Project Summary
Nassau's transit-served downtowns have been an integral part of our economic, social, and cultural backbone for over a century. Today, in the face of increasing housing, transportation, and energy costs, downtowns are once again being recognized for their ability to offer a range of housing and commutation options, while providing healthy and walkable mixed-use communities that address the interests of all residents.
Nassau County will conduct a feasibility study of sustainable infill development and opportunities to promote downtown transit-oriented development around up to three Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations located within and surrounding the Nassau Hub Transit Study Area. The County will form a Steering Committee made up of area residents, stakeholders, relevant municipal agencies, and County staff to determine the locations to be studied and the types of analyses needed. Among the types of analyses for consideration are economic development and affordable housing opportunities, pedestrian and transportation facility infrastructure improvement, and transportation linkages to major potential sites of employment, including the Grumman Property in Bethpage slated for redevelopment.
According to the Long Island Index and Regional Plan Association (RPA), Long Island currently has approximately 8,300 acres of surface parking/vacant land/open space for redevelopment in over 150 downtowns and rail station areas. The Study Area, which includes 19 of these station areas, is recognized as a regional area of significance by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC) and is an area crucial to promoting economic development for the County. Building off the County's new Master Plan, this study creates opportunities for serving the needs of our current and future population by:
- rethinking our land use patterns
- fostering transit oriented development
- reducing our auto dependence
- lowering our carbon footprint and
- expanding our population and tax base.
The ultimate goal of this effort is to increase the availability of mixed-income housing and jobs in transit-accessible, energy-efficient, and vibrant locations.