Town to speed demolition at former auto shop site

The Huntington Town board voted recently to speed the demolition of what one member called a longtime eyesore by entering into an agreement with the current owner of a former auto repair shop at 1000 New York Ave. in Huntington Station.

Town officials are planning to have a 10,800-square-foot mixed-use building with retail space and apartments on the site of the former Tilden Brake shop by August 2011.

Last year the town received $1.17 million in Restore New York community grant money from the state to redevelop the property.

The town will partner with the site owner, Dish Realty, which will also serve as the developer and will be responsible for the remainder of the $3.5-million cost of the project.

"This property has been an eyesore for many years," town board member Glenda Jackson said, "and merely speeding its demolition is a positive step in Huntington Station's revitalization."

At its April 13 meeting, the board also set May 17 for a public hearing for a proposal to use eminent domain to take two privately owned properties in Huntington Station for the proposed 1.3-acre Gateway Park at New York Avenue and Lowndes Avenue.

Town officials said the board has purchased other properties for the park through negotiations.

The board also approved using up to $125,000 from its Environmental Open Space and Park Improvement Fund to clear town- and state-owned parcels that will be part of the park.

Until the park is built, the Long Island Community Agricultural Network will create a community garden on the site.