Hempstead's Revitalization of Franklin Avenue
From Journalism80
Nassau's 2007 Comprehensive Visioning Plan and Community Environment Improvement Project
Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr. have announced a $3 million investment initiative for the revitalization of Franklin Avenue in the downtown area of Hempstead Village.
On February 27, 2007, Suozzi and Hall unveiled the Comprehensive Visioning Plan, Including New Gateways and Beautification of Franklin Avenue and Peninsula Boulevard. Construction is planned to begin in Spring 2008.
The plan consists of the installation of new Franklin Avenue streetscape, decorative street lights, benches, and trash cans. Also, new brick sidewalks will be construction. The 'Village of Hempstead gateway' signs welcoming visitors to downtown Hempstead from northern and southern approaches also will be redesigned as part of the project, Suozzi said.
"The coordination between the County and the Village of Hempstead is an example of a partnership focused on achieving our goals for “New Suburbia” that includes revitalizing our downtowns,” Suozzi said in his official press release. “Mature suburbs like ours won't generate enough economic growth if we do nothing and just allow them to stagnate.”
The plan's $3 million cost will be covered by funding from Nassau County’s Capital Project. A series of public meetings will be held to finalize the plan's actions and discuss design services, which will be provided by the planning consultants Ferrandino and Associates, FX Fowle and Urbitran Associates, Inc.
"We are pleased to be working with Mayor Hall and the Village Trustees to support their efforts to help Hempstead realize its economic potential,” said Suozzi. “The Village of Hempstead has many assets: it is a major public transportation center with rail and bus terminals, it has a large downtown, and most importantly, it is centrally located. These improvements will reflect the pride of the residents of the Village of Hempstead and help spur economic activity. There is no reason that Hempstead can’t be a growing and vibrant business center, similar to suburban business centers in other counties, like New Rochelle or White Plains.”
County Executive Suozzi and Mayor Hall are encouraging planning recommendations from the community for what should be improved downtown. The first of these meetings was held on March 5, 2007 at the Hempstead Village Library.
Community Environment Improvement Project
Another improvement plan for Hempstead is part of Nassau county’s “Community Environment Improvement” project. This project, a county-wide effort to beautify specific areas throughout Nassau County, will upgrade the center median of Peninsula Boulevard from Franklin Avenue to President Street. The upgrade will include decorative paved edges, the installation of an aesthetically pleasing guide rail and the planting of over 70 trees.
“Improving the image and overall quality of life in the Village of Hempstead is not only critical to economic growth in the Village and the Hub at large, it also helps create the kind of community that we want our children - and their children - to grow up in,” Mayor Hall also said in the press release. “The revitalization of Franklin Avenue is just the beginning.”
Future Research
- What will be discussed at the next Comprehensive Visioning Plan town meeting
- Interview with Nassau County Executive Suozzi and Hempstead Mayor Hall and Village Trustees
- Blueprint for improvements
- How Hempstead residents feel regarding the $3 million improvements
Images
The current Hempstead Village sign
External Links
