Furious residents in Greenlawn, a hamlet in the Town of Huntington, New York, are raising strong objections to a proposal that would bring a McDonald's restaurant to their affluent community. The fast-food giant aims to replace a long-vacant Citibank building at the intersection of East Pulaski Road and Park Avenue with a dual-lane drive-thru.
The proposal has divided the community, prompting dozens of residents to pack a zoning hearing and hundreds more to voice their opinions online. The controversy became so intense that the Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals dedicated an entire meeting to the McDonald's proposal after a significant number of residents signed up to speak.
Opponents, like 77-year-old resident Cheryl Lynn Blum, are not necessarily against McDonald's itself but argue that the proposed site is ill-suited for a restaurant. McDonald's is seeking permission to classify the building as a food shop rather than a restaurant to circumvent existing zoning rules, which would allow the project without a zoning change. However, the company would still require approval for a drive-thru, parking variances, and signage.
Traffic is a primary concern for many residents. Blum highlighted that the already congested intersection feeds directly into a bottleneck at the Long Island Rail Road crossing, exacerbating existing traffic issues. Camille Perretti-Fiato, a resident near the intersection for 25 years, described it as "an extremely busy intersection – a dangerous intersection" and argued that the development would not enhance the community.
Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin has publicly supported the residents, emphasizing that the opposition is specific to the location, not the company. She stated that any high-traffic, drive-thru business at this intersection would raise similar concerns about traffic, pedestrian safety, and emergency vehicle access. Sanin noted the overwhelming community opposition, with all speakers at a recent hearing expressing disapproval of the proposal.
The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals has also questioned the traffic study submitted by McDonald's consultants, with chairman W. Gerard Asher calling traffic a "critical issue" and requesting further analysis. Board member Rich McGrath raised concerns about the proposed exit design and the safety of vehicles attempting to turn left onto Park Avenue.
McDonald's attorney Alison LaPointe indicated that the company would reduce the proposed 24-hour operating schedule and address the board's concerns before reapplying. The company could also pursue a zoning change through the Huntington Town Board if its current request is denied.
Beyond traffic, homeowners fear the development could negatively impact property values. Real estate broker Kate Works explained that while the impact on home values depends on context, factors like proximity to homes, traffic generation, and operating hours influence buyer perception and willingness to pay. She noted that Greenlawn's appeal lies in its quiet, residential character, and a high-volume drive-thru could introduce undesirable elements.
Works added that homes adjacent to commercial developments with significant traffic can become more difficult to price and sell. A review by the National Academies of Sciences suggests that increased road traffic noise can lead to a measurable decrease in nearby home prices.
Some residents believe the vacant Citibank building should be redeveloped, regardless of the specific business. Others have suggested alternative businesses, such as a Trader Joe's. However, for many, the core issue remains ensuring that any development adheres to zoning regulations and is a suitable fit for the neighborhood. The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals is awaiting additional traffic information from McDonald's before making a decision.