Huntington Town Board weighs in on Oheka Castle housing proposal

The castle's owners want a permit that will allow the construction of a four-story condominium with 95 housing units.

News 12 Staff

Feb 8, 2023, 3:53 AM

Updated 450 days ago

Share:

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


More from News 12
1:40
NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

NYPD: 1 person dead, another injured in overnight double shooting in Brownsville

1:43
STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy conditions for NYC; tracking rain during the weekend

STORM WATCH: Cool and cloudy conditions for NYC; tracking rain during the weekend

1:53
Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

Brooklyn-based program helps teens stay away from trouble by teaching life skills

1:33
Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

Bushwick resident expresses concern about air pollution following Bushwick supermarket fire

0:29
Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

Video captures moment NYPD officer rescues kitten in Brooklyn

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:55
Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

1:59
Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

1:41
New survey highlights challenges for migrants

New survey highlights challenges for migrants

1:55
PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

0:43
2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

4:14
'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless

'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless

0:39
Diocese of Brooklyn: 3 Catholic academies to close at the end of the school year

Diocese of Brooklyn: 3 Catholic academies to close at the end of the school year

2:03
New exhibit at Brooklyn Museum unveils new photos taken by Beatles' Paul McCartney

New exhibit at Brooklyn Museum unveils new photos taken by Beatles' Paul McCartney

0:32
NYPD: Suspect driver wanted for assaulting 59-year-old man in Williamsburg

NYPD: Suspect driver wanted for assaulting 59-year-old man in Williamsburg

0:23
Police: 2-car Prospect-Lefferts Gardens crash leaves person hospitalized

Police: 2-car Prospect-Lefferts Gardens crash leaves person hospitalized

0:36
Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows