A New Chapter for Long Island
Long Island’s downtowns carry the heartbeat of its people. Kings Park’s historic charm, North Bellport’s resilient spirit, and Mineola’s bustling core hold stories of community and hope. But neglect has taken a toll, with unaffordable housing and outdated infrastructure holding back their potential. Governor Kathy Hochul’s $19 million investment in 23 projects across these towns signals a turning point. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about creating places where families can afford to stay, where streets are safe to walk, and where everyone feels included.
Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs, Hochul is betting on a future where Long Island’s towns thrive as hubs of opportunity. The plan prioritizes affordable homes, pedestrian-friendly streets, and public spaces that bring people together. Why should young families or retirees struggle to find a decent place to live? Why should anyone navigate crumbling sidewalks or dark streets? These projects answer with action, delivering measurable change for real people.
In Kings Park, $10 million will reshape Main Street with safer crosswalks, wider sidewalks, and a vibrant mixed-use development. North Bellport’s $4.5 million will bring 64 new homes, better parks, and brighter streets. Mineola’s $4.5 million will fund public art, modern storefronts, and 30 new apartments, half of them affordable. Each project reflects a commitment to equity and connection, rooted in the needs of residents.
Long Island’s housing crisis has pushed homeownership out of reach for too many, with median prices near $600,000. Hochul’s Pro-Housing Community certification pushes towns to prioritize development, with over 300 municipalities already on board. This unlocks funds for critical infrastructure like water and sewer systems, paving the way for more homes. The impact is clear: these aren’t just policies, they’re lifelines for communities hungry for growth.
Without this investment, Long Island risks losing its vibrancy. Downtowns could fade, young people could leave, and opportunity could slip away. Hochul’s vision offers a different path, one where every resident has a stake in a brighter future.
What These Projects Deliver
The strength of Hochul’s plan lies in its focus on practical, human-centered change. In Kings Park, $4.5 million will transform Main Street with accessible ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and reconfigured parking to prioritize pedestrians. A new town green and library learning area will replace a neglected parking lot, creating a space for community events and children’s play. These upgrades foster connection, turning downtown into a place where people want to gather.
North Bellport’s $4.5 million targets a community too often overlooked. With $1.25 million for 64 new homes, including accessory apartments, and $1.3 million for sidewalks and lighting along Atlantic and Post Avenues, residents will gain safer, more walkable streets. Upgrades to Robert Rowley Park and the Boys and Girls Club will provide families with vibrant spaces for recreation and growth. This investment shows what equity looks like: tangible improvements that lift up those who need it most.
In Mineola, $1.3 million will redevelop Second and Main Streets with buried power lines, wider sidewalks, and lush landscaping to create an inviting downtown. A $1 million mixed-use building at 199 Jericho Turnpike will add 30 apartments, including 15 affordable units, while preserving a historic façade. Building on Mineola’s decade-long effort to add over 1,400 housing units, these projects prove that growth can honor a community’s roots.
These initiatives share a commitment to walkability and transit-oriented development. By focusing on Long Island Rail Road stations, they make commuting easier, reduce emissions, and boost local economies. Federal research supports this: walkable, transit-connected neighborhoods see higher retail sales, increased property values, and better public health. With $68.9 million in federal transit-oriented planning funds through 2026, New York’s approach aligns with a nationwide push for smarter urban design.
Some argue these investments are too expensive or that local governments should foot the bill. But municipalities often lack the resources for transformative projects. State funding, amplified by federal programs like the Community Development Block Grant, bridges that gap. Relying solely on private markets has failed—decades of underinvestment show it. Hochul’s public-private partnerships maximize every dollar, sparking broader economic growth.
Others push for low-density, car-dependent development as a cheaper fix. Yet sprawl increases long-term costs, isolates residents, and harms the environment. Hochul’s plan chooses density, connectivity, and inclusion, a strategy backed by evidence as the path to sustainable, equitable communities.
The Road Ahead
Hochul’s investment builds on a proven track record. Since 2016, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative has delivered $900 million to 91 communities, creating over 4,500 housing units and generating $3 for every state dollar spent. NY Forward, launched in 2022, has added $300 million for 60 smaller towns. These results show that strategic funding can transform lives and economies.
Challenges persist. Rising construction costs and regulatory barriers can delay projects, and some residents resist zoning changes needed for more housing. Collaboration between local leaders, state agencies like Empire State Development, and community planning committees is essential to overcome these hurdles. Leaders like Smithtown’s Ed Wehrheim, Brookhaven’s Daniel Panico, and Mineola’s Paul Pereira show how local commitment can drive progress.
The fight for thriving, inclusive downtowns continues. Hochul’s blueprint, rooted in community input and bold investment, offers Long Island a chance to shine. This isn’t just about new homes or prettier streets. It’s about preserving the soul of a region, ensuring every resident has a place to call home and a community to call their own.