Hicksville’s $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award – Get Ready For Some Big Changes
August 06, 2018
On July 3rd, Governor Cuomo announced that the state was giving the Town of Oyster Bay a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award that will help underwrite four transformative projects in downtown Hicksville. These projects are aimed at increasing transportation access, improving walkability, and attracting new housing opportunities. Here’s what is planned with the Revitalization Initiative money.
The Hicksville Station Access Improvements. These improvements will create a new entry drive for the Hicksville LIRR station lobby. This project will create and upgrade turning lanes, reconfigure medians, and install and upgrade traffic signals. The famous eagle statue will be relocated to a place of prominence in the median. It is expected to spiffy up the appearance of the area, improve station access for cars and pedestrians, relieve congestion along Route 106 and Newbridge Road and lengthen the rider drop-off area, which will include a new protective canopy. About $3.6 million of the award will be used for this project.
The Public Space at New Station Plaza. There will be new open public space north of the Hicksville LIRR station lobby. The plaza will allow for intermodal transfers, enhance pedestrian experience and provide much needed green space for residents. A new commercial corridor on West Barclay Street will be linked to the open space. Wider sidewalks that will improve pedestrian circulation will also be constructed. About $2.5 million of the award will be used for this project.
The Public Space at Festival Plaza. A new pedestrian passageway will be created along with public open space north of the LIRR Station to establish a safe and engaging walkway from the Hicksville LIRR station lobby to Jerusalem Avenue and nearby parking lots. Seasonal and temporary activities for commuters and residents will be available in the open space. About $2.5 million of the $10 million award will pay for this project.
New Housing & Retail at Hicksville Station. Underutilized property adjacent to the Hicksville LIRR station on Nelson Avenue will be redeveloped for mixed uses, including 3 buildings with 180 mixed-income residential units, and below grade parking. Street-level retail and restaurants along with a public plaza and green space will also be part of this project. About $1 million of the award will be used for this project.
Of course, $10 million will not be enough to complete these four transformative projects. So, where is the rest of the money expected to come from? The Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Plan, developed by the Hicksville Planning Committee, appears to have the answer to this question. Some of the funding will come from the public sector aimed at expanding the open spaces. Private sector funding will come from developers aimed at the housing, retail, commercial and parking aspects of the projects. In addition, the MTA is spending over $130 million to upgrade the Hicksville LIRR Station. Big changes are coming to downtown Hicksville.
More information on the new downtown Hicksville is available on the Town of Oyster Bay website at http://oysterbaytown.com/hicksville-downtown-revitalization-initiative/