Riverhead and Amityville, a pair of small towns in Suffolk County, Long Island, are the latest recipients of a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award from New York State agencies. The initiative is described as an economic development program and is backed by the Department of State, Empire State Development, the New York State Homes and Community Renewal, and NYSERDA.
For a total of $20 million, the awards will support 19 community enhancement projects that will improve walkability, finance new public outdoor spaces, enhance existing parks, and create new opportunities for local artists and small businesses. This includes eight projects in Riverhead and 11 projects in Amityville.
Riverhead sits at the junction of the North and South Forks of Long Island at the mouth of the Peconic River. Historically, the town was a largely rural, agricultural hub, and is now one of the region’s fastest growing areas for wine production.
More than half of the town’s $10 million award will go toward enhancing streetscapes and public gathering spaces. Projects include the creation of a new town square along Main Street, enhancements to the Peconic Park and playground, the construction of a new town rowing facility, and improvements to existing crosswalks, sidewalks, and pedestrian signals.
Around $2.4 million will finance the expansion of the historic Suffolk performance theatre, new public artworks in prominent areas around town, and the construction of a new entrance and welcome center at the Riverhead Library. The remaining $2.75 million will go toward a new mixed-use development. Located on Griffing Avenue, the building will comprise a mix of affordable workforce housing, commercial space, and a public parking garage.
Rendeirng of a performance venue in Riverhead, Long Island
Enhancements to the Riverhead, Long Island streetscape
Rendering of a forthcoming mixed-use development along Griffing Avenue in Riverhead, Long Island
“We are committed to revitalizing Long Island, and these investments will create a more walkable, vibrant downtown that will benefit generations of New Yorkers who call Riverhead home,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “These projects will enhance public spaces and create more affordable housing opportunities, and my administration will continue to prioritize transformational projects that will strengthen communities across New York.”
For years, local officials have aimed to make Amityville one of the premier destinations on Long Island. The town already offers waterfront pedestrian areas, a railroad station with direct access to Manhattan, and a distinct nautical charm. The town will invest nearly $7.2 million to install new street signage, create a more welcoming waiting and arrival area at the railroad station, and a number of roadway improvements to enhance safety, pedestrian access, and traffic flow.
More than $1.7 million will support the construction of new mixed-use projects and redevelopment projects. This includes the expansion of an existing commercial building to include eight residential units on the upper floors. The town will also construct a new eatery at 217 Broadway, an outdoor beer garden at 136 Broadway, and repurpose a vacant commercial space into a performance theater and visual arts studio.
“We are grateful to New York State and all those who contributed to this grant process, from our Downtown Revitalization Committee who got the ball rolling in the very beginning to the local committee and DRI teams who guided us throughout the process,” said Amityville mayor Dennis M. Siry. “All of Amityville will benefit from this transformative funding for our downtown.”
The remaining $1.5 million will provide a grant to renovate the town’s aging buildings, rehabilitate a large medical office building at 137-157 Broadway, and restore Amityville’s oldest standing structures, the Losi’s Corner retail store and the Hook & Ladder No.1 Building, which was the town’s first fire station and former police headquarters.
Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail
Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews
Is the “Amityville Horror” House still standing?