Wyandanch, NY – New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced Amityville Village and the Town of Riverhead will each receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island region winners of the fifth round of the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Each of the state's 10 economic development regions are being awarded $20 million, for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their post-COVID-19 economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.
“Congratulations to Amityville and Riverhead on being named the recipients of the state’s Downtown Revitalization funding initiative,” said Suffolk County Legislature Democratic Leader Jason Richberg, who represents the Village of Amityville in the legislature. “It is a testament to the work that Amityville Village Mayor Dennis Siry and Riverhead Town Supervisor Yvette Aguiar have done and will continue to do. These funds will play a huge part in helping revitalize our downtowns, bringing in new residents and investing in our small businesses. I look forward to seeing their visions of thriving, walkable downtowns become reality. I’d also like to thank Governor Hochul, Lt. Governor Benjamin, the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council and everyone who plays a part in keeping Suffolk County moving forward.”
The Village of Amityville plans to continue their mission of making their compact and walkable downtown one of the premier destinations on Long Island- defined by its unique waterfront culture and historic charm. These funds will be used for multiple ongoing projects, including a pedestrian and bike lane project, multiple residential developments, and multiple mixed-use developments. Amityville also plans to revitalize their train station and its immediate surrounding area, increase pedestrian/bike access, and expand green space.
“Congratulations to both Riverhead Supervisor Aguiar and Amityville Mayor Siry, and to all who worked so hard behind the scenes to secure this competitive award,” said Legislator Al Krupski, whose district includes Riverhead. “This significant funding will make a huge impact on both municipality’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts, and I am excited to see the results. Riverhead has a wonderful and productive resource in the Peconic River, and I am gratified the Town has incorporated showcasing the waterfront into their plans. This will not only connect people to our natural environment, but will continue to draw people to the downtown and boost the area’s economy. Many thanks to Governor Hochul, Lt. Governor Benjamin, Secretary of State Rodriguez, and the LI Regional Economic Development Council.”
Riverhead's downtown is a compact, diverse, mixed-use neighborhood that the town plans to make serve as a recreational, shopping, and tourist destination. In recent years, Riverhead has seen a number of positive changes to their downtown, including the opening of the Long Island Aquarium, the reopening of the Suffolk Theater, and multiple housing projects. The town plans to use the funds to increase public gathering spaces on the Peconic River, create new pedestrian/bike access, and improve pedestrian/bike safety.
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