Hi everyone, I hope you had a restful Labor Day weekend! This message is an update on what transpired at the Planning Board meeting last week. Despite it being only a meeting (i.e., not a hearing where the public can testify), we did have about 25 petitioners show up. I was so very impressed with those of you who came to Town Hall – your presence showed real commitment and let the Town know that there are folks paying attention and ready to fight when its time for measurable action again. Thank you so very much! It turns out that there was a very limited discussion of the amendment that would change the Town’s Comprehensive Plan to allow the Villadom Mall to be built. We learned a couple of things through the Planning Board’s discussion, however: 1. The developer, Kouros Torkan, has submitted additional material for consideration to the Town. The material is being reviewed by Tony Aloisio, Huntington’s Director of Planning and Environment. He indicated that he will need 4-6 weeks to review the new submission, but as soon as I find out its content, I will let you know. 2. There was some discussion among the Planning Board members regarding what their permitted scope is that will allow them to make a recommendation to Town Council. Dave Pannetta asked: a. What is the specific request for the Planning Board from the Town Board regarding the Villadom submission? b. What is specifically required to successfully change the Town’s Comprehensive Plan? Unfortunately, neither question was answered as the Planning Board was advised by its counsel that they would be best served to have an Executive Session (non-public) to discuss. The Board then scheduled such a closed session before its next scheduled meeting on September 14th. (A side note - I personally find this conversation strange because legally the Planning Board should only be able to recommend an amendment as a result of “changed circumstances”. Many of us realize – and have testified orally and in print – that there have been no tangible “changed circumstances” that would warrant an amendment. In fact, circumstances have gotten worse – not better - with regards to traffic, the environment, economic strain on local businesses, etc.) 3. Dave Pannetta also asked Tony Aloisio to consider two things: a. Would traffic impacts be lessened if there was a direct drive-through from the proposed development to Old Country Road? b. Would the “Mixed Use Submission” from 2005 for the Villadom site be something that would lessen the traffic impact? (Again, I am not thrilled by these questions. The intersection of Old Country Road and Deer Park Avenue is incredibly dangerous, but these questions shouldn’t even be asked because at the hearing Chairman Mandelik was very clear at the hearing that the Planning Board is ONLY supposed to consider whether it is appropriate to recommend a change to the Comprehensive Plan and NOT the details of the developer’s submission.) The only other comments were that the Planning Department is still reviewing the voluminous submissions made in connection with the proposed amendment. This means that it will be at least several more weeks before any decision can be rendered. I wish I had more information for you at this point, but please continue to stay tuned. I will update you once we learn more. In the meantime, feel free to add some comments and thoughts below. Thank you again, Laura D.