Del Vino Vineyards File # S-15-049-F is seeking a change in the zoning law to establish a winery and to commercialize property that borders a busy elementary school (~330 students) which is located within a long established residential neighborhood. The ~10 acres property also borders a nature preserve. We are petitioning the Town of Huntington Planning Board to reject any site plans that include the consumption of alcohol on the premises, catering, wedding/party events, and other entertainment purposes. The development of this property for any other purpose outside of its permitted use will forever change the character of the neighborhood, let alone create safety concerns for our children and residents.

The elementary school property is not only used for schooling, but for multiple school functions in the evening, and weekends. The property bordering the proposed winery is also used by outside organizations for sports games and practices including soccer, and baseball. The school gym is used by outside organizations for basketball practices/games. On weekends in particular, the parking lot of the school and surrounding neighborhood is flooded with cars and children.  Children residing within a half mile of the school are considered walkers, and many will be subject to walking past this proposed winery. The property of the winery is being petitioned for ~60 parking spaces which is a lot of cars coming in and out. There is no limit to the amount of people who will be dropped off by limousines, buses cars etc, adding additional traffic to an already busy street with speeding issues. The site plans reflect a catering looking-like building; massive at 7,000 sq. ft. equipped with multiple tasting rooms, and  a cold food preparation area. 

This petition does not oppose open space, clean farming and agriculture. This petition opposes a winery in a residential neighborhood next to an elementary school which will be used for alcohol consumption and potentially catering, weddings, special events, music and entertainment all which defy the concept of farming and open space. Our elected representatives approved the property to move forward as they claimed the need for "the preservation of open space". Where are our elected officals now? Please sign this petition to let them know that open space and farming are not being preserved under this proposal. Thank you.