Governor Kathy Hochul announced a total of 17 transformational projects for Long Island as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward. 6 projects were announced for Huntington Station, the Round 6 winner of a $10 million DRI award.
“Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, we are investing in New York’s downtowns – the heartbeat of our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “These projects will help Huntington Station, Long Beach, and Lindenhurst reimagine their downtowns to enhance the quality of life for residents, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity throughout their communities for generations to come.”
Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI)
Huntington Station was named Long Island’s winner of the sixth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in 2023. The six projects selected seek to provide more housing, improve public gathering spaces, and increase pedestrian connectivity along New York Avenue south of the LIRR to further encourage the walkable lifestyle and sense of community.
The Town and its partners envision new attractive mixed-use buildings, a centralized park and public plaza, colorful pedestrian-friendly cross walks, the elimination of above-ground utility lines, bike safety improvements, new trees planted throughout the area, integrated informational and safety kiosks and facade improvements to existing buildings, all which will attract people to the downtown. The creation of aesthetically pleasing parklets throughout the area will create opportunities for people to gather with their neighbors and enjoy the many benefits of green space.
New investment combined with past investments will create a robust environment for the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic downtown buildings and infill development that incorporates mixed-income residential opportunities.
The DRI investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities on Long Island. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area.
The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community’s Strategic Investment Plan, such as amplifying the city's unique sense of place with a genuine and authentic experience that will be catalytic for future organic growth and will foster development that is inclusive while embracing its strong heritage and ethnic diversity.
Huntington Station joined the communities of Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip, Baldwin, Amityville and Riverhead, which were Long Island's winners in the first five DRI rounds.
The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum.
The Huntington Station DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:
Redevelop Southgate Affordable Rental Housing Redevelopment at 1264-1268 New York Avenue ($2,000,000)This project involves the demolition of existing buildings and the redevelopment of the site into a mixed-use, three-story building. The new building would provide new commercial sites on the ground floor and apartments on the second and third floors.
Transform 1328 New York Avenue into The Concord Mixed-Use Development ($1,087,000)This project will transform an underutilized site into two three-story mixed-use buildings containing workforce housing and retail space. The development will include residential units, residential amenity space and commercial space.
Create New Open Space and Play Area at Huntington Public Library Station Branch ($536,000)This project involves transforming approximately 3,400 SF of outdoor spaces at the Huntington Public Library Station Branch into a secure outdoor children’s learning garden on the west side of the library building and an adult reading and program space within the front courtyard. Improvements would include landscaping, decorative paving, fencing, permanent seating, lighting, signage and play structures.
Implement New York Avenue Streetscape Improvements ($4,675,000)This project will implement roadway and pedestrian improvements along New York Avenue between Depot Road and 9th Street (11th Street if funding allows) to improve walkability, safety and attractiveness.
Implement Small Business Facade and Renovation Grant Fund ($600,00)The Town of Huntington Economic Development Corporation will establish a grant fund to assist small businesses with (re)investing in their commercial space within the DRI area. The grant will fund exterior renovations including: signage/awnings, windows, entrances/patios, doors, lighting, painting and exteriors/sidings. The Town will establish design guidelines for the grant fund.
Construct Pedestrian Walkway Improvements Connecting to LIRR Station ($802,000)This project will redesign a portion of the parking lot south of the LIRR station to provide an attractive and inviting pedestrian walkway and seating area. The walkway connects the LIRR station to New York Avenue.
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