Public Invited to Observe Organization Meeting of Local Planning Committee

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino announces that the kickoff meeting of the Local Planning Committee for downtown Hicksville is scheduled for Tuesday, October 31, at the Town’s William P. Bennet Hicksville Community Center, located at 28 W. Carol Street in Hicksville. The meeting, which is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., has been scheduled as a kickoff organizational meeting for members of the committee to start the process of planning efforts for the community.

“Earlier this year, our Town was thrilled to be the recipient of $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funds from Governor Cuomo and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for downtown revitalization in Hicksville,” Supervisor Saladino said. “We are pleased to advance to the next step in the process of making our dreams for this community a reality.”

The Local Planning Committee (LPC) – comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders, and community representatives – will establish and approve a community-based vision for revitalizing the downtown into a vibrant community. In addition to exploring housing opportunities, the creation of office space and restaurants, and revitalization of storefronts; potential projects may include decorative pavers, attractive lighting, newly planted trees, benches, street art and a homogenous street and storefront signage program to create a strong sense of place intended to celebrate Hicksville’s history and cultural diversity. Additionally, funds may be utilized for Complete Street initiatives that include new sidewalks and improvements to preexisting pedestrian pathways, footpaths, bicycle paths, bicycle racks and cross walks.  Furthermore, the Town envisions the creation of a plaza area—large community gathering space to be used for events such as fairs, farmers markets, art exhibitions, food truck nights, classic car nights, concerts, and much more.

Following the October 31 organizational meeting, which the public is invited to observe, additional meetings, including public workshops, will be scheduled for later this year and early next year.

“Downtown Hicksville in on the verge of a major renaissance,” Supervisor Saladino stated. “The downtown’s prime location for transit-oriented development and public support for revitalization, coupled with the state’s investment of funding, will allow downtown Hicksville to achieve the type of revitalization it needs and deserves.”