Governor Hochul’s $19 million investment through NY Forward and Downtown Revitalization Initiative aims to boost public infrastructure, affordable housing, and small business support. ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
Regulatory Extract:
In a major push to rejuvenate urban areas and foster inclusive growth, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced 23 transformational projects across three towns in Long Island—Smithtown-Kings Park, Brookhaven-North Bellport, and Mineola—under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) and NY Forward programs. The combined state investment of $19 million is expected to significantly improve housing, infrastructure, and economic opportunities across these communities.
Smithtown-Kings Park, a Round 7 DRI recipient, has been granted $10 million for eight projects that focus on turning the area around the Long Island Rail Road station into a walkable, mixed-use business district. The proposed projects include a $4.5 million investment in Main Street streetscape enhancements, better pedestrian infrastructure, and safety measures. Another $1.4 million will go toward developing a new town green and library outdoor learning area, while a $900,000 plan aims to transform 26–34 Main Street into a three-story mixed-use building. Additional funding has been allocated for rehabilitating a historic restaurant building, restoring the VFW community center, supporting small businesses through grants, launching branding campaigns, and improving pedestrian connectivity from the station to local parks.
In Brookhaven-North Bellport, which received a $4.5 million NY Forward grant, projects are focused on equity-driven development through public-private partnerships. A major initiative includes building 32 affordable homes along with accessory apartments on Ecke Avenue. Other developments include commercial upgrades on Montauk Highway, a school annex renovation for early education, and substantial park and infrastructure improvements such as new sidewalks, lighting, and upgraded recreational facilities. These upgrades are tailored to address long-standing disparities and improve quality of life in this underserved region.
Mineola, another Round 2 NY Forward awardee, will use its $4.5 million to build on its recent housing boom, which added over 1,400 units in the last decade. Projects include mixed-use redevelopment preserving historical facades, expanding walkways, burying utility lines, and installing public murals and art installations to activate public spaces. A key focus will be enhancing connectivity from train stations to downtown areas, while grants will also support local business upgrades and sustainability initiatives.
Governor Hochul emphasized the community-driven nature of these initiatives, stating, “These projects will make our communities stronger for generations of residents and businesses while honoring the historic character that makes New York special.” The selected projects were developed in collaboration with local planning committees, government agencies, and consultants to ensure alignment with long-term development visions and climate-conscious planning.
Strategically, this funding is tied to the state’s “Pro-Housing Community” designation, making it a requirement for access to $650 million in discretionary state funds. Over 300 municipalities have already achieved this designation. An additional $100 million will support critical infrastructure for housing in certified communities.
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