Seeking to provide increased housing options and recognizing the economic benefits of new construction projects, Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby announced that the town board has approved a zoning application that will clear the way for an innovative homes development adjacent to Nassau Community College in East Garden City.
The developer, AvalonBay of Long Island, plans to construct over 200 homes, which will be comprised of both rental and purchase houses. The variety of home choices will be unique, consisting of apartments, town homes and single-family houses.
“My colleagues on the town board and I are looking to provide more housing choices that meet the evolving needs of our residents and reflect their lifestyle priorities,” stated Murray. “Additionally, this project will stimulate the economy, creating vital construction jobs during a time when such work has been adversely impacted by a bruising recession.”
The town board was thorough in its review of the proposal, ensuring that the proposal would be harmonious with the character of the township. In fact, the plans provide for a pool, a playground and the preservation of historic homes at the site. Matt Whalen, Vice President of AvalonBay Long Island, stated that the Town of Hempstead asked all the right questions and worked with AvalonBay in reaching out to community stakeholders.
The Mitchel Field development includes eight homes designated as part of the Homes for Our Troops program, which will be built and specially adapted for severely wounded veterans. The existing “General’s Row” officer houses, which were built and operated since World War II and provided homes for many of the officers in the Navy, will be renovated to their original beautiful stature, assuring that an important part of the town’s history is preserved.
“I am proud that this project will honor the history of the service personnel for whom Navy homes were built at this location,” stated Murray. “It is fitting that eight of these historic homes will be donated for use by brave veterans who have been injured while serving our nation. I am also pleased that additional Navy homes at this location will be restored with modern conveniences and amenities.”
In addition, the development will provide a much-needed mix of housing types, including workforce housing. The development will include three distinct types of housing: single-family homes, 44 town houses and 160 apartments, which will attract singles, young couples and empty nesters. The need for housing that appeals to young professionals and young couples has been documented in numerous studies and the “baby boomer generation” is looking for alternative housing options from their single-family homes.
The approved plan also includes a donation of approximately 20 acres of land to be donated to Nassau Community College and Nassau County. This donation will allow both the county and college the opportunity to enhance their existing offerings to Town of Hempstead and Nassau County residents.
Councilwoman Goosby noted that AvalonBay has the capital needed to begin this development. “Done properly, this development will bring much-needed housing options, jobs, increased tax revenue and numerous other benefits to the residents of Hempstead,” stated Goosby.
“Reasonable and balanced development is essential to the continued growth and prosperity of our township,” remarked Councilwoman Goosby. “AvalonBay’s proposal to bring clustered rental homes, refurbish single-family houses and establish veterans housing at the former Navy property in Garden City clearly complements the character of the local community.”
“We’re very pleased that AvalonBay and the town have worked together to create a progressive development that will create needed housing, stimulate the economy, honor the rich naval history of this location and help improve the lives of wounded veterans,” concluded Murray. “I look forward to the groundbreaking and to a project that will enhance our township.”
