This week in Huntington newsletter: Unexpected debate emerges over a museum site

Hello! It's been an interesting week, between the hazy skies caused by the Canadian wildfires and a town board meeting that drew a lot of people for a reason I didn't expect. 

The town held a public hearing Tuesday to consider piercing the tax cap, but no one signed up to speak and the hearing was closed. That gives the board 90 days to vote on the resolution.

But during the public comment session at that meeting, where people can bring up any topic, a debate emerged over plans to locate the proposed African American museum at Fair Meadow Park in Huntington Station.

My colleague Ava Shea attended the meeting and said opponents of the proposal argued that one of Huntington's remaining open green spaces shouldn't be transformed into what they describe as a construction zone with added parking lots. They also contend that residents weren't given adequate, or even any, notice about the project.

A petition opposing the museum's placement in the park circulated over the weekend and garnered 99 signatures, calling for the park's preservation.

Supporters of the museum argue the project would be a valuable cultural addition to the community and say the museum would occupy only a small portion of parkland that isn't heavily used by residents. Some have compared the proposal to The Heckscher Museum of Art and its parkland site, arguing that the institution became an important asset to Huntington, and that the African American museum could serve a similar role.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation this month approving the removal of parkland designation from Fair Meadow Park, which will allow the museum proposal to advance.

At Tuesday's meeting, the board voted 5-0 to establish an advisory team for the museum.

What are you more concerned with: the proposed museum project or an increase in your property taxes next year? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

The latest on McDonald's plan

• McDonald's, seeking to build at a busy Greenlawn intersection across Park Avenue from Fair Meadow Park, has responded to questions from Huntington officials. Read my latest story on the plan. 

• Take a walk down memory lane with my colleague Michael Sicoli as he looks at top Long Island high school sports moments from the 2025-26 season, including one at Commack High School.
• My colleague Peter Gill reported on the relationship between municipalities, including Huntington, getting federal money for road infrastructure projects, with one congressman conditioning the funds on whether they cooperate with federal immigration officials. 
• Check out my story on a cemetery in Huntington Station that holds the remains of Revolutionary War veterans, and plans by local officials to spruce it up.

Do you have a favorite historic landmark in town? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Things to do

Check out these fun and interesting things to do around town in the coming week.

Walking Tour of Northport's Main Street

Travel back in time with local historian Dan Sheehan as he takes you on a walking tour of Northport's Historic Business District while sharing stories about Jack Kerouac, the Northport Oyster Barons, Rum Runners and the Trolley. It happens Sunday, July 19, 1:30 p.m.

The tour leaves from the steps of the Northport Historical Society and Museum, 215 Main St. All Ages Welcome. For tickets, go here. If the tour is canceled because of weather or other circumstances, notification will be made the morning of the tour.

Tickets will be honored on the rescheduled date or at the next month’s tour.

The Whit Whit Walk

A family-friendly walkathon that supports pediatric cancer research will happen Thursday, July 23, at 5:30 p.m. at Caumsett State Park in Huntington. Check here for more information.

Concert celebrating America's 250th birthday  

This outdoor musical will be a celebration featuring Paige Patterson and her band performing a curated selection of songs exploring the nation's journey, spirit and history. It happens Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. at Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, 246 Old Walt Whitman Rd., Huntington Station. The event is free but registration is required. You can do that here.  

Find more things to do at newsday.com/lifestyle.