Huntington Town Board weighs in on Oheka Castle housing proposal

A plan to build housing on the grounds of Oheka Castle was heard before the Huntington Town Board on Tuesday.
The castle's owners want a permit that will allow the construction of a four-story condominium with 95 housing units.
The proposal calls for the building, which is located in West Hills, to have its own sewage treatment plant.
Most people who attended the hearing supported the idea, but some like Huntington residents Karen and Patrick Green hope the board hears their concerns.
Karen says construction will be a nightmare and the complex will cause traffic congestion.
"Everyone else is in favor of this is not going to be affected by the construction, by the 95 units with 240 automobiles going in and out of East Gate Drive," Karen says.
Supporters of the project say it will generate more state tax revenue and create housing opportunities.
Owner of Oheka Castle Gary Melius says he feels fortunately to see a room full of supporters.
"It makes me feel like I've been doing the right thing," Melius says. "I've been in the community for 38 years, the civic association, we've never had a bad work between each other."
Oheka Castle sits in the town of Huntington's historic building overlay district, which means the town board can modify it for uses other than what is allowed under the current zoning. The board needs to grant approval before the project can move further.
The board is reserving a vote to review all the information.
It is unclear when the board will meet to vote on the application