Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and the Town Board have reached an agreement with the Long Island Rail Road to advance revitalization projects in downtown Hicksville while limiting their impact on commuter parking. A Memorandum of Understanding to be entered into between the parties allows the Town to proceed with expansion of John F. Kennedy Park, a new pedestrian walkway known as Festival Pathway, and beautification improvements along the Underline of the railroad tracks.

 

Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated, “I thank the Long Island Rail Road for working with my economic development team to move revitalization projects forward for the Hicksville community. From expanded park space to beautification projects and a new safe pedestrian walkway, we are improving the downtown and helping to attract new housing opportunities, restaurants, shops and office space.”

 

These revitalization projects, along with the zoning changes recently approved by the Town Board, incorporate years of collaboration between the Town and Hicksville community. With the scope of these revitalization plans more defined, the Town can now proceed with the design phase of the projects and get shovels into the ground next year. The Town and the MTA have agreed to meet annually to further discuss the pressing need for greater parking at the Hicksville Long Island Rail Road – Long Island’s largest commuter hub.

 

To further improve downtown Hicksville, the Saladino administration set aside $1.1 million in Federal money for the downtown and secured $150,000 from Nassau County for beautification and safety improvements. These funds will be utilized along Broadway and Newbridge Road to improve pedestrian safety and enhance walkability.

 

Hicksville’s downtown is undergoing a renaissance thanks to the vision of the Saladino administration and a $10 million State award for downtown revitalization.  Future projects will support increased access to transportation, improve walkability, and attract new housing opportunities.  These projects, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, will continue to transform Hicksville into a vibrant downtown for downsizers, empty nesters, senior citizens and what millennials asked for and what will keep them here on Long Island.