Gordon Heights is a vibrant community that boasts a rich history and an aspiration for economic revitalization. However, this vision comes amid real challenges, including an unemployment rate of 6.7% and an average commute time of 34.1 minutes for its residents. In response, local leaders are stepping up to chart a path towards a brighter future. Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio (R, District 4) and Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R, District 7) are spearheading a transformative plan to revitalize the district.
Gordon Heights is a diverse community, home to a predominantly Black and Latino population. Its history dates back to the early 1920s when developer Louis Fife offered land on Long Island to Black communities in New York City. He made the prospect appealing with down payments as low as $10, followed by weekly or monthly payments of the same amount.
Michael Loguercio, with eight years of dedicated service, understands the economic challenges facing the Gordon Heights Fire District. He recognizes the lack of businesses as a significant issue causing a strain on the local tax base. Loguercio explains, "One of the things that, you know, I've been working on since I got elected eight years ago was trying to bring some type of improvement to the tax base in the Gordon Heights Fire District because unfortunately, there isn't a lot of business there."
Loguercio's primary objective is to attract businesses that cater to the community's needs. He envisions introducing essential services like supermarkets, grocery stores, laundromats, and banks. These businesses aim to enhance local services while positively impacting the tax base. Loguercio emphasizes the significance of this goal: "We want to increase the tax base positively, so it doesn't negatively affect the school taxes because, as you know, the school taxes are 70% of your entire tax bill."
The project's success hinges on a strategic partnership with the county to establish a sewer district, paving the way for robust business growth. Thorne, echoing the sentiment, explains, "The part about partnering with the county is that it allows us to work on a sewer district by bringing in sewers." Including sewer infrastructure opens doors to various businesses, including restaurants and laundromats, which align with the Gordon Heights community's needs.
Community support for the project has been unwavering. Loguercio expresses his gratitude: "The community is such a great supporter of this idea." Community engagement has played a pivotal role in shaping the project to cater to local preferences and needs. Loguercio underscores the importance of involving the community in decision-making: "We want the facade to fit the community, to have the same flavor, the same culture as the community."
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Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio (R, District 4) and Suffolk
County Legislator Dominick Thorne (R, District 7) File Photo
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Developers are encouraged to seek profitability, but Loguercio insists that their success must ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the community. As the project progresses, the following steps involve rezoning designated areas and obtaining the necessary permits for development. Loguercio envisions the creation of a thriving business district that not only serves the community but also bolsters the local tax base.
This ambitious project, spearheaded by elected officials like Michael Loguercio and Dominick Thorne, exemplifies the community's resilience and determination to address economic challenges head-on. As discussions with developers advance, residents and officials alike remain hopeful that this initiative will usher in a new era of economic growth and prosperity for Gordon Heights.