Governor Kathy Hochul came to Ronkonkoma on October 22 to celebrate the grand opening of Station Yards, a state-of-the-art, mixed-use development. Station Yards, also known as the Ronkonkoma Hub, is a transformative transit-oriented development spanning 53 acres around the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station. The $1.2 billion project, led by TRITEC Real Estate Company, integrates housing, office and retail spaces, which the governor says will create a dynamic urban center that caters to modern living and working needs.
“Station Yards represents a new chapter in Long Island’s growth story and exemplifies our vision for vibrant, sustainable communities across New York State,” Hochul said. “This project is not just about building apartments and offices – it’s about creating a dynamic ecosystem where people can live, work and thrive. By investing in mixed-use developments like Station Yards, we’re addressing housing needs, creating jobs, and laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity in our communities.”
Empire State Development (ESD) President/CEO/Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Station Yards is a game-changer for Long Island’s economy, embodying our vision for innovative, transit-oriented developments that catalyze growth. With substantial support from ESD, this project is set to create thousands of jobs and establish a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development. Station Yards exemplifies how strategic investments can transform communities and drive economic progress, serving as a blueprint for future developments across New York State.”
TRITEC Principal Jim Coughlan thanked Hochul and ESD for the much-needed funding. “Without this critical support, our commitment of over $400 million in private capital to Ronkonkoma would not have been possible. This investment is creating much-needed housing and transforming the area into a new destination at Long Island’s only true multi-modal site, fostering a vibrant, connected community.”
Upon completion, it will encompass 1,450 residential units, 360,000 square feet of office space, and 195,000 square feet of retail space. The first phase, Alston Station Yards, delivered 489 residential units in 2020. The second phase, The Core, will introduce an additional 388 homes, expand retail and office spaces by 67,000 and 16,500 square feet respectively, and feature a public plaza alongside more than 1,200 parking spaces.
Situated at a crucial intersection of transportation networks, the development benefits from its proximity to Exit 60 of the Long Island Expressway and Long Island MacArthur Airport. It also leverages its proximity to the Ronkonkoma LIRR station — Suffolk County’s busiest and Long Island’s second-busiest — which serves 17,000 daily commuters with express routes to both Penn Station and Grand Central Station. This strategic location enhances the project’s vision of a vibrant, walkable community where residential, commercial and public spaces seamlessly integrate.
In 2017, ESD provided support for the project with a $55 million capital grant This investment is part of a broader strategy to revitalize communities across New York State through targeted, transformative projects. Station Yards is projected to generate over 10,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs, providing a significant boost to local employment opportunities. By offering a mix of housing options near a major transit hub, the development addresses critical housing needs while advancing New York State’s goals for sustainable urban development.
“Station Yards is a shining example of the smart, transit-oriented development that is needed in Suffolk County and we thank the Governor for her efforts,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said,
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said, “Station Yards is a prime example of community supported redevelopment, robust economic vitality and appropriately placed redevelopment. The Ronkonkoma train station area, once a somewhat despondent and bleak assemblage of vacant storefronts, dirt lots and unwelcoming industrial properties, have been transformed through the efforts of the community, the project team and a town with the foresight, courage and mettle to undertake such a project and see it through. I am proud to lead Brookhaven and I remain confident that we can continue to redevelop appropriately while also preserving open spaces and farmland, understanding that both are equally important and beneficial to our future.”
“Station Yards embodies the transformative vision at the heart of Long Island’s economic development strategy,” added LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline. “By creating a walkable, mixed-use community centered around a major transportation hub, this project addresses multiple priorities — from expanding housing options and creating jobs to promoting sustainable growth and enhancing our region’s competitiveness. Station Yards is a testament to what we can achieve when public and private sectors collaborate to build stronger, more vibrant communities.”