Huntington Station – Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and Council Members Susan A. Berland and Tracey A. Edwards joined Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and County Legislators Dr. William Spencer and Steve Stern in announcing that the county has approved $1.25 million to study the feasibility of extending the Southwest Sewer District to cover part of Huntington Station.
The appropriation will include completing a comprehensive report, engineering and design plan to add sewer coverage along New York Avenue south of the Huntington Train Station by hooking up to the county’s Southwest Sewer District. Connection to the district now ends at the Shops at Walt Whitman in South Huntington.
The Town had sought the funding as part of its Huntington Station revitalization efforts as it was determined that the lack of sewers was a key impediment to redevelopment efforts, as opposed to the areas of Huntington Station north of the tracks that are served by the Huntington Sewer District.
“As we continue to build momentum in Huntington Station’s revitalization, it is important that we identify and address possible impediments. The lack of sewers south of the railroad tracks is one of those impediments, and this grant will start the ball rolling toward solving the issue,” Supervisor Petrone said. “Thank you to County Executive Bellone and Legislator Spencer for spearheading the effort to provide the funding to study the matter and to design a solution.”
“Investing in sewers is the foundation of advancing the revitalization and will open the door to a bright future for the community,” said Legis. Spencer, who sponsored the appropriation resolution in the County Legislature. “With engaged partners in the town and community moving this forward, the sewers will enable Huntington Station to once again reclaim our strong sense of place and become an attractive downtown.”
County Executive Bellone, who first included the funding in his 2016 capital budget, said. "Supporting community based planning is vital to growing Suffolk County’s economy. This project will create jobs and provide the support we need for vibrant downtowns. Part of being responsible with taxpayer dollars is making critical investments in community-based plans that help grow our economy.”
When considering the available funding, Huntington Station was marked as a strategic location for infrastructure improvements to trigger economic growth in the County. This investment is the roadmap for the larger $20 million dollar project included in the 2017 Capital Budget for the construction of sewers in subsequent years. The project is expected to lift the local economy, provide new housing opportunities, create jobs, and increase property values.
“This funding marks an important first step in the long-awaited revitalization of Huntington Station,” Legis. Steve Stern said. “Sewer infrastructure is important not only for economic development, but also to support small businesses, expand opportunity and improve the quality of life for all of Huntington. It is also critical to preserving our environment and protecting water quality. I am proud to join with my colleagues to announce this exciting initiative.”
Andrea Bonilla, a longtime Huntington Station resident and the Community Liaison for Source the Station stated, "Source the Station has been collaborating and working with the Huntington Station community for over 4 years. We understand the importance of sewers for a sustainable revitalization of our community, and are excited to see this component come to fruition as we all continue to strive for a better future for all Huntington Station stakeholders."
“Clearly, sewers are the key component when it comes to protecting our environment, spurring our local economy and promoting the type of smart, sensible housing growth that will enable our children and grandchildren to remain on Long Island,” said Legislator Lou D’Amaro. “On behalf of Legislators Spencer and Stern, as well as the entire Huntington Station community, whose residents and businesses have patiently waited their turn for sewers, I thank both my legislative colleagues and County Executive Steve Bellone for supporting this critically important infrastructure funding.”