Downtown Revitalization Inititative (DRI) & LIRR Third Track
The Village of Westbury received a $10 million funding award (July 2016) through the State of New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) to further downtown Westbury’s revitalization. The DRI Planning Team, with input from the Local Planning Committee (Village residents and stakeholders), have been hard at work developing priority projects to help make Westbury’s downtown the best it can be for all.
The New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative Strategic Investment Plan - Village of Westbury has been completed and submitted to the State for final review. The full plan is available by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
This information is from the
Fall 2017 Welcome to the Village of Westbury
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION INITATIVE (DRI) UPDATE
Thank you to all of the residents and stakeholders who participated in the DRI Local Planning Committee and DRI Public Engagement Sessions. Your input helped develop the proposed DRI plan we submitted to the State. On May 17, 2017, The Village of Westbury hosted Lt. Governor Kathleen Hochul who joined us at a press conference at the Piazza to announce funding for our DRI projects. The Village is currently proceeding with the necessary preparatory work to enter the next phase of project implementation. Following is an outline of approved projects that are to be funded by the $10 million NYS DRI Grant:
Rezoning
Plans are being developed to update the Village of Westbury downtown zoning to promote transit-oriented development and allow for a mix of residential and commercial uses near the LIRR station (the “Maple/Union Triangle”). This project will have a transformative impact on the area directly adjacent to the LIRR station and will spur further economic and business growth downtown.
Streetscape and Pedestrian Plaza
Streetscape improvements along Post Avenue from Northern State Parkway to Old Country Road will include: new trees, benches, bike racks, upgraded street lighting (LED), as well as upgrades to the Piazza. Changes to both the roadway and pedestrian space at the intersection of Post and Union Avenues will improve traffic safety and circulation and create a new pedestrian plaza that will improve the connection between downtown Westbury and the LIRR station, increasing pedestrian access and activity throughout the downtown.
Recreation and Community Center
We are currently developing the scope of work plan to improve and upgrade the Senior/Community Center, Recreation Building and Sports Center. Plans to modernize these facilities include: painting, new carpeting, improved lighting, refinishing the basketball court floor, etc. These primarily interior upgrades will allow the Village to better support our residents, including the complex’s approximately 300 daily users, through improving the facilities, as well as providing the building assets with longer useful lives.
Permanent Space for Westbury Art & Culture
The Village seeks to acquire a property located in the downtown corridor and allocate 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of the building to the Westbury Arts Council for art exhibits, classes, events and meetings. Arts and culture have become an increasingly important part of the downtown experience with high potential to drive economic activity and investment in the Village. A permanent space for Westbury Arts will provide increased opportunity for the community to participate in cultural activities and attract visitors who may also patronize Village restaurants and businesses.
Capital Improvements/Façade Program
The Village will partner with the Business Improvement District (“BID”) to build on the BID’s existing retail incentive program and previous façade improvement program to offer grants for capital improvements to targeted retail businesses in the downtown district. The program will be comprised of two tracks: 1) a fit out grant program designed to attract new businesses that will diversify the retail mix and 2) a façade improvement program designed to improve the aesthetics of existing downtown businesses.
I and the Board of Trustees are proud that Governor Cuomo recognized the Village with Long Island’s first-ever $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Grant. That recognition affirms our commitment to making sure that Westbury, the community that we love and is our home, has a long, successful and sustainable future. Please look for these improvements as we begin to implement our projects!