Two villages have been named Long Island winners of the NY Forward Program, receiving a combined $14.5 million.
The Village of Valley Stream will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the ninth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and the Village of Patchogue will receive $4.5 million as the Long Island winner of the fourth round of NY Forward. For Round 9 of the DRI and Round 4 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions is being awarded $10 million from each program, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods. To date, total investments in the DRI and NY Forward have reached $1.4 billion.
“Downtowns and Main Streets are powerhouses for localities, and any investments toward them shape the business and recreational scene for residents and visitors — that’s why the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are so impactful,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “These transformational projects in Valley Stream and Patchogue are a commitment to Long Island’s future, where we will secure walkable downtowns, affordable housing, support for the arts and so much more. I’ll always keep fighting for Long Island.”
To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program, which recognizes and rewards municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential and encourages others to follow suit. After becoming certified, localities have exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary state funding, including DRI and NY Forward.
Since the launch of the Pro-Housing Communities Program, funds awarded to Pro-Housing Communities throughout the state have supported up to 20,000 more homes. To date, more than 410 communities across New York have been certified, including the Village of Valley Stream and the Village of Patchogue.
The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 5,000 units of housing — more than 2,000 of which (40%) are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed $9 million to 12 projects that provide affordable or free childcare and childcare worker training. The DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art — such as murals and sculptures — and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.
The Village of Valley Stream joins Hempstead, Smithtown-Kings Park, Huntington Station, Amityville, Baldwin, Central Islip, Hicksville and Westbury as winners of the DRI for Long Island, while the Village of Patchogue joins Farmingdale, Mineola, North Bellport, Long Beach and Lindenhurst as NY Forward winners for Long Island.
“On behalf of the Village of Valley Stream, I want to thank Governor Hochul for this transformational investment in our downtown and our future,” Valley Stream Trustee Kevin Waszak said. “This $10 million DRI award will help us create a more vibrant, connected and welcoming community for residents, businesses, commuters and future generations.”
Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri said, “Success is built on partnerships and Governor Hochul has been a dedicated partner to the Village of Patchogue since she first walked our streets years ago. With this ‘Storefront to Shorefront’ grant, we are finally bridging the gap between our vibrant downtown and our beautiful waterfront. This funding allows us to expand recreation, improve walkability, and ensure that as our Village grows, our residents’ quality of life remains a top priority.”
The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.
“These awards reflect the strength of Long Island’s communities and the thoughtfulness of their vision for the future. Valley Stream and Patchogue each bring a compelling, community-grounded plan for growth — one centered on diversity and transit access, the other on culture and waterfront connection,” Long Island Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Linda Armyn and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline said. The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council is proud to support projects that create opportunity, strengthen small businesses and improve quality of life.”
Valley Stream and Patchogue will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.