Huntington Station to Begin Take Feedback for Downtown Revitalization Initiative Project
Business owners and Huntington locals will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. for the first community meeting on the Town’s awarded $10 million grant in the sixth round of the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) program.
The DRI program grants $10 million annually to one community from each of New York State’s 10 regions. As this year’s Long Island regional winner, the Town of Huntington will actualize a vision to rejuvenate downtown Huntington Station and is asking for the community’s involvement in the project.
“The Town of Huntington is so incredibly thrilled to receive the DRI Award for Huntington Station,” says Huntington Town Supervisor Ed Smyth. “This $10,000,000 will help to continue the Town’s efforts to rejuvenate this community through infrastructure projects, developing and improving the business district, and encouraging new industry.”
The Department of State created the DRI program in 2016 to breathe new life into New York State’s neighborhoods and downtowns. A yearly application process determines which applicants have the most clear, community-based visions for their towns and measures their readiness and ability to execute efficiently.
In this sixth round of DRI grant distribution, the Town of Huntington expressed a comprehensive desire to make Huntington Station, which encompasses Huntington’s LIRR station and stretches south along New York Avenue, more walkable and aesthetically pleasing for the community. Huntington Station will join the Long Island communities of Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip, Baldwin, Amityville and Riverhead, where DRI funding has been allocated in the previous five rounds.
“The Huntington Station community deserves a safe, walkable and affordable downtown where residents can thrive,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul said in January, when the grant was awarded. “I can’t wait to get shovels in the ground to transform Huntington Station into a must-see destination for tourists and local visitors alike.”
Using an allotted $300,000 in planning funds from the grant, Huntington Station expects to complete a blueprint for its revitalization project by the end of 2023.
The Huntington community will meet Wednesday evening at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church for an introduction to DRI and an opportunity to ask questions, provide feedback and give suggestions for potential projects. The current vision for revitalizing Huntington Station includes projects such as burying overhead wires along New York Ave., creating an outdoor public gathering space, improving street appeal and revamping public transportation.
Huntington community members who are interested in bringing project ideas to light can contact the DRI Projects Office to register for office hours by appointment. More information on upcoming events and plans for the Town of Huntington’s awarded DRI grant can be found at huntingtonstationdri.com.
