Governor Kathy Hochul announced millions in awards in Suffolk County as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward.
Eight projects were announced for Smithtown-Kings Park, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; eight projects were announced for Brookhaven-North Bellport, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award. Full Project Descriptions are on the DRI website.
“Long Island’s towns and villages represent the best of our state, and I’m investing in 23 transformation projects so they can continue to be the hubs of industry and culture we cherish,” Governor Hochul said. “These projects will make our communities stronger for generations of residents and businesses while honoring the historic character that makes New York special.”
Town of Smithtown – Kings Park
The DRI projects totaling $9.7 million will help to support the Town’s vision to create a walkable, mixed-use business district centered around the Long Island Rail Road station.
- Implement Main Street and Pedestrian Improvements ($4,500,000): Implement streetscape and pedestrian improvements to increase walkability and safety for both pedestrians and drivers along Main Street.
- Install Town Green and Library Outdoor Learning Area with Connections to Local Trails ($1,435,000): Convert an underutilized municipal parking lot and parts of the library's open space into a new park with pathway connections to the Hike and Bike Trailhead.
- Transform 26-34 Main Street into Mixed-Use Development ($900,000): Construct a three-story mixed-use development at the heart of Main Street with new retail and community facility spaces and approximately 16 apartments.
- Rehabilitate the Historic Mixed-Use Building at 4 Main Street ($850,000): Renovate the restaurant, apartments and outdoor seating areas of a historic building on Main Street’s most prominent corner.
- Restore the VFW Building for Community Events at 40 Church Street ($728,000): Complete restorations to enable community facility usage and events.
- Establish a Small Project Grant Program to Support Capital Improvements ($600,000): Create a small grant fund that will help small businesses and property owners improve exteriors and interiors.
- Implement Branding, Marketing and Signage Strategy for Kings Park ($400,000): Utilize marketing services to attract businesses.
- Create a Pedestrian Pathway from LIRR Main Street and Russ Savatt Park ($287,000): Create a pedestrian walkway from the LIRR Station to Main Street via Russ Savatt Park to guide pedestrians and visitors.
The Town of Brookhaven ($4.5 million) will use public/private partnerships to overcome inequities and strengthen the community.
- Implement Sidewalks and Lighting Improvements ($1,300,000): Implement new sidewalks on Atlantic Ave from Provost to Station Rd and Post Ave from Patchogue to Montauk Hwy.
- Develop Affordable Homeownership on Ecke Avenue ($1,250,000): Construct 32 homes with 32 Accessory Apartments (ADU) (64 total units) on vacant land.
- Create Storefronts and Office Space at 1700-1742 Montauk Highway ($786,855): Commercial development with first floor retail and second floor office and community space.
- Renovate a School Annex at 1415 Montauk Highway ($446,000): Renovate a school annex for Pre-K to second grade classes. Space will host events and programs open to the public.
- Upgrade Robert Rowley Park ($345,152): Park improvements including upgraded playground equipment and surfacing, landscaping, new benches, upgraded and increased lighting, pickleball courts, basketball court improvements and upgraded fencing and paving.
- Enhance Bellport Station ($200,000): Improvements to Bellport Station including cleaned up vegetation and new landscaping.
- Improve Outdoor Space at the Boys and Girls Club ($96,993): Improvements include backyard and playground upgrades, basketball court construction, parking lot lighting and a meditation garden.
- Upgrade the Facade at 1414 Montauk Highway ($75,000): Reface the exterior of the building and add new lighting, store signage and a sidewalk complex sign.