$4.5M In State Funding Awarded For North Bellport Revitalization Project

FARMINGVILLE, NY — The Town of Brookhaven was recently awarded $4.5 million from the state to help construct affordable housing in a mixed-use development that is accessible to the Long Island Rail Road in North Bellport, officials said.

The award, which comes from the New York State Moving Downtown Forward, will be used to “overcome inequities" and "strengthen" the community through the development of new affordable housing close and accessible to the LIRR station, the creation of a mixed-use business district, including both fresh food and financial establishments, as well as building façade improvements and streetscape enhancements to improve pedestrian safety, according to the state's website.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has committed $100 million each for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, with the state investing a combined total of $1 billion in both since their inception.

Supervisor Dan Panico traveled to Melville last year on the town's behalf for the North Bellport revitalization project and presented it before a state Empire State Development panel.

"Our commitment to ensuring land use remains locally controlled, to our communities and to the people of North Bellport is long-standing and steadfast," he said. "I believe the Governor has learned that local land use control is essential and trust that she recognizes the Brookhaven Town Board is committed to community supported revitalization and has the legitimacy to lead on this issue."

"We thank her, our Secretary of State, and all those who saw the wisdom of investing in Brookhaven," he said.

Councilman Michael Loguercio, whose council district includes North Bellport, said, “This is wonderful news, and is a tremendous help in moving forward with our promise to revitalize the area, create jobs, provide affordable housing, generate revenue, and help the good folks of North Bellport to live and work close to home."

Thank you to Governor Hochul for her assistance, and we look forward to working together on many more projects in Brookhaven town, especially within the 4th Council District," he said.

Patch has reached out to the offices of Hochul and Romaine for comment.

"It is a process that began when I was supervisor, and now Supervisor Panico will continue to fight for more funding from the state and federal governments to improve every community in the Town of Brookhaven," he said.

North Bellport was one of five communities, including Brookhaven, Smithtown, Kings Park, and Mineola to receive funding.

Hochul said that through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, the state is investing in New York’s downtowns, which are "the heartbeat of our communities."

“With this funding, Smithtown-Kings Park, Brookhaven-North Bellport and Mineola will have the tools they need to reimagine their downtowns to enhance the quality of life for residents, draw visitors, and spur economic opportunity throughout their communities," she said.