A project aimed at reshaping part of Melville is one step closer to becoming reality after the Town of Huntington approved a special permit for the Cornerstone Melville development.

The project is part of a broader effort to transform the area south of the Long Island Expressway, with the proposed development centered along Bayliss Road.

Plans call for 168 residential units, along with retail space, offices and restaurants.

Before construction can begin, the site plan must still receive approval and a public hearing is required.

The proposal has faced opposition from the Half Hollow Hills School District, which previously asked the town to pause the project so potential impacts on the district could be reviewed.

The Superintendent of Schools, John O’Farrell, released the following statement on the projects advancement:

"As a district, we understand the Town's prioritization of the Melville Town Center and their desire to move quickly to ensure that these developments are successful, but it is our sincere hope that our concerns about PILOTS, incoming students and the impact to our tax cap are considered moving forward. It is possible that these new developments ultimately yield few students, as they've predicted, however that uncertainty poses a serious risk to the future of Half Hollow Hills. We will continue to advocate for a slower approval process that honors the pause and provides us with the time to analyze the actual impacts to the school district."