Senator Elaine Phillips Announces $10 Million In Funding For Revitalizing Downtown Hicksville

Senator Elaine Phillips announced today that Hicksville will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The funding is part of the State’s approach to transform communities into flourishing neighborhoods and boost local economies.

“This funding is essential in revitalizing downtown Hicksville and bringing a much needed economic boost to our region. Congratulations to the Town of Oyster Bay, and the local committees for putting forth this exceptional plan,” Senator Elaine Phillips said.  “Investing in our local communities is paramount to our region’s future.  This initiative will help to create new jobs, attract businesses and improve the quality of life for future generations.”

Community leaders have been gathering resident input for years about redeveloping the downtown area. The section that will be improved is 162 acres and much of it today is made up of office buildings.

“A revitalized downtown Hicksville area will play an instrumental role in stimulating our entire region, and will attract a younger generation of residents who will thrive and flourish in the area,” Senator Elaine Phillips said. “This extraordinary plan, coupled with the funding to execute it, is exactly what the people of Hicksville deserve.”

Over the years, officials have conducted numerous studies of Hicksville in an attempt to transform the downtown area. The Town of Oyster Bay will now begin developing a Strategic Investment Plan with up to $300,000 in planning funds. A planning committee made up of municipal representatives and community leaders, as well as a team of private sector experts and state planners will lead the effort.

The Strategic Investment Plan will examine opportunities and identify transportation, housing and community projects that fit the community’s vison for the revitalization.

“I thank the Governor for this initiative that will help build and strengthen Hicksville and will create more opportunities and a better future for Long Islanders,” Senator Elaine Phillips said.

"Hicksville's downtown is a prime location for revitalization, new jobs and new housing opportunities,” Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino said. “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 attractive, walkable and bicycle-friendly environment.”

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is part of the State’s project to transform communities into vibrant neighborhoods and improve local economies. Through the program, one municipality from each of the state’s 10 regional economic development region is selected to receive $10 million                                                               

(Photo: Senator Elaine Phillips, Governor Cuomo, Senator Kemp Hannon, Senator Carl Marcellino and other elected officials presenting the $10 million check to Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino)