During the April 17 New York Forward planning meeting at the Boys and Girls Club of the Bellport area, which was attended by Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, Town Councilman Michael Loguercio and Suffolk County Legislator Dominick Thorne, it was announced that North Bellport has been targeted to receive $2.25 million as part of this initiative. These funds are part of a broader $100 million investment under NY Forward, designed to stimulate growth and development in selected communities.
The allocated funds will support a series of projects that promise to transform the local landscape. Key developments include the introduction of a fresh market/grocery store and a financial institution, as well as mixed-use development near the Bellport train station. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility to essential services for residents and encourage economic growth by attracting new businesses to the area.
A community-based planning process will be a cornerstone of this initiative, involving monthly meetings where residents and stakeholders can contribute to the development strategies. This collaborative approach ensures that the projects align with the community’s needs and aspirations, paving the way for a sustainable future.
In total, New York State has committed $1 billion in funding across all rounds of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), underscoring the state’s commitment to revitalizing its smaller and rural communities.