Amityville Wins $10M In State Downtown Revitalization Grant

AMITYVILLE, NY—Amityville Village is about to get a boost, to the tune of $10 million dollars. Last week, the Village's downtown business district was named a fifth-round recipient of New York State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) along with Riverhead.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the winners last Thursday. Amityville and Riverhead will receive $10 million each, part of a state-wide awarding of $200 million "help communities boost their post COVID-19 economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods," according to a release from the Governor's office.

The community must develop a plan, with grassroots input, on downtown improvement projects.

"With a downtown that is compact, walkable, and close to the train station, Amityville wants to make their downtown one of the premier destinations on Long Island defined by its unique waterfront culture and historic charm," the announcement detailed.

"Momentum is building in Amityville with multiple completed and ongoing projects, including a pedestrian and bike lane project, multiple residential developments, and multiple mixed-use developments. To build on this momentum, Amityville wants to revitalize their train station and its immediate surrounding area, increase pedestrian/bike access, and expand green space."

Amityville has seen new development in recent years, including a new luxury apartment complex from Avalon that's under construction.

Westbury, Hicksville, Central Islip and Baldwin were earlier winners of DRI grants.

What would you like to see the Village of Amityville use this grant money for? What improvements to Amityville's downtown would you like to see? Tell us in the comments.