Politics & Government
Zoning Board Still Mulling Northport 7-Eleven
Northport residents challenge convenience store location, citing traffic at Waterside intersection.
7-Eleven may be in the business of convenience, but several Northport residents challenged the location of a proposed store at Thursday's Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, citing traffic concerns.
7-Eleven operates more than 44,000 stores worldwide and 14 locations within the Town of Huntington. Its latest proposed location would be erected on the corner of Waterside Ave and Route 25A on the site of Nocello’s restaurant.
Board Chairman Christopher Modelewski told Alfred Amato of the Amato Law Group, which is representing 7-Eleven, Inc., that he appreciates his creativity, but his client is entitled to the town’s consideration.
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Many of the public’s concerns brought up at the Town Hall meeting dealt with the traffic at the intersection of Waterside and 25A, namely supplemental traffic and entrance point concerns, especially during the weekend and school hours.
“That intersection is a hazard,” said Lisa Manderano, of Dune Court in Northport. “In my opinion, we do not need another 7-Eleven.”
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Betty Shran, of Northport, observed that the increase in traffic at the intersection is a result of 7-Eleven being an all-day convenience store; Nocello’s was open mostly in the afternoon to night.
Others who voiced their concerns were preoccupied with school children’s safety. Jody Yodice, whose firm represents the Northport-East Northport School Board, says that many children will be affected walking to school. “Some children have to cross 25A [to get to school],” Yodice said. “7-Eleven is a distractive nuisance.”
Denise Kunitson, of Waterside Avenue, is the one of the few who addressed that she is in favor of the 7-Eleven. “As far as 7-Eleven goes, I’m all for it,” Kunitson said. “It’s the worst corner; it’ll help fix the area.”
Jennifer Hecker, of Hill Street, is concerned with the amount of litter that will be invading her property. Hecker reported that litter from the nearby McDonald’s and Starbucks have had an impact on the value of her property; 7-Eleven will only highlight this issue.
“It’s going to change the character of the neighborhood,” Hecker said.
Modelewski conclusively granted 7-Eleven's request and will be open to a limited opportunity hearing, time and date TBD.
