Plans Move Ahead For Apartment Complex Where Public Housing Once Stood

FREEPORT, NY — Plans for a former public housing development in Freeport have gotten the initial approval to be converted into a 200-unit affordable rental complex.

The Town of Hempstead Industrial Development Agency (IDA) gave a preliminary thumbs-up to economic benefits for The Gardens at Buffalo.

Lawrence-based BOSFA Properties plans to replace the decaying Moxey Rigby property, which became uninhabitable after Superstorm Sandy.

The $49 million project would generate 78 construction jobs and four permanent positions.

“It will be a tremendous asset in the Village of Freeport,” said Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, who also represents Freeport on the town IDA. “This project will be a great success.”

Plans call for a 165,936-square-foot apartment complex with 10 studio, 100 one-bedroom, 70 two-bedroom, and 20 three-bedroom units. BOSFA has contracted to buy the 2 1/2-acre site from the village at 80-84 Albany Ave. and 17-33 Buffalo Ave.

Ten percent of the apartments will be set aside for workforce housing, the IDA announced. A parking lot will be included in the project.

The application is subject to further study, a public hearing, and a final authorizing resolution.