Big changes are coming to downtown Hicksville. Back in December of 2023, the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (NCIDA) approved a transaction for AR Hicksville, LLC for the development of an approximately 382,725 square-foot apartment building, with some of that space being reserved for retailers. The building will offer 189 apartment units, 19 of which will be workforce housing. The project represents a $134.8 million investment into the community and is set to create seven full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs within one year of completion, as well as 370 construction-phase jobs.
“Housing is an absolutely crucial element in Nassau’s ability to maintain and grow its economy,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman when the project was announced. “We are pleased to see the IDA’s support for this project and are looking forward to seeing it come to fruition.”
The building was set to be constructed on a 2.162 acre parcel of land at 99 Newbridge Road, 4 Duffy Ave. and 2-10 Jerusalem Ave. Making up its square-footage will be 233,517 square-feet of occupied space and 149,208 square-feet of structured parking. Due to its close proximity to Hicksville’s Long Island Rail Road Station, the project will offer transit-oriented housing.
“A project of this magnitude is not one that comes around every day,” said NCIDA Chairman William Rockensies. “It is set to provide hundreds of current and future Nassau residents with a place they can call home, including dozens who rely on workforce housing to support their families. It is very important that we ensure that our workers can live and thrive within our County, and we are proud to give this project our support.”
Of its occupied space, 7,660 square-feet will be reserved for three to six street-level retail spaces available for lease. This aspect of the project, along with the increased local shopping revenue brought by the building’s future residents, is expected to play a significant role in the Hicksville Revitalization Initiative. This initiative aims to improve Hicksville’s status as a hub of pedestrian-friendly local businesses, thus improving the economic state of one of Nassau’s most highly-populated hamlets.
“We are very excited by this project, not only because of the possibility of housing it will bring to Nassau residents, but also because of its ability to be a part of the Hicksville Downtown Revitalization Initiative,” said Todd Schefler, one of AR Hicksville’s principal owners. “Hicksville is a fantastic community that deserves to flourish. We are looking forward to playing whatever role we can in making that happen and we thank the IDA for their assistance in providing that opportunity.”
The project represents a $132 million investment into the community and will create 370 construction phase jobs. In addition, the project will transform an underutilized property adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road station into a vital centerpiece for local housing and jobs.
“Our mission for this project is to offer a space that helps Hicksville achieve its goals and provide value for its residents, and the Nassau County IDA has been a great partner to help us throughout this process,” continued Schefler. “This project was created to be a catalyst for downtown Hicksville’s revitalization, offering a high-quality housing option complete with retail space and walkable paths. We appreciate the support from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, the Town of Oyster Bay, and the State of New York and look forward to contributing to the town’s growth and the enhanced quality of life for its residents.”
Along with its boost to local business revenues, the project is set to provide substantial tax benefits to Nassau County. Over the course of its 20-year PILOT, the project is expected to bring in a net tax benefit of more than $17.4 million. When compared to the approximately $6.2 million that the property would generate in taxes over that time span without the project, the IDA’s assistance is set to result in a 282 percent increase in tax benefits to local taxing jurisdictions.
“When taking into account the tax benefits, local business revenue boosts and impact on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative that this project will provide, it makes total sense for the IDA to support this project,” said NCIDA Chief Executive Officer Sheldon L. Shrenkel. “The positive impact that it will provide is enormous. This is exactly the type of project we look to support and we are thrilled to help it get off the ground.”
Town officials have eagerly gotten involved. Earlier this month, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul — alongside other State, County and Town officials — joined the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency to celebrate the project’s initial construction phase.
The milestone was commemorated by a groundbreaking activity, during which public officials and Todd Schefler shoveled the first mound of dirt at the construction site as NCIDA leadership looked on in support. “A renaissance is coming to the Hicksville community thanks to this $111 million investment by Alpine Residential Development. Together, we’re moving forward with private sector developments and public works enhancements that transform the Hicksville business district into a vibrant downtown that millennials, families and empty-nesters desire – with housing, restaurants and office space near public transportation,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino. “My administration is committed to improving the quality of life in our communities by revitalizing downtowns, improving local parks, and keeping property taxes down. Today’s ground breaking is only the start of great things to come in downtown Hicksville.”
Hicksville’s downtown is undergoing a renaissance thanks in part to the vision of the Saladino administration and a $10 million State award for downtown revitalization. Future projects will support increased access to transportation, improved walkability, and 500 new housing opportunities. These projects, along with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s $132 million investment in the Hicksville railroad station, will continue to transform Hicksville into a vibrant downtown for downsizers, empty nesters, senior citizens and what millennials asked for and what will keep them here on Long Island.
In 2020, the first completed project in downtown Hicksville’s renaissance was unveiled at 35 Broadway, a vacant office building that was transformed by G2D Development Group into 18 new housing opportunities and a work-smart office-sharing space. In 2024, the Town will break ground for four additional projects, including a mixed-use development at 76, 80-82 North Broadway. This project, known as Fieldstone at North Broadway, consists of 108 residential units with retail and restaurant space.
The Town of Oyster Bay will also break ground in 2024 with $10 million in public improvement projects that include public space for seasonal outdoor activities — such as concerts, vendors; safer pedestrian access to the Long Island Rail Road station; and beautification of Broadway business district. This winter, the Town anticipates hosting public meetings to obtain community feedback on these planned improvements. The Town has been working with Hicksville Chamber members and civic association leaders, along with Vision Long Island and New York State, for several years to build consensus around well-designed redevelopment that meets the needs of local residents and the downtown area.
“This project is set to provide hundreds of current and future Nassau residents with a place they can call home, including dozens who rely on workforce housing to support their families,” said Rockensies. “These investments are geared to enhance quality of life throughout Nassau County, and this project is the epitome of that mission. We are proud to have approved this project and will continue to monitor the construction process and the numerous jobs that will be created. “It started today with just a pile of dirt and a shovel; it truly is the start of something new.”
For more information about the project, the beneficial impact it is anticipated to bring to Hicksville and NCIDA’s ongoing efforts to help make Nassau County one of the best places in the country to live and work, visit: https://nassauida.org/.
About the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (NCIDA)
The NCIDA is a public benefit corporation of the State of New York and is funded 100 percent by the transaction fees paid by its applicant clients, not through taxpayer dollars. The mission of the NCIDA is to support and promote economic development and employment opportunities in Nassau County by attracting new companies and industries, as well as assisting current businesses to grow and expand. For more information go to: www.nassauida.org.
—Original press releases submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay
