no fault of their own the people and their children are dismissed as illegal and lawlessness, and funds, beautification and growth are addressed without concern for the current residents. Thousands if not millions have been spent in an effort to roll over the community with high density luxury apartments and half million dollar homes, on what was once the Park. I.E. in 4 months the Town has approved the sale, and development of 76 Town House homes on 6 acres, that on top of the 478 apartments that none of the Locals can afford.
In spite of the Towns efforts the Hispanic/Latin Community has thrived south of the tracks, creating small businesses and restaurants in what have been historically vacant store fronts. Now the Town wants to invest millions of taxpayer local and county and state funds to build Artists Apartments, 160 room Hotel, Supposed Medical Building, and Townhouses. This will bottleneck the already congested road, and limit access to the businesses currently established. The parking Lots that were, will now be pushed to the South side of the Tracks, congesting single home, tree lined streets from the commuter overflow. The new business Mom and Pop will now have solid congestion limiting pedestrian foot traffic. They do this because the Majority Populace are poor and ineligible to vote. Witha median income of 3$36,000 a year on Long Island, Does a $100 a couple dining movie theater help them? They are being steam rolled. Please help them.
After reading the history, and all the proposals, attending the Source the Station Meeting last night and reviewing all the previous SEQRA submissions I believe there is a big problem here.
I have lived in various parts of Huntington Station since 1981, my first rental from Sammis, on 1st Ave, behind St. Hughes Church, to where I have bought my house here on 4th Ave, and Fairground. In short, I have been here, through it all. in addition I have been hearing thru the different Administrations, the Revitalization of Huntington Station. Nothing has happened. What has happened, is a great concern to me, and my concerns for my families future, here in the Station. It's very funny, that throughout all the violence and turbulence, I have never been more afraid than now.
I have lived with my neighbors thru thick and thin, I have watched the prosperity era, come and go. We stayed after the housing bubble burst, and as a Huntington Station Resident, have done my share of cleaning and avocation to my local government. Do I have faith in them? No, after review of the submitted Budget Reconciliations, and the increase in my taxes, I am quite sure that there is no one in charge. My taxes are going up this year, within the State Cap, However there is an increase of 2 million dollars for the Highway Dept. Normally, I do not begrudge an increase to the working members of the Town's Workforce. However, appears that this is just a ploy to build another Parking Lot in the Village, because, unfortunately the downtown residents have not learned to walk yet.
July 15 2015, The Patch
"Huntington village’s parking pickle may soon become a little less of one."
On Tuesday, the town board green-lighted a $1.6 million purchase of property on West Carver Street to create about 66 new parking spaces in the village.
The board unanimously authorized Supervisor Frank Petrone or his representative to execute a contract to purchase a portion of the property at 24 West Carver St. from owner Anna Louise Realty II, LLC— right across the road from the New Street municipal parking lot. The money will be bonded for over a 10-year period, Petrone told reporters after the meeting.
It won’t be the only parking update in Huntington village this season. Petrone said the town is working with the Huntington Township Chamber of Commerce and the Huntington Station Business Improvement District to draft a request for proposals to build a parking garage in town — an idea town officials and residents have mulled for years.
“It’s a beginning,” Petrone said. “We made a commitment that parking is a continuum. We changed the meters. We have a different approach. We restriped, we added more spots, we redid lots. And now this is adding like 66 more additional spots, which is pretty substantial given the fact of the needs in the town.”
This does not include the Demo, or the cost of the New Structure. I was there this morning, its a beautiful building and handicapped accessible unlike most in the town.
I was under the impression that, we, the people and the Town were working towards a transit postured community. At least that's what they told me, when they approved Avalon, down the street from me. 468 Condo's or what ever they are called. That didn't work, now there is more cars and commercial traffic up and down my street, both, 4th Ave and Fairground. The speed is ridiculous and nobody has any courtesies at all, don't slow down, or allow a vehicle to cross, Just honk your horn. I can't even get out of my driveway, without someone zooming around me. My poor house, built in 1901, still has the original stone foundation, but due to the increased traffic and weight, the floors of my Living Room bounce up and down when a vehicle passes.
No one's plan for the revitalization is going to be the absolute one, but instead of building for those who are not here yet, how about taking of those that are.
Unfortunately, the revitalization has segregated the Community, North and South, Rich and poor, Voters vs. non voters. Just like Avalon did, Now, across from us, there is a Gated Community, and quite frankly, I have seen very little or no association with the immediate community. The income disparity is huge. I couldn't sell my house and live there, four of us? that's way over $2000, where my mortgage is only $1000.
Huntington Town, also has separated us, on a North, South basis. (of the tracks). Town funds are disproportionally expended, in the areas of Beautification and Safety.
North of the Tracks, an area Beautification project, with sculpture, was placed at the corner of New York Ave, and Olive Street. I haven't seen anyone there yet, at least sit there. Though the Source the Station, a Renaissance backed alleged community action program, has had a Getaway night thing there, where they claim huge attendance, I don't know, I just saw people leaving with whole pizza pies. However this little parcel cost, the Town of Huntington:
The first resolution, which passed 3-2, calls for development of a public art project in association with a new "Huntington Station Plaza" at the southwest corner of New York Avenue and Olive Street.
The Town Board for design and implementation of four limestone creations entitled "Generations" to be used for the station project.
According to the resolution, various grants would cover much of the estimated $65,000 total needed for project — but $22,000 would be paid by Huntington taxpayers through the town's Public Art Initiative fund.
"I have concerns about their maintenance and upkeep over the long term and the cost to the Town of Huntington is $22,000," said Mayoka.
Also rejected by Cook at Tuesday's Town Board meeting was Resolution 2012-144, approved 4-1 which authorizes $1000 each to four artists for temporary installation of their works in selected parks and beach facilities.
Just one of the four approved artists is from Huntington.
"I have concerns about their maintenance and upkeep over the long term and the cost to the Town of Huntington is $22,000," said Mayoka.
Also rejected by Cook at Tuesday's Town Board meeting was Resolution 2012-144, approved 4-1 which authorizes $1000 each to four artists for temporary installation of their works in selected parks and beach facilities. Just one of the four approved artists is from Huntington. The landscaping costs, the new brick side walks done 2x, and the new street lighting, All with exception of one block on New York Avenue, North of the tracks. South of the tracks, we even get different colored flowers, for the spring and summer. This past Holiday Season, no Holiday Decorations, unlike the snow flakes that graced the north side.
In terms of Low Income Housing, as the Avalon project promised 14% for low income, lets take a look at that shall we?
Income-restricted home rentals will make up 25% of total apartments. The income restrictions binding these apartments will follow 2009 Nassau –Suffolk NY HUD Income Limits
Avalon figures, but why in 2000, median income IAW The Master Planner was $86,000
Affordable – 50% limit of the median income -which translates to $35,650 for a 1-person household up to $67,200 for an 8-person household. (According to the Avalon proposal, affordable-priced units will constitute a minimum of 10% of the total for-sale units and 10% of for rent units)
Workforce – 80% limit of the median income, which translates to $57,000 for a 1-person household up to $107,500 for an 8-person household (workforce-priced units will constitute 15% of for-sale units and 10% of for-rent units)
Moderate – 110% limit of the median household, which translates to $78, 450 for a 1-person household up to $147,900 for an 8-person household. (Moderate-priced units will constitute 5% of for-rent units)
PROPOSED RENTAL per bedroom
1 bedroom
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$862
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,473
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent $1,805
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$862
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,473
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent $1,805
2 bedrooms
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$1,102
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,662
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent=$2,069
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$1,102
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,662
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent=$2,069
3 bedrooms
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$1,468
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,824
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent=$2,308
Affordable- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent =$1,468
Workforce- AvalonBay proposed NET Rent= $1,824
Moderate -AvalonBay proposed NET Rent=$2,308
Now lets take a look at the income for the area: The area, in which the complex is built, and allegedly support the lack of the low-income family is actually $60,000, while across the street is $48,000. Or Affordable $24,000 - $30,000.
Avalon, also received access to the sewers, albeit, they require a Pumping Station. The residents, even those living in Eagle Rock, a 100 unit complex, across the street from Avalon is not hooked up. However their rates are.
2 bedroom1.0 bath$1695 - $17253 bedroom1.0 bath
$1750 - $1975
I have no objection to the Vet's Housing, provided they are allowed to BUY IT. As I have served 27 years in the military and am now medically retired. Yes, even while deployed, and on Active Duty I maintained a residence in Huntington Station. However, you are putting it where? The corner of Railroad, and Lowndes? Of course, they will clean up the neighborhood, much like myself, but what standards are the construction meeting? Will they be the same as the Vet's Build, on Depot and 5th? The same, not similar. Same energy efficiency standards?
Now I thought I read, or was informed that all contracts and construction, Priority will go to Huntington Station residents first, so why last night at the Source the Station meeting was I told, that these houses, or already being paneled off-site, for rapid assembly in the Spring?
HHmm that doesn't sound, like its happening in Huntington Station.
I will wait to talk about the traffic and the impact it will have south of the Tracks, and those small business's that are on New York Avenue, already.
We won't discuss the $100 for two, movie ticket by Ipic, the proposed reduction on the basis of Pedestrian Safety of the current 4 lanes, from Railroad Avenue to Olive Street to 2.
Or the 860 hotel rooms in the area of 5 miles, even occupied at 85% still leaves over the proposed 140 room hotel. With what attraction? What is going to make this area Recession Proof?
A movie dinner theater anchor? Oh Yes, that's a great idea. The configuration of the proposed SERQA?
This as along with other actions within the Town is a clear attempt to prevent our current diverse population. This is an attempt, by the Town of Huntington, to take advantage of the large number of our immediate population unable to vote, and be heard. I am sick and tired of being referred to, or cast in the light of our elected officials of Huntington Station, wooo its so dangerous there.
Any $ spent by the County, the one million for Sewer Study, the 20 million to extend the existing Sewer, for any of these projects, without benefit to the community, south of the Tracks, just validates the Towns position on income and residential bias.
Look it up, it clearly fits the definition, its Un-American, Un-Long Islander, and Un-Huntingtonion, which traces its roots back to why people came here in the first place. Its not why the Revolutionary War was fought here. I am a lifetime Long islander, My family has been in the Town of Huntington for generations, and are buried in the Huntington Rural Cemetery.
down the street from where my Family lives.
In review of the Town of Huntington Budgets, from 2011 - 2014, what percentage of the Town of Huntington Workforce, fall into the same economic category of the Station Quarter Residents. Is this why the Town Supervisor makes more than the County Supervisor? Why a Parking Meter Attendant makes over $100,000.00? Why the Huntington Highway Dept is requesting a bid, to cut their grass? I thought they cut the grass? Or why the Town Code of Ethics, contains everything but, ethical behavior? Ethics is not a loophole, because it didn't expressly say it. Ethics is the conduct in which we govern ourselves, the difference between right and wrong period.
Do you want to know what the intent of the Huntington Forefathers thought? Go to the Town Website, its there, Town Comprehensive Plan 1965, 1975,1993, 2002, 2004, etc. etc. They all say the same thing, with the exception of the Renaissance Plan.
In reality, in 2010, in the area, of the "Latin Quarter" is over 50% of the population, with less than $53,000 Median Family Income, but yet the Town continues to develop and spend lots of money, on the 1/4 mile stretch north of the Tracks. Not to mention the cost of developing all "These Visions".
I believe, that before Judicial Action, the Suffolk County Legislature convene and take a serious look at the developments proposed. Are minority communities being taken advantage of? Whose best interest are these proposals? How they will effect the immediate community that already lives there, and has been surpassed by all the Town Comprehensive Plans for the Future? What, realistically be the impact up the New York Avenue Corridor from Jericho Tpke, to Broadway. I also believe that it would be in the Counties best interest, and that of all Long Islanders approach the State, for their responsibility in the Agencies neglect in the Transportation Infra-Structure, i.e the MTA. All the taxpayers money in the world, are not going to address the responsibilities of the MTA, and other State Authorities neglect in the Infra Structure. You can build all the pretty things, but if the Transportation Hub, doesn't even have Gender Specific Restrooms, Updated Facilities, Community Service Centers instead of a junkyard of cabs. Nothing is going to change. All the wonderful Transportation Projects thru out the Island, are going to leave Huntington Station, and thereby Huntington Village in a perpetual Tourist based economy, with nothing to see or do.
I apologize for the rant, it was not my intention. Mr. Cook is CC'd, only because his name is mentioned in the Article regarding the Statue Island. This does not represent an endorsement from anyone, but myself. These are the reasons why I request to speak to Dr. Spencer. Maybe I am wrong, but I know what I see. What may not be voting citizens today, their children will be tomorrow. As I said at the beginning, I am more afraid for my children and family, in Huntington Station due to a wreckless Vision, not dealing with Reality.
See more petitions:
You have JavaScript disabled. Without it, our site might not function properly.
By signing, you accept Care2's Terms of Service.
You can unsub at any time here.
Having problems signing this? Let us know.