This week in Huntington newsletter: McDonald's pitches a new restaurant, and Knicks fever is catching

Hello! I’ve been busy working on a story about a proposal to build a McDonald’s on the northeast corner of Pulaski Road and Park Avenue in Huntington. It would be the only McDonald’s in the area north of Jericho Turnpike.

What also makes the plan unique is the fast-food chain's approach. McDonald's is seeking a town zoning exception to allow it to build a 32-seat restaurant with a drive-thru. It would be on the site of a former bank.

Adding to the intrigue: Residents in the neighborhoods closest to it aren't happy with the plan, and even Town Supervisor Ed Smyth says he doesn’t think it’s a good idea.

Stay tuned. A public hearing is set for June 4 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 100 Main St.

In the meantime, check out my story about it.

Does McDonald's deserve a break today? Let me know at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Elsewhere in town

• I think most of us have Knicks fever now that they're heading to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. See how some local businesses, including those in our town, are making the most of it, in this story by Victor Ocasio and Arielle Dollinger. 

• Two hometown high school girls lacrosse teams — No. 2 Huntington vs. No. 3 Northport — faced off in the Suffolk Class A semifinals. Read who prevailed in double overtime.
• Dads and grads: It's that time of the year! Take a look at the scholars from across Long Island in Newsday's annual look at valedictorians and salutatorians, including those from Huntington’s eight public school districts and from private and parochial institutions.
• My colleague Joe Dziemianowicz took a trip down memory lane asking Long Islanders to share how they learned to drive — and what was their first car. Read here to learn of one Huntington resident's story.

• Long Island — and Huntington in particular — is a beautiful place to live, but pricey. Check out my colleague Jonathan LaMantia's story on the Island's most competitive housing markets and see where homes in our town land. 

  Are you new to Huntington? If so, tell me why you chose this great community at deborah.morris@newsday.com.

Things to do

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

All Abilities Expo

When: Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

What: The second annual Expo offers a free, family-friendly event focused on inclusion, accessibility and community support. Hosted by the Town of Huntington.

Where: Heckscher Park, 11 Prime Ave, Huntington

Information: The event is free. For more information, go here. 

Community meeting with police

When: Tuesday, June 2, 7 p.m. 

What: Meet members of the Second Precinct to discuss what's happening in the community and police department.

Where: South Huntington Library, 145 Pidgeon Hill Rd., Huntington Station

Information: Call the Second Precinct at 631-854-8200 or go here.

AAPI Heritage Month Art Exhibition

When: Until Sunday, May 31

What: If you haven't already, there's still time to check out the United Asian American Alliance's third annual exhibit, a celebration of creativity, heritage and community.

Where: Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave., Huntington

Information: Admission is free and you don't need to purchase a movie ticket to see the exhibit. The theater opens around noon on weekends, but call 631-423-7610 or check the theater's website here. 

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