The Huntington Town Board voted Tuesday to approve a zoning change that would allow the Melville Town Center plan to move forward.

The yes votes came from Town Supervisor Ed Smyth, Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo and Councilwoman Theresa Mari.

Councilwoman Brooke Lupinacci voted no, and Councilman Salvatore Ferro abstained.

"We have to come up with a plan that's going to ensure that all of these properties are economically viable, into the future...maintaining the tax base in Melville and the Half-Hollow Hills schools district," said Smyth.

The proposal would redevelop mostly vacant offices and industrial buildings into a walkable mixed-use area with stores and homes south of the Long Island Expressway. It would cover several areas, including Maxess Road, Melville Park Road, Baylis Road and Corporate Center Drive.

Supporters say the proposal will reduce the number of vacant buildings in town, maintain a viable tax base, improve the quality of life, reduce crime and address a housing shortage on Long Island.

"[It would] keep it more alive," Wheatley Heights resident Alejandro Henriquez said. "More people moving in and out. More money helps the economy, so like I said, I don't think it's such a bad idea."

"The prices for rents are going to go up but besides that, I think it looks good," said Joshua Moore who lives nearby.

Opponents said the project would drain public safety resources including the fire department and overwhelm the local infrastructure and schools.

"We have too many businesses that have gone out of business over here," one Melville resident said. "Too many empty stores, vacant offices, we don't need any more."

If approved, the project would be developed over the next seven to 10 years, according to town officials.

Smyth told News 12 that the town is accepting applications from developers right now, and there will be public hearings on submitted plans the town is considering.

The plan has been scaled back over the last year to address community concerns, particularly housing.

According to town board documents, the current project calls for a maximum of 1,500 housing units but the town would have the ability to pause any new housing development every 400 units to reassess the local impact.