Town Board Completes Transfer of Northridge Site

Move clears way for Huntington Station master developer Renaissance Downtowns to begin construction of mixed-use building with 16 apartments, stores

          Huntington Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and the Town Council announce that the Town has completed transfer of a parcel at the corner of New York Avenue and Northridge Street to Huntington Station master developer Renaissance Downtowns, which plans soon to begin construction on a mixed-use building that will include 16 apartments and 6,500 square feet of retail space.

          The project is the first under the master development agreement between the Town and Renaissance and involves a half-acre parcel the Town has owned and has been trying to see developed for decades. Renaissance has committed to spending $5.3 million to develop the property, which, when completed, is estimated to generate $55,007 in tax revenue the first year, rising to $132,016 (at present rates) in 15 years. Renaissance, as part of a community benefits agreement, has also pledged to seek local contractors for the work and to seek local workers for the construction jobs and permanent jobs.  Renaissance will also make payments into a fund to be used for community projects.

          “This is an exciting next step in Huntington Station’s revitalization,” Supervisor Petrone said. “The Town has long looked to develop this property, which, because of its proximity to the Huntington train station, should be attractive to persons who want easy access to New York City. I look forward to the beginning of construction, its continued progress and to the eventual completion, with new residents moving to the area.”

Renaissance Downtowns president Don Monti said, “Today represents a true turning point for Huntington Station’s revitalization, which has been brought to fruition through one of the region’s most cooperative public-private partnerships. The Town’s efforts led by Supervisor Petrone and the Town Board, supported by the EDC, and town staff, is a model for other municipalities to follow.  Most importantly, I’d like to thank the entire community for their passion and involvement as we work together to co-create a brighter future for Huntington Station.”

          The proposal is in the final stages of its approval process, with is targeting issuance of a building permit in the next few weeks. As part of the closing process, Renaissance demonstrated to the Town that it has the full amount of the construction budget in hand.  Renaissance has partnered with Blue & Gold Homes to develop and construct the project.  With an office in Huntington, Blue & Gold Homes has constructed nearly 1,000 homes in Nassau and Suffolk Counties as well as Putnam County upstate.

          Northridge is one of several projects Renaissance, in its role as master developer, has proposed as part of Huntington Station revitalization. Also in the approval process is a proposal for a mixed-use building at New York Avenue and Olive Street that will include 66 apartments – 33 studios and 33 one-bedrooms – as well as ground-level retail. Renaissance has also proposed a hotel and office building for New York Avenue and Railroad Street, across from the train station, and artists’ lofts in what is now a municipal parking lot at New York Avenue and Church Street.

          The Town selected Renaissance Downtowns as master developer in 2011, with the mandate that the company would identify Huntington Station parcels currently owned by the Town and other properties that were potential development sites and seek out partners for specific projects. Renaissance engaged the community in activities, obtaining input on potential projects. Through its Source the Station subsidiary, it continues to hold regular community meetings and awards small grants for community improvement initiatives.