Key Takeaways
- A McDonald’s drive-thru is proposed for a vacant lot at East Pulaski Road and Park Avenue in Greenlawn, but no final decision has been made yet.
- Traffic, pedestrian safety, and emergency vehicle access are the community’s biggest concerns.
- The debate is split — some residents welcome the convenience and economic activity, while others want to protect neighborhood character.
- The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals will review additional traffic data and public feedback before issuing a final ruling.
A new McDonalds drive through could be on its way to Greenlawn, a hamlet in the Town of Huntington on Long Island. It would be a redevelopment of a former Citibank at East Pulaski Road and Park Avenue that has been vacant for a long time – and it is splitting the community.
What’s Being Proposed
The site would convert an empty commercial lot into a working McDonald’s drive-thru. The last zoning hearing was attended by a big crowd, where residents expressed concerns about:
Increased traffic- Emergency vehicle access
- Pedestrian safety
- Entrance and exit design
Increased traffic
Emergency vehicle access
Pedestrian safety
Residents Are Split
Others in the community are in favor of the plan, embracing the convenience and life on a vacant lot. Still others are concerned with not losing the character of the neighborhood because they think it will get even more congested, have less green space, and will be further commercialized in a residential area.
Traffic and Home Values
The biggest concern is traffic. According to real estate professionals, drive-thru may be a red flag to homeowners because of noise caused by vehicles, headlights, and traffic.
Specialists concur: business applications are more successful in well-developed business areas than close to a peaceful residential neighborhood.
Sellers might be required to report any proposed developments that might impact the value or desirability of a property according to the local laws.
Where Things Stand
The Huntington Zoning Board of Appeals has not decided yet. Authorities will examine more traffic records and citizen opinions and make a decision.
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