Hempstead's Revitalization of Franklin Avenue
From Journalism80
Background Information
Mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr. of the Village of Hempstead and Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi have announced a $3 million investment initiative for the revitalization of North Franklin Avenue in the downtown area of Hempstead Village.
On February 27, 2007, Suozzi and Hall unveiled the Comprehensive Visioning Plan, which includes various improvements for Franklin Avenue.
Hempstead officials hope that these improvements will help to bolster the location's image as well as increase its financial standing. According to a Census of Hempstead Village's economic characteristics, the percentage of individuals living below poverty level is 17.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%.
Suozzi and Hall are encouraging Hempstead residents to offer recommendations at town meetings for what the renovation plan for Franklin Avenue should include.
Quotes
"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.”
"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.”
“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.”
"A considerable infusion of state and federal funding as well as private investment have enabled the replacement of blighted storefronts, complete commercial building rehabilitations and the development of affordable housing for the local population" said James B. York, Hempstead Village's municipal historian.
"It is proud of its' cultural diversity and the resourcefulness and accomplishments of its' residents, both past and present," Mr. York says. "The Village of Hempstead is truly undergoing a renaissance that it is hoped will restore it to its' former prominence and prepare it for its' passage into the twenty first century."
Beautification of North Franklin Avenue Improvement Plan
- Installation of a new streetscape
- New decorative street lights, benches, and trash cans
- Construction of new brick sidewalks
Funding
The $3 million cost will be covered by funding from Nassau County’s Capital Project.
Schedule
Construction is planned to begin in Spring 2008, following a series of public meetings.
The first public meeting hosted to discuss plans for North Franklin Avenue as well as overall planning efforts, which include the ongoing update to the Comprehensive Plan and joint visioning efforts by the county and village, took place on March 5, 2007.
The meetings are attended by residents, business owners, civic leaders, clergy, environmentalists, and town or village officials. The community then begins to understand its priorities and construct a plan of action.
Future meetings will be held at the Hempstead Village Library, which is located on 115 Nichols Court, and will be posted on the lirary's schedule calendar.
Construction
Nassau County officials have selected the firm of Urbitran Associates, Inc., an engineering, architecture and planning firm, to provide design services.
A member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Urbitran incorporates environmentally aware design concepts. Construction is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008.
Images
Franklin Avenue in Downtown Hempstead
Census Bureau Map Showing the Percent of Persons Below the Poverty Level in Hempstead Village
Sources
Hempstead Village Government Offices
Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi
