Officials Mark Station Yards' Grand Opening At LIRR Hub In Ronkonkoma

RONKONKOMA, NY — The grand opening of the 53-acre mixed-use development at the former Ronkonkoma Hub, Station Yards, at the Long Island Rail Road station, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Tuesday.

The $1.2 billion TRITEC Real Estate Company project integrates housing, as well as office and retail spaces.

The development showcases the state's commitment "to fostering sustainable economic growth, enhancing community vibrancy, and setting new standards for smart, transit-oriented urban planning across Long Island, and beyond," Hochul said.

“Station Yards represents a new chapter in Long Island's growth story and exemplifies our vision for vibrant, sustainable communities across New York State,” she said. “This project is not just about building apartments and offices — it's about creating a dynamic ecosystem where people can live, work and thrive. By investing in mixed-use developments like Station Yards, we're addressing housing needs, creating jobs, and laying the foundation for long-term economic prosperity in our communities.”

Empire State Development President, Chief Executive Officer, and Commissioner Hope Knight called the development "a game-changer for Long Island's economy, embodying our vision for innovative, transit-oriented developments that catalyze growth."

"With substantial support from ESD, this project is set to create thousands of jobs and establish a new standard for sustainable, community-focused development," she said. "Station Yards exemplifies how strategic investments can transform communities and drive economic progress, serving as a blueprint for future developments across New York State.”

TRITEC Principal Jim Coughlan said, “Public investment has been instrumental in bringing Station Yards to life," and his team are "grateful for the strong backing from Governor Hochul and Empire State Development."

"Without this critical support, our commitment of over $400 million in private capital to Ronkonkoma would not have been possible," he said. "This investment is creating much-needed housing and transforming the area into a new destination at Long Island's only true multi-modal site, fostering a vibrant, connected community.”

Once complete, the development will include 1,450 residential units, 360,000 square feet of office space, and 195,000 square feet of retail space. The first phase, Alston Station Yards, delivered 489 residential units in 2020, while the second phase, The Core, will introduce another 388 homes, expand retail and office spaces by 67,000 and 16,500 square feet, respectively, and include a public plaza next to more than 1,200 parking spaces.

Hochul said that the development is located at "a crucial intersection of transportation networks," with its location at the railroad, which serves 17,000 daily commuters with access to Penn Station and Grand Central Station, not to mention its proximity to Exit 60 of the Long Island Expressway and Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The project, which was funded by a $55 million capital grant, is projected to generate over 10,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs, "providing a significant boost to local employment opportunities," according to Hochul's office.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “Station Yards is a shining example of the smart, transit-oriented development that is needed in Suffolk County, and we thank the governor for her efforts.”

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said, “Station Yards is a prime example of community-supported redevelopment, robust economic vitality, and appropriately placed redevelopment."

"The Ronkonkoma train station area, once a somewhat despondent and bleak assemblage of vacant storefronts, dirt lots, and unwelcoming industrial properties, have been transformed through the efforts of the community, the project team, and a town with the foresight, courage and mettle to undertake such a project and see it through," he said.

"I am proud to lead Brookhaven and I remain confident that we can continue to redevelop appropriately while also preserving open spaces and farmland, understanding that both are equally important and beneficial to our future," he said.

In a joint statement, Long Island Regional Economic Development Corporation co-chairs, Linda Armyn and Kimberly Cline, said the project "embodies the transformative vision at the heart of Long Island's economic development strategy."

"By creating a walkable, mixed-use community centered around a major transportation hub, this project addresses multiple priorities — from expanding housing options and creating jobs to promoting sustainable growth and enhancing our region's competitiveness," they said. "Station Yards is a testament to what we can achieve when public and private sectors collaborate to build stronger, more vibrant communities.”