Hempstead Village Is Awarded Grant For Community Revitalization

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo yesterday announced $3.45 million in grants through the "Brownfield Opportunity Areas" (BOA) program for 15 communities throughout the state. The Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency is due to receive funds totaling $254,700 to use for a 180-acre area with approximately 40 potential brownfield sites located in Hempstead's downtown in the vicinity of Franklin Street. State officials in Albany expect that the grants will help to create jobs, support environmental remediation, revitalize the communities, and expand the tax base in distressed neighborhoods that have been adversely affected by brownfield sites.

Surely, the Village of Hempstead is in need of this assistance because of the presence of many such brownfield sites on Franklin Street. Brownfields are dormant properties where contamination has impeded redevelopment, turning the properties into economic and environmental drains on localities. The BOA grant will support efforts by the village leading to revitalization, such as: investigations of site contamination conditions, environmental impact assessments, economic and market studies to determine the best use of the brownfields and vacant sites, redevelopment plans for strategic sites, marketing to attract developer interest, public forums and other opportunities for public participation, and other actions to spur investment, clean-up, and redevelopment related to brownfield sites. This financial boost is sure to bring crucial business and economic growth, essential to restoring vibrancy in Hempstead's downtown.



Related Links:

1 www.hempsteadcda.org
2 http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/032012-BrownFieldRevitalize

Renew Hempstead

The new website was unveiled by the newly-designated master developer for the Village of Hempstead's downtown revitalization project. Renaissance Downtowns Urban America, which was recently given the lead role in the $2 billion project, is using www.renewhempstead.com as a campaign to ensure that the future of  Downtown Hempstead is intrinsic to the people in the village. To do that they have asked that the people of Hempstead voice their concerns over the proposed redevelopment efforts.

Though widespread participation is encouraged, not everyone is allowed to post on the site. A registration is required to do so; and one must live or work in Hempstead village to participate. That way the discussion and the thoughts shared which are shared would accurately reflect what is wanted and desired in a downtown by the people who will live, work, shop, and play there.

Ideas could include a bowling alley, a market square, a Hempstead recreational center, or a hotel. There are several categories of which one can propose new ideas; and they range from housing to public amenities, to retail and workplaces. Similarly to the Facebook feature, you can "like" an idea. Depending on the response from members, the developer will study the feasibility of having such a place in the new revitalized downtown. 

The entire project could take as long as ten years to complete. The project is expected to create more than 3,500 permanent jobs and 10,000 construction jobs.  

For further information, contact Renaissance Downtowns Urban America at 516-307-8310.

Related Links

1 www.hempsteadcda.org
2 www.renewhempstead.com
3 www.renaissancedowntowns.com

Master Developer Agreement

This Master Developer Agreement for the Village of Hempstead was a resolution approved by the Village Board. View the document below.