HICKSVILLE, NY (TIP): New Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Anthony Macagnone and Councilwoman Rebecca Alesia announced, August 2, that the Town successfully won $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds from Governor Cuomo and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for downtown revitalization in Hicksville.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “Hicksville’s downtown is a prime location for revitalization, new jobs and new housing opportunities.  These economic development funds will assist the Hicksville community and all of our residents by creating new jobs, new housing opportunities and by transforming downtown Hicksville into an attractive, walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.  I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to our downtown and Councilmembers Rebecca Alesia and Anthony Macagnone for their dedication to advancing plans for downtown Hicksville.  This puts the Town of Oyster Bay on the map across New York State!”

The Local Planning Committee (LPC) – comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives – will establish and approve a community-based vision for revitalizing the downtown.  Potential projects may include decorative pavers, attractive lighting, newly planted trees, benches street art and a homogenous street and storefront signage program to create a strong sense of place intended to celebrate Hicksville’s history and cultural diversity.  Additionally, funds may be utilized for Complete Street initiatives that include new sidewalks and improvements to preexisting pedestrian pathways, footpaths, bicycle paths, bicycle racks and cross walks.  Furthermore, the Town envisions the creation of a plaza area—large community gathering space to be used for events such as fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, food truck nights, classic car nights, concerts, and much more.

Councilman Macagnone added, “In partnership with community stakeholders, our Town Board has taken a leadership role in shaping the future of downtown Hicksville.  I thank Governor Cuomo for investing in our vision to transform the downtown Hicksville community into a walkable city center that can successfully attract new jobs, new housing and keep our young people and senior citizens on Long Island.  I commend Supervisor Saladino and my colleagues on the Town Board for their dedication to this project and for working to enhance our community.”

Councilwoman Alesia stated, “Through extensive resident input and in close coordination with Vision Long Island, the Hicksville Community Council, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce and Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Committee, the Town has proposed a new zoning concept for the Downtown Central Business District to create new jobs and housing opportunities.  With these new State funds and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, we can transform the Hicksville community into a vibrant downtown for millennials, downsizers, empty nesters and senior citizens alike.”

Kevin Law, President of the Long Island Associated, added, “The Long Island Association commends Governor Cuomo, Supervisor Saladino and the Oyster Bay Town Board for their commitment to growing the local economy by investing in our downtowns like Hicksville.”

Hicksville Chamber of Commerce President Lionel Chitty concluded, “It is truly wonderful to see this positive movement with the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization efforts.  All the hard work done over the past seven years by the Downtown Hicksville Revitalization Committee, the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce, the local civic associations, the Town of Oyster Bay and all of the community stakeholders has finally paid off.  This award will be a catalyst for future growth in Hicksville. We look forward to seeing Hicksville become a true destination where people can live, work and play.”

Home to 42,000 residents, Hicksville is a transit-rich and diverse community located at the confluence of two Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) branch lines. The Hicksville LIRR train station is the busiest on Long Island, averaging 22,000+ commuter trips/weekday. The Hicksville Downtown has strong physical suitability for revitalization and redevelopment as evidenced by high LIRR ridership, intensity of existing commercial land uses, infill-ready parcels, converging arterial roadways and ample sewer and utility infrastructure. Hicksville is poised to capitalize on the strong Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) market and LIRR Third Track improvements through the implementation of a strategic zoning initiative, walkability enhancements, parking management and storefront beautification.