Suozzi, Empire State Development Corporation, & Local Leaders Announce State Grants for Downtown & Waterfront Revitalization

Nearly $5.5 Million in ‘Restore New York’ Grants for Projects in Elmont, Village of Freeport, City of Glen Cove and Village of Hempstead

Elmont, NY – As part of his ongoing campaign to revitalize Nassau’s downtowns, County Executive Tom Suozzi today joined local leaders to announce $5,449,900 in Restore New York grants from the Empire State Development Corporation for downtown and waterfront revitalization in Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove and Hempstead Village.

“Creating ‘cool,’ vibrant downtowns is a vital part of our overall economic development plan,” County Executive Suozzi said. “We want to expand our tax base, we want to attract and retain young people and we want to encourage high-skilled, high-tech industries to take root here. We can accomplish all these goals if we breathe new life into these all-too-often sluggish or blighted downtowns.”

“The revitalization of Nassau’s downtowns has the potential to stimulate economic growth and allow its neighborhoods to flourish,” said Avi Schick, Downstate Empire State Development Corporation President. “We are happy to support this important project as part of our commitment to provide a catalyst for meaningful community development projects throughout New York State. This Restore New York funding is the “kick start” needed to bring new life to Elmont, Freeport, Glen Cove and Hempstead Village.”

Today’s announcement at Belmont Park coincided with the opening of the track for the horseracing season. Belmont Park sits right in the heart of Elmont, which is set to receive a $2.5 million Restore New York grant for the revitalization of the Argo Theatre area along Hempstead Turnpike.

“Hempstead Town is dedicated to revitalizing communities, and I am proud that our application to redevelop Elmont's former Argo Movie Theatre resulted in a $2.5 million grant,” said Murray. “I want to thank the Empire State Development Corporation for recognizing the importance of investing in places like Elmont and awarding these grants.”

The Village of Freeport will receive $1,669,900 toward the construction of Freeport Plaza West, a mixed use development that includes 224 apartments, retail space, a fitness center and underground parking.

“There is no better location in Nassau County for a transit-oriented development than Freeport West, and we are grateful for ESDC’s recognition and support of this important project in the heart of our downtown,” said Ellen Kelly, executive director of Freeport’s Development Agency.

The City of Glen Cove will receive $695,000 toward construction of the Ferry Terminal Building, part of a larger project to revitalize the north side of Glen Cove Creek.

Mayor Suozzi said, “The Restore NY grant brings the city that much closer to realizing its overall goal of completing the revitalization of the waterfront property along the Glen Cove Creek which includes ferry transportation for both commuters and tourists to Glen Cove and Long Island businesses and other attractions.  We are grateful to all of the multiple levels of government and their agencies who have and continue to assist us in our efforts.”

And the Village of Hempstead will receive $585,000 to rejuvenate its Main Street corridor.

“This grant will bring the village’s downtown up to speed with other downtown revitalization projects going on around the county,” said Hempstead Village Mayor Wayne Hall. “We can’t wait to get started. And the timing is great because we are currently devising a new vision for Hempstead Village’s transit hub. These two projects will go hand-in-hand.”

Suozzi's administration assisted the four municipalities in their applications for the Restore NY grants. Revitalizing downtowns is an important part of County Executive Suozzi’s ten-point Economic Development plan to expand the County’s tax base, retain young residents and attract high-tech, high-skilled industries. The County has helped fund visioning projects for several downtowns, including the four communities discussed above.

“We are doing everything we can to redevelop these downtowns, allowing people to live and work in multi-story buildings near public transportation and within walking distance to restaurants and small, locally-owned shops,” said County Executive Suozzi.

The Empire State Development Corporation is New York State’s chief economic development agency, encompassing business, workforce and community development.