Struggling Towards TOD on Long Island

Developers had hoped to build 490 housing units on a plot approved for just 109, which has gradually become more of a controversy amongst locals.

"[S]ince the largely positive first public hearing on the development last March, at which more than 50 people testified, vociferous camps have emerged both for and against the development. Supporters say this kind of project is the future of development on Long Island. The opposition warns of too much density, overcrowding in schools and traffic congestion.

The Huntington town board is scheduled to consider the issue again on Tuesday, which could be contentious if the events of a Sept. 7 board meeting are anything to go by. Although that meeting did not have the AvalonBay project on its schedule, 50 people showed up with the intention of discussing it. At one point a pro-development demonstration was held outside; half an hour later an anti-AvalonBay rally was held."