EPOA Learns More About Hempstead Revitalization Project

At their June public meeting, the Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA) heard a presentation on the major development of the Village of Hempstead.

The public-private partnership between Hempstead and Renaissance Downtowns is one of the most significant on Long Island. With a projected $2.5 billion redevelopment cost, which includes the construction of residential, retail and entertainment venues, the project is designed to provide smart growth of downtown Hempstead.

The area designated for this project includes Main Street from Meadow Street to Peninsula Blvd. Site plans are currently being developed, although the entire work is projected to take up to 10 years.

“The revitalization of the Main Street area of Hempstead Village appears to be a hugely ambitious project, from both a financial and societal viewpoint, that I hope succeeds and becomes an example of how to get something like this done,”  EPOA vice president Christine Mullaney said.

The EPOA audience had many questions of the presenter, Sean McLean of developer Renaissance Downtowns. Questions focused on topics ranging from understanding the location and scope of the work to asking for additional details on the types of businesses to be built.

Mr. McLean also addressed the issues of crime in the area and stated that one of the major goals of this project is to provide a new model for the village, one that will help them address some of the very difficult issues they currently face.

Articulating what many in the audience felt, trustee Dennis Donnelly said, “I think the presentation encompassed a very large and comprehensive project which would transform Main Street into a pedestrian friendly promenade. I wish them all the best.”

Submitted by the Eastern Property Owners' Association