Engel Burman group, developers of the proposed Seasons at Elwood, are denying allegations that recently distributed dinner invitations are an ethical violation of the Town's review process.
In an email to the press, 'Preserve Elwood Now,' a group in opposition to the development, labeled the invitation bribery and called it "reminiscent of the days of Tammany Hall." A protest outside the restaurant was considered, states the email, but was struck due to safety concerns.
The invitation itself reads: In order to attend the dinner you must be present at the Town of Huntington Board meeting at Town Hall, 100 Main Street, Huntington, NY in support of the Seasons at Elwood on January 8, 2013 at 2 p.m.
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Beth Silverman, Director of Business Development with Engel Burman, called Preserve Elwood Now's email a "smokescreen tactic."
The invitations were sent out solely to those who had previously spoken out in support of the development or expressed interest in buying, she said, calling it "simple hospitality." "We need people who want to live there to stand up in support of the project," she said.
The dinner will take place at 4:30 p.m. following the Town board meeting. Prior to the meal, Silverman said that representatives will present new renderings, discuss traffic, and have sales representatives on hand. Renderings and the proposed site plan can be seen here.
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