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As a result, Baldwin will get $10 million in state funding for downtown revitalization.
As in the first three rounds of the initiative, one municipality from each of the state’s 10 regional economic development regions is selected as a $10 million winner, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities transform their downtowns.
“With this competition, we are challenging local governments to come up with a comprehensive plan to revitalize their downtowns, and Baldwin did exactly that,” Cuomo said.
“This plan builds on Baldwin’s existing assets including the LIRR and focuses on transit orientated development to drive economic growth in the region."
“It is not only ambitious and innovative – it is actually going to happen,” Cuomo said. “And when you put boldness together with feasibility: that is magic.”
"Baldwin did a great plan. Why? First, you built on your assets. Baldwin is right on the Long Island Railroad. Everything is now transit-oriented development. People have to get out of cars. It doesn't work anymore to say I'm going to commute into New York City, I'm going to get on the interstate, not the Long Island Railroad," Cuomo said.
Strategically located near the Long Island Rail Road, Baldwin offers commercial, retail, and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors and is primed for continued growth," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul.
"This funding as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative will advance efforts to grow downtown Baldwin and increase economic activity in Nassau County. With this targeted investment, we continue our commitment to strengthen communities statewide and ensure further success now and in the future."
Located in the town of Hempstead, Baldwin's targeted area for DRI investment centers on the commercial corridor of Grand Avenue with its proximity to the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road station and the surrounding cluster of retail, commercial, institutional, and public recreation uses, according to the state.
The Town has embarked on a strategic, holistic approach to revitalizing downtown Baldwin with innovative zoning and design guidelines geared towards building a vibrant center of economic activity and priming the area for investment, according to the state.
Leveraging this effort as a framework for future development, the DRI award will advance the community's vision for a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use downtown centered on an active LIRR station.
The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council went through a competitive review process of proposals from communities throughout the region.
Baldwin joins Westbury, Hicksville, and Central Islip, the previous winners of DRI state funding.
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