State Announces $1 Million Grant to Town of Hempstead for Downtown Baldwin

(Baldwin, New York) - Today, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen, Senator Todd Kaminsky and Nassau County Executive Laura Curran held a press conference to announce a $1 million state grant to revitalize downtown Baldwin. The funding was made possible by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo through the Empire State Development’s Restore New York Communities Initiative, which seeks to revitalize commercial and residential property to attract new residents and businesses.
 

"Growing up in Baldwin with my parents, I remember when this corridor was bustling and hustling," said town of Hempstead supervisor Laura Gillen. "Thanks to Governor Cuomo and our partners in the county and state, we are one step closer to revitalizing Baldwin's downtown and bringing in much needed economic activity by attracting new resident, visitors and businesses,” said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen.

“This substantial state investment will serve as a catalyst for redevelopment in Downtown Baldwin. The plan to unlock Baldwin's potential is a good one, advanced jointly by the Town, County, State and private enterprise and it is critical that it keep advancing forward. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo for focusing on the Baldwin community and providing the necessary funding to help promote its revitalization,” said Senator Todd Kaminsky.
 

“I want to thank Sen. Kaminsky for his continued efforts in the senate to secure funds for the development of Baldwin’s downtown. I’m looking forward to working with him and Supervisor Gillen on this exciting initiative,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.
 

“The redevelopment of downtown Baldwin is something I have been working toward for nearly two decades,” said Hempstead Town Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby. “I am appreciative of any funding that will help us reach our ultimate goal of making Baldwin a beautiful destination for families, young professionals and businesses.”

The grant will be used to restore vacant properties from 2408-2416 Grand Avenue in Baldwin. The funding is through the Empire State Development’s Restore New York Communities Initiative which seeks to revitalize commercial and residential property to attract residents and business. The funds will be used as a subgrant to Basser-Kaufman and Engel Burman Group, the designated developer, to supplement site development costs specifically related to the vacant, blight properties. This will be part of a larger project on Grand Avenue to construct mixed-use development with 25,000 square feet of ground floor retail space and approximately 140 apartments units. The total cost of the project is estimated at $53 million.