For years residents, business owners and local leaders have been pushing for revitalization in New Cassel and a recent state designation could make significant change that much more possible.
Governor Andrew Cuomo recently designated New Cassel as one of 11 state-wide communities to be selected as a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA). The designation will allow the 520-acre site—including the residential area, Prospect Avenue and industrial area—to receive priority for funding to transform and revitalize land.
“This [designation] lays the foundation for more funding, whether it’s physical clean up or planning and policy initiatives,” said Neal Stone from the Town of North Hempstead’s planning department, noting that the designation was six years in the making. “We just had one huge door opened for this area of the town. It’s really exciting.”
The BOA program helps participants develop revitalization strategies that focus on returning dormant and blighted areas into productive communities of economic growth and development. Designation as a BOA strengthens the town’s applications for grant funding to be used for cleanup and redevelopment of any sites within the area; increased economic activity and jobs; new housing opportunities; development; growth of a distinctive attractive community with a strong sense of place and improved public safety; and improved community facilities, such as open space and recreational facilities. Developers of projects in New Cassel may be eligible to take advantage of state tax credits.
“The state’s designation of the New Cassel Brownfield Opportunity Area is vital to our ongoing revitalization efforts of New Cassel,” said Councilwoman Viviana Russel. “This is an important step in laying the groundwork for future planning for this community.”
