District news
District warns Melville building boom could bring many students but little tax money
What happened
After the Town of Huntington approved Cornerstone Melville, Superintendent John O'Farrell said it is a serious risk if new homes bring many students while developers pay reduced PILOT payments instead of full taxes. The town's Melville zone allows about 1,500 homes, roughly 9% more homes in the district. The district says it will keep asking for a slower approval pace.
Why it matters to families
More students without matching tax money can mean larger classes or higher taxes for neighbors. The tax cap limits how much the district can raise to catch up.
The evidence
The superintendent's October 7, 2026 statement cites PILOTs, incoming students and the tax cap as concerns; his March 25, 2026 statement gives the 1,500-home and 9% figures. The sources do not say how many students the projects will add.
The source
Superintendent's statement on Cornerstone Melville approval, Oct. 7, 2026See the full record for Half Hollow Hills Central School District.
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