Empire State Development Blog

Eleven Downtown Revitalization Projects Enhance the Village's Walkability and Connectivity and Expand Business and Housing Opportunities to Create a Vibrant and Diverse Downtown Project Renderings Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced 11 transformational projects for the Village of Amityville as part of the $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award. The awards will enhance connectivity, walkability, transit access and beautification and expand small businesses and housing opportunities to promote growth of the downtown as a transit-oriented center. "These transformational projects in the Village of Amityville will provide residents and visitors the vibrant, safe downtown they deserve," Governor Hochul said. "By connecting the unique waterfront, revitalizing transportation options, and enhancing commercial and residential streets, we can ensure Amityville is a must visit destination on Long Island for years to come." The Village of Amityville sits at the nexus of several major Long Island transportation corridors. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Area's proximity to New York City, coupled with its convenient access to major transportation corridors and regional airports, provides a key asset when attracting new businesses and residents to the downtown. The Village is poised to make its compact, walkable downtown, centered on the Long Island Railroad train station, one of the premier destinations on Long Island, defined by its unique waterfront culture and historic charm. Amityville has built momentum for its revitalization through several projects, including pedestrian and bike lanes and mixed-use and residential transit-oriented developments. The DRI investments are part of the Governor's ongoing efforts to revitalize the economy and create more opportunities on Long Island. The DRI is led by the Department of State, which provides technical assistance as each participating community develops a Strategic Investment Plan identifying specific projects with a unique vision for the revitalization of the downtown area. The specific projects to be funded through the DRI support several goals and strategies contained in the community's Strategic Investment Plan, such as—Enhancing Connectivity, Walkability, Transit Access and Beautification; and Expanding Small Business and Housing Opportunities to promote the growth of the downtown as a transit-oriented center of vibrancy and activity. The $9.7 million State investment in these projects through the DRI will leverage additional public and private investments as the revitalization process proceeds and builds momentum. Read the full press release here. 

With Video Conferencing To: Empire State Development – Albany Office, 625 Broadway – 8th Floor Conference Room, Albany, New York 12245 And: USA Niagara Development Corporation Offices, 222 First Street – 7th Floor Conference Room, Niagara Falls, NY 14303 This meeting is open to the public. Webcasting of the meeting is available by clicking the link below. Due to building procedures, those wishing to attend at any of these locations must RSVP by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022. RSVP press line (800) 260-7313; RSVP public line (212) 803-3772. Members of the public may submit comments on the Agenda items in writing to [email protected] All comments received by the deadline will be distributed to the Directors prior to the meeting and will be posted online.

Project To Support Advancements in Biomedical Research State Investment of $30 Million Enhances Growing Life Sciences Industry on Long Island Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the groundbreaking of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's $57 million Neuroscience Research Complex on Long Island. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory will undertake construction of a new, seven-acre development including three state-of the-art research buildings that will be located on Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's campus at the border of Suffolk and Nassau counties. The 36,437-square-foot Neuroscience Research Complex will further Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's scientific advancement in the areas of neurodegenerative diseases, brain-body physiology, quantitative biology, and neuro-artificial intelligence. Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction for the Neuroscience Research Complex, estimated to be complete by December 2025. Empire State Development is supporting this project with a $30 million capital grant as part of the Transformative Investment Program funding allocated to Long Island. "With these strategic investments, we are solidifying this region's standing as a powerhouse for the life sciences industry and building the next great innovation hub right here on Long Island," Governor Hochul said. "Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's work lies at the cutting edge of biomedical research and, thanks to a significant State investment, this new facility will allow it to achieve new and exciting breakthroughs in neuroscience. Here in New York State, we are committed to growing the jobs and businesses of the future and ensuring that our state remains competitive in the 21st century economy." "The Empire State is committed to making Long Island the nation's premier hub for life sciences innovation," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Today's groundbreaking of the Neuroscience Research Complex will support medical research that will lead to life-changing medicine and treatments that will improve the lives of New Yorkers on Long Island and across the State." Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's research is crucial in the effort to drive innovation and discovery in biomedical research. Scientists at the Neuroscience Research Complex will focus on medical research for the betterment of human health, including cognition and mapping the wiring diagram of the human brain. This innovative technology will have a profound impact on both developmental neurological disorders such as autism and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additional phases of the development project will include a dedicated Neuro-AI building, space for meetings and educational programs, and a pancreatic cancer therapeutics testing facility. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "ESD is proud to support this exciting new complex, which will advance cutting-edge research that will both advance the regional and statewide life sciences industry but, more importantly, improve the daily lives of people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. By strategically investing in our best assets, such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, we are helping to map a healthier and more hopeful future for New York." Read the full press release here.

Groundbreaking on $373 Million Initial Phase of Redevelopment at Brooklyn Developmental Center Now Underway, Will Create Nearly 600 Affordable Homes Multi-Phase Community Development Part of the State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative To Address Economic Disparities in East New York Renderings Available Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that construction has begun for the transformative $1.2 billion redevelopment of the former 27-acre Brooklyn Developmental Center property in Brooklyn's East New York neighborhood. The initial $373 million phase will create 576 affordable homes, a new 15,000-square-foot outpatient medical clinic, and 7,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. Once completed, the entire development, known as Alafia, will ultimately create more than 2,400 affordable homes in a walkable neighborhood with recreational spaces and access to community resources that promote health and wellness. Alafia is part of the State's Vital Brooklyn Initiative that is addressing chronic social, economic, and health disparities in Brooklyn's high-need communities. "We are not just building housing for the people of East New York, we're investing in a community so that generations of New Yorkers can flourish and thrive," Governor Hochul said. "By creating 2,400 new quality homes and expanding access to social services and health care, Alafia will make this neighborhood a more affordable, more inclusive and healthier place to live. This truly transformative investment will put us on the path toward mending the societal cracks in the system to ensure all New Yorkers have a chance to prosper." Read the full press release here.