Developer Mulls New Plan For Platt’s Tavern Property

La Misión food pantry currently stands at the historic corner of Park Avenue and Main Street in Huntington. Long Islander News Photo/Archives

By Connor Beach
cbeach@longislandergroup.com

A Huntington property owner, whose plan to build a medical office at the historic corner of Park Avenue and Main Street was shot down by the current town board, is considering renewing the proposal once new leadership takes office in January.

Dominick Mavellia, who owns the former Platt’s Tavern property, where it’s said George Washington once dined, said Tuesday that he would entertain the idea of re-submitting his plans, which called for an 8,000-square foot urgent care facility, whose tenant was to be Northwell Health.

The plans ultimately stalled in late 2016 when a zone change was needed, but the measure never saw a town board vote before a necessary deadline for determination.

Instead, the developer opened the La Misión food pantry on the property in April, painting the structure that stands on the property in bright green, red, blue and yellow colors, drawing criticism from some residents.

However, with three of the five town board seats set to welcome new leadership, Mavellia said he may resubmit his plans.

While Supervisor-elect Chad Lupinnaci and Councilman-elect Ed Smyth will assume their posts in January, Mavellia said he has his eye on the third seat, which is currently occupied by Susan Berland.

Berland, who won election to a Suffolk Legislature post, could resign from the town board under its current configuration, which has a Democratic majority, and her successor could then be appointed. If she does not resign early, then the incoming town board could appoint a successor.

Mavellia, who displayed a pro-Republican sign on his property prior to Election Day, said he’s “not sure who will be taking the position, but once I know, maybe we would entertain that idea again.” He added that a re-submitted plan would “most likely be medical” in nature.

Asked about the property on Tuesday, Councilman-elect Smyth said he plans to take an unbiased look at any plans that come before the town board. “I don’t know the specifics of what was submitted prior, but I would certainly take a fresh look at any project,” he added.

Lupinnaci did not immediately return a call for comment regarding the property.