On the cusp of creating a more interconnected and community-focused Long Island, Governor Kathy Hochul has rolled out the plans for a transformative upgrade to the Hicksville Station, a key hub in the Long Island Rail Road network. The $11.6 million improvement project, partly bankrolled by a $5.8 million grant from the State's Downtown Revitalization Initiative, aims to smooth out the daily commute and recharge the public spaces around one of New York's busiest transit stations. "Long Islanders deserve a transit system that is safe, accessible and welcoming," Hochul expressed her vision, as reported by the Governor's Office press release.
The Hicksville refresh isn't just about prettifying a train station; it's about knitting the fabric of the community tighter. Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley emphasized the station's role as a "major milestone for Hicksville", forecasting a surge in quality of life for locals and travellers alike. The initiative conflates infrastructure with urban renewal, mixing in pedestrian pathways, a revamped festival plaza, and the sprouting of new green spaces for citizens to take a breather from the ceaseless hustle and bustle, the press release from the Governor's Office reveals.
Recognizing the importance of integrating transport with urban living, MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber lauded the Hicksville Station TOD project as a shrewd move that leverages the LIRR's efficiency to foster a lively community spirit. According to the same release, LIRR President Rob Free spotlighted the vast investments already pouring into Hicksville, including new tracks and unprecedented service expansions stemming from Grand Central Madison.
A raft of related projects is orbiting the revamp of the station itself. The "Complete Streets" undertaking comes with a $2.89 million price tag to enhance pedestrian safety and walkability, while a $1 million venture targets a mixed-use development next to the station. It proposes close to 200 residential units, blended with retail and restaurant space, which, together will cultivate a palpable sense of community near this vital transport junction. Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine praised the plan, calling it a "game-changer" for Hicksville, projecting infrastructure that aligns with the needs of both residents, and commuters, according to the Governor's Office.
Aligning with Governor Hochul's commitment to address New York's housing crisis, the "Pro-Housing Community" designation now becomes a golden ticket for cities to tap into a whopping $650 million State discretionary pool. Hicksville's bold leap towards revitalization is abetted by this initiative, which, alongside the DRI and New York Forward programs, has coalesced over $900 million for downtown development projects across various communities, as outlined in further detail by the Governor's Office.
