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| Photo courtesy of Renaissance Downtowns Urban America. |
The downtown redevelopment plan between the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Renaissance Downtowns and Urban America to revitalize the main street area is moving forward with great anticipation. After a public hearing on February 7, 2012, the Village Board approved the agreement that states that the main street project will create thousands of construction jobs and permanent employment opportunities, with priority given to Hempstead residents. As a result of this plan, more retail and office positions, as well as entrepreneurial opportunities will be available to community members. It anticipates that Hempstead Youth will be provided with career advancement opportunities, as well as creating a variety of amenities, including public squares, entertainment venues and cultural offerings.
Hempstead Mayor Wayne Hall has advocated successfully for a $5 million grant to be used in the revitalization of the downtown Hempstead area. Mayor Hall stated, “I am proud to say this funding will enable us to begin replacement of the antiquated sewer system and move forward with our redevelopment plan to bring more business, jobs and affordable housing to the village.” The grant will aid infrastructure upgrades in the village, that affect not just downtown, but many local neighborhoods.
Some Hempstead residents had great concern of the validity of promises made by the developers, Renaissance Downtowns Urban America. Their greatest concern was that Hempstead residents would be assured job placement and training for employment opportunities as promised by the developers. To combat this concern, Donald Monti, chief executive of Plainview-based Renaissance Downtowns, who is working on the project with Urban America, stated, “Before a shovel hits the ground, in writing you will have a community benefits agreement.” This agreement as well as the actual contract between the Village of Hempstead and the developers will assure job priority and placement to Hempstead residents.
The Incorporated Village of Hempstead is confident that the Hempstead Main Street redevelopment project has far reaching benefits for economic growth. By implementing this improvement plan, Hempstead village will gain a significant advantage in attracting additional federal funding. The long term goal is to ensure that the residents of Hempstead will benefit from the downtown redevelopment plan by providing affordable living, economic growth, aesthetic improvements, safety and health that prospers the Hempstead village and it’s community for years to come.
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