Zoning Board Puts Off Halesite Request

The Town of Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals met in a packed lounge on Thursday night, with many residents of Halesite's East Shore Road in attendance to speak on a possible development of two lots, one with a historic carriage house.

A retaining wall request, made by Oliver and Margaret McNicholas, was granted unanimously by the board with the condition that the property be cleaned up as the request was made in reference to damage created by a felled tree in 2008.

Residents in Halesite showed up to discuss the plans for East Shore Road, a request presented to the board by D. Graves, F. Rogers Ketchem, Jr., and Kathleen Kowitz, with John J. Breslin representing the Ketchem interests.

Breslin said that the development plans include maintaining the historic carriage house and then subdividing the property into three lots and erecting two single-family dwellings on the new lots, all while preserving the look and slope of the property. Neighbors were concerned about the slope of the land, which they said may be at risk with these developments.

Ronald Wheeler of East Shore Road said he wasn't concerned until he heard about the additional structures.

"The trees are very high, and it is a very steep slope. My yard is like a valley and I try to keep as much natural vegetation there as possible to help with the rain run-off," Wheeler said.

Wheeler said it is a very fragile area and he is afraid if the slope is disturbed, the run-off will ultimately affect his home and yard.

George Pezold is also a property owner on East Shore Road.

Pezold said he is concerned about the amount of material that would need to be removed – according to his calculations, supported by an engineering degree, 408,000 cubic feet.

The board, after much discussion, decided to table that vote until the next meeting, to be held Nov. 18 at 6 p.m.