700 business, civic, and government leaders spotlight 25 years of successful downtown revitalization, housing, and infrastructure projects that were ‘Planned Locally’
Call to Action for a Downtown Revitalization Fund to support our Main Streets,
Chambers of Commerce and Local Municipalities
For 25 years, Vision Long Island has been honoring individuals, organizations, and projects that advance the growth of our downtowns. Focus areas include transit-oriented development, revitalizing communities, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, traffic calming, walkability, transportation choices, community & government leadership, and infrastructure.
Continuing this long-time practice, the 25th Annual LI Smart Growth Awards took place Friday, June 12th, at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury. The event brought together over 700 local civic groups, chambers, municipal governments, elected officials, walkability advocates, human services and infrastructure professionals from over 50 downtowns across Long Island. This year, over 60 nominations were considered, with 17 individual and project leadership awards selected.
Opening the awards ceremony was Eric Alexander, Director of Vision Long Island and founder of the Long Island Main Street Alliance. “Welcome everyone to the 25th Annual Long Island Smart Growth Awards,” Mr. Alexander boomed, greeting honorees and attendees.
“In a time when the regional public dialogue has been ‘build everywhere’ or ‘build nothing anywhere,’ these Smart Growth Award honorees have found an alternate path to those false choices based on collaboration, local planning, and investments of time, wisdom and resources. We not only salute these hundreds of honorees, but we can learn from their success and contribution to our local communities,” Eric Alexander, Director, Vision Long Island/Founder, LI Main Street Alliance.
Tawaun Whitty, Co-Director of Vision Long Island, acknowledged with heartfelt thanks the sponsors who made this event possible, including Platinum Sponsor, National Grid; Gold Sponsors, Concern Housing and Long Island Board of Realtors {LIBOR); and Silver Sponsors, Gotham, B2K Development, H2M Architects & Engineers, Heartland Business Center, The Shops on Broadway, Beechwood Homes, Saint Joseph’s University, M&T Bank, Mill Creek Residential, Breslin Realty, TRC, Veolia, PSEG Long Island, VHB, IMEG, Terwilliger & Bartone, and Altice. The over fifty generous Bronze Sponsors were also thanked. “There are so many supporters of Vision Long Island and this event in this room today,” Ms. Whitty announced.
“For 25 years, the Smart Growth Awards has shown there is still a lot of good out there. Their contributions may not always make headlines, but these honorees have put in the work to better our communities, despite the challenges they face. Now more than ever, we are proud to acknowledge their innovative ideas, care for community, ability to partner, and perseverance to make Long Island better,” Tawaun Whitty, Co-Director, Vision Long Island.
“By building in a way that focuses on people and the public realm, we can create places that support our communities in a way that auto-oriented and auto-dependent development cannot. Over the years these projects and policies have helped to bring people together into our downtowns and can help make our streets and public spaces comfortable, attractive and accessible for all,” Elissa Kyle, Placemaking Director, Vision Long Island.
In Memoriam
Mr. Alexander took a moment to remember the recent passing of Howard Stein, Managing Partner of Certilman Balin and a Board Member of Vision Long Island. He reflected on Mr. Stein as a guide and mentor who was always generous with his time, influence, and expertise. His knowledge was extraordinary, and he provided invaluable support and guidance to so many over the years.
Call to Action
Before the award ceremony began, a Call To Action was announced. Attendees were asked to sign on to a letter of support requesting New York State create a New York State Downtown and Community Revitalization Fund. This fund would provide grants to chambers of commerce, BIDs, and municipalities for local projects and events that support and strengthen Long Island Main Streets.
Funds under such a new program, which would be similar to Suffolk County’s Downtown Revitalization Grant Program, would help communities support walkways, park improvements, business façade enhancements, public art, and Main Street events. Such a fund would be a natural extension of the goals of New York State’s cornerstone Downtown Revitalization Fund, which largely focuses on large-scale projects. These funds would bring vital resources to Long Island communities and would not only strengthen small business ecosystems, but also reduce the burden of constant community fundraising.
“We need to match on the state level. Setting up a New York State Downtown and Community Revitalization Fund would support chambers and municipalities for smaller projects. The Long Island Lobby Coalition hopes to try to get this into this year’s budget,” explained Eric Alexander.
Economic & Community Impact of 25 Years of Award Winners
Over the last 25 years, 328 Smart Growth Awards have been presented to Long Island projects, plans, individuals and organizations. 60 Plans have been recognized working with local communities to bring revitalization, environmental benefits and public amenities to our Main Streets.
115 Organizations and Individuals have been recognized for leadership in corporate, community, government, labor and environmental sectors. 154 Downtown and Infrastructure projects have been selected with the following community and economic impact:
• 19,500 units of primarily mixed use and TOD housing, 3,600 units of those are affordable or workforce housing.
• The estimated impact of mixed use housing projects recognized results in over 24,000 jobs and over a billion dollars in tax revenue to local government services. The multiplier economic impact on consumer spending for our downtowns from these new residents is incalculable.
• Over 1 million square feet of commercial space has been recognized as part of these mixed-use developments.
• Over 20 traffic calming projects were recognized in multiple communities across Long Island to address our dangerous roads.
• Over $2 billion of investment in wastewater infrastructure projects have been recognized in multiple projects in Nassau and Suffolk Counties to help clean our water and accommodate downtown growth.
• 73 different Long Island communities received an award. Many multiple.
You can view a retrospective video of 25 years of honorees here.
Featured Speakers
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine
On Long Island, I think we should always be focused on the future. We should cast a backward glance to look at the past and learn from it, but we should build for the future. There are so many things that we should be building, like a transportation hub at Ronkonkoma, which is absolutely necessary. We need the leadership of everyone in Suffolk and Nassau to work together. We are an integrated island, and we need to cooperate and work on the future of this island.
We need more housing on Long Island, but housing does not exist in a vacuum. We need the infrastructure to go with housing. This infrastructure should include rail. All you have to do is drive on any of our highways to understand that we should be moving more people by rail and public transit than we do today, because our highways are clogged. We should be offering more alternatives for affordable housing, and we have locations where we can do that. I look at places like the former Coast Guard housing near MacArthur Airport, where 50 duplex units have sat vacant for seven years and have been vandalized. We could revitalize those properties and turn them into affordable housing in a community that could benefit from it. The same is true in Melville, where the state owns several homes that have sat vacant for more than seven years and could be converted into housing.
The challenges of affordable housing, transportation, energy, and all the major issues before us require a commitment to the future. We need to carry the future with us. We can’t simply turn away and let things happen. We need a plan for a better future.
I would also like to talk about some successes. My compliments to the Town of Huntington. We just landed NYU Langone, which will be building a $1 billion hospital in Melville. Once it’s built, it will be a tremendous boost for the economy and create good-paying jobs. You will likely see many doctors’ offices locating in Melville as well, and the vacancy issues that Melville has experienced over the last few years will begin to disappear. We will put the Route 110 corridor to much better use.
Now we have got to look at other areas where we can make a difference. Obviously, Ronkonkoma is one of them. When I served as supervisor, I saw the opportunity to revitalize Ronkonkoma’s north side. Working with the developer Tritec, Station Yards was built. I think it came out great. On the south side, we are looking for something a little different—not housing, but perhaps medical, research, or a host of other possibilities. We are going to test the waters with an RFP.
We are on a tightrope here on Long Island, and when you are walking a tightrope, you either move forward or you fall off. We are not going to fall. We are not going to fail. The leadership of this island is in this room. The people sitting around these tables are going to determine our future.
Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips
To the honorees, God bless you. Thank you for making our communities better.
We like to remind people outside Nassau County that our population is greater than that of 10 states in the United States. Our GDP is greater than that of 100 countries in the United Nations. We have the best beaches, the best restaurants, the best shopping, the best schools, and the best public facilities, thanks to our great town supervisors.
Newsday reported yesterday that home prices in Nassau County were up over 9%. Suffolk, you were even higher. So think about a homeowner who bought a property last year—their home already has 10% equity in that home. The issue is how do we build that economic base.
In Nassau County, we are so proud to partner with developers on projects like Baldwin Commons, 33 units, one- and two-bedroom apartments, including affordable housing, Carmen Place, 228 residential units, many of which are affordable. We had a dilapidated property—the old Long Beach Motor Inn. We donated it to Tunnel to Towers, and they have created 42 apartments for veterans, along with veteran services. We are establishing partnerships to create housing for people with disabilities. We have one home already and four more coming.
New York State Senator Monica Martinez
These are great things happening not only in our district, but in our state. I am here to highlight a few of the key initiatives we brought home from Albany to Long Island—particularly in areas that align with the work you do every day and with the mission of Vision Long Island.
First and foremost, we all recognize there is a housing shortage in New York. For those of you working on transit-oriented development, I want to emphasize that the state remains deeply committed to supporting these efforts through funding opportunities and homebuyer assistance programs. These investments help revitalize existing neighborhoods and downtowns—the very kinds of communities represented here today. The grants being provided, both by the county and the state, are helping make that vision a reality.
Infrastructure is also essential to Smart Growth. This year’s budget included historic investments in clean water projects. Protecting Long Island’s water resources is one of the most important priorities we face. These investments support environmental protection and community infrastructure while strengthening both economic development and environmental sustainability.
We also worked to reform SEQRA. Our goal was to streamline the process while ensuring environmental stakeholders remained at the table. We listened carefully to those concerns and worked to strike the right balance—maintaining strong environmental protections while allowing responsible development to move forward on Long Island and across New York State.
The budget also reaffirmed New York’s commitment to clean energy through investments in solar power, energy efficiency, grid modernization, and other sustainable infrastructure projects that will support future growth. Together, these investments help create the vibrant, walkable, and economically competitive communities that Vision Long Island strives to promote.
I also want to highlight New York State’s continued commitment to education. We often talk about economic development, but sustainable economic growth depends on a well-educated workforce and giving young people the foundation they need to succeed.
New York has accomplished a great deal when it comes to supporting children, families, and education, and I am proud of the progress we continue to make. Thank you again, congratulations to all of today’s honorees, and thank you to the sponsors for helping make this event possible.
Brian Sapp, Director of External Affairs for National Grid and the LI Smart Growth Awards lead sponsor, spoke about their support of Project Warmth and the ongoing community work the National Grid team provides across Long Island.
Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jenn Desena spoke about the importance of Project Independence for seniors and the Town’s Master Planning efforts.
Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter spoke about the accomplishments the Town of Islip has had on affordable housing and paid tribute this years projects.
You can view a video of the entire Luncheon here.
Revitalizing Communities
Village of Mineola & Adam Mann
The redevelopment of 199 Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, envisions the construction of an approximately 40,000-square-foot mixed-use building on a nearly 0.5-acre parcel strategically located with frontage along Jericho Turnpike.
The shuttered home of a Bank of America, developer Adam Mann of 199 Mineola LLC has received approval for a four-story, 28-unit apartment building with 36 parking spaces. Amenities will include a business room and gym.
The plans include preservation of the existing storefront. Although the building is not officially designated as historic, it is widely regarded as architecturally and historically significant within Mineola, and community members have expressed a strong desire to retain its character and aesthetic.
As a prominent gateway into the Village, the proposed development will meet community expectations, respecting the area’s historic character, and introducing new mixed-use housing which supports Mineola’s continued growth and vitality.
Planned locally, residents have expressed enthusiasm about the project and its role in enhancing downtown Mineola. The development of 199 Jericho Turnpike will serve as a new anchor to the Jericho Turnpike corridor and catalyze other revitalization projects in this area of the Village.
“With a kind of 1920s, 1930s facade, the facade will be restored and maintained. The building will be built around it and within it. The building is going to consist of retail on the first floors and 28 units above with parking spots behind the building. About half of the units will qualify as affordable. This will give an alternative to the more high end amenity laden projects in our downtown. This will attract a resident that is looking for an apartment at a different price point. We are taking a gateway to the village and making it an attractive building, so it’s a win-win,” explained Paul Pereira, Mayor of the Incorporated Village of Mineola.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Revitalizing Communities
Sisters of St. Joseph & Concern Housing
For more than 169 years, the Sisters of St. Joseph have served the people of Long Island. As a congregation, their ministries consistently reflect their mission and values. A central focus of their work has been the education and empowerment of women, encompassing spiritual formation, ecological stewardship, sustainability initiatives, and efforts that promote justice and social change.
Recognizing the need for housing among the poor and marginalized, the Sisters of St. Joseph have partnered with Concern Housing to develop affordable units on their Brentwood campus. This $120 million development, called Joseph’s Village, will include 139 studios, 33 one-bedroom, and four two-bedroom units. Half of the units will be affordable housing, with rents averaging $1,200, while the other half will provide supportive housing for veterans with behavioral health issues and people with disabilities, with rents averaging $250 a month.
Under supportive housing, residents will have access to social workers, mental health counseling, and other services. Amenities for all residents will include a community room, exercise facility, computer room/library, and a laundry room. Concern Housing will have complete responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Joseph’s Village, but as the housing will be located on the Sisters of St. Joseph’s 212-acre campus, the sisters expect the residents will become part of the fabric of the community on the Brentwood property.
Planned locally, there were multiple outreached meetings with the local Brentwood community, and it is expected to open in 2028.
“We are very excited about the movement that we have made toward including supportive housing on our property. When I met Ralph Fasano, I approached him with the hope that he could convert existing buildings into sustainable supportive housing,” noted Sister Tesa Fitzgeral, President of St. Josephs.
“We are really thrilled to be able to preserve three buildings. Half of the apartments are supportive housing for people who do not have a safe, decent place to live and who need services. The other half will be for people who cannot afford to live on Long Island,” stated Ralph Fassano, Executive Director for Concern for Independent Living.
“It will be home to a diverse population, a population that is not necessarily well served at present but certainly will be under the good caring of the sisters,” added Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Transit-Oriented Development
Town of Islip & Georgica Green Ventures
One Carleton Green is a $65 million transformative, mixed-use, and mixed-income, multifamily development with supportive units, located at 1 Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. The project consists of a new modular construction three-story building which will include 96 apartments with prime ground floor retail space along Carleton Avenue. The unit mix includes 9 studios, 62 one-bedroom apartments, and 25 two-bedroom apartments plus 1 two-bedroom apartment for an on-site superintendent. This development includes 15 supportive units for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities with services provided by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
Developed by Georgica Green Ventures, One Carleton Green is designed as all-electric, high level of building energy performance with Energy Star products and materials. Features include site-sourced solar panels, EV charging stations, bike racks, and on-site resident amenities.
The project also provides 10 fully accessible and adapted, move-in ready units for persons with mobility impairments and 5 fully accessible and adapted, move-in ready units for persons with hearing and vision impairments.
One Carleton Green represents a bold opportunity for community growth and a vibrant downtown, while advancing a holistic vision to make Long Island more affordable and accessible for all.
“If you went to the dictionary and looked for a Transit Oriented Development, this is what you are going to see. It is the starting point for the Regional Economic Development Grant District that we received the 10 million grant for. This is the beginning of transforming that whole region and creating that sense of downtown for Central Islip,” explained Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “This is a totally 100% affordable project, yet the community embraced it.”
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Human Needs
Town of North Hempstead
As communities evolve, local governments strive to balance the preservation of neighborhood character with the creation of opportunities that address the changing needs of residents at all stages of life. The Town of North Hempstead continues to embody this approach.
One of the many programs and services the Town has for seniors is Project Independence, the first comprehensive aging-in-place initiative sponsored by a local government in New York State. Project Independence, administered by the Town of North Hempstead Department of Services for the Aging, provides services and opportunities for seniors to live independently while maintaining socially active and healthy lives. The program supports seniors who wish to continue living in their own homes.
This highly successful multi-service aging-in-place initiative partners with local health care providers, human service agencies, social, educational, and recreational programs, and local businesses to meet the needs of seniors seeking support to remain active and healthy in their communities as they grow older.
North Hempstead’s Project Independence has increased its membership by an average of a little over a thousand residents a year since its inception in 2009. Despite the increased workload, Project Independence continues to provide high-quality care for North Hempstead’s seniors year after year.
“Project Independence is a promise to our seniors that they can age in place in the community that they built, where they paid school taxes, sometimes for 50 years. They can stay here and be safe with their friends and family,” Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena added.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Human Needs
Project Warmth – United Way & National Grid
At the heart of every community is the ability to meet the needs of its residents. Human needs, such as access to warm housing, shapes how communities succeed. One out of three households on Long Island do not earn enough to make ends meet or heat their homes during the bitter winter months, including working families and seniors on fixed incomes.
Project Warmth is an emergency energy assistance fund administered by the United Way of Long Island, in partnership with National Grid. It serves as a financial safety net for residents who are facing heating emergencies.
This program provides a one-time grant for energy and/or energy-related electricity. Payments are made directly to oil and utility companies on behalf of eligible residents facing heating emergencies. For these families, assistance with an oil delivery or utility arrears means they have room in their budgets to cover essentials like food or medication.
Last winter, more than 2,000 households facing heating emergencies, including 1,362 children, received critical assistance through United Way’s Project Warmth program. Supported by a $500,000 grant from the National Grid Foundation, the program helped ensure that vulnerable families were able to stay safe and warm during the winter months.
“Our biggest HEAT HERO is National Grid,” stated Craig Fligstein, Chief Grant Officer for United Way Long Island. “This past year they gave us a very generous $600,000 grant, which helped us serve 2000 families.”
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Walkability
Village of Amityville
The Village of Amityville, together with its representatives and residents, has long been committed to expanding, enhancing, and strengthening walkability and transit connectivity while introducing new opportunities for shopping, businesses, and housing along the Broadway corridor.
Before receiving New York State’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant in 2022, the Village had already invested in projects to improve walkability and bikeability throughout the DRI area.
These efforts included enhanced lighting, crosswalks, and ADA accessibility along Park Avenue and Broadway, as well as dedicated pedestrian and bicycle connections near the LIRR station linking key parts of downtown. They also conducted a walking audit with Vision Long Island and AARP to begin the process of pedestrian improvements.
Since receiving the DRI grant, the Village has advanced several projects, including a Façade Improvement Program, traffic-calming measures, lighting and sidewalk upgrades, enhanced pedestrian connections from the LIRR station to downtown via John and Oak Streets, and a new pedestrian walkway beneath the LIRR trestle linking the station to Broadway near Pete’s Diner.
More recently, the Village of Amityville partnered with Suffolk County and Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) to complete the 2025 Village of Amityville Downtown Active Transportation Study. Developed with extensive public input, the study provides a roadmap for improving mobility, safety, and quality of life while advancing smart growth principles. This initiative marks another significant step in the Village’s ongoing efforts to create a more vibrant, accessible, and pedestrian-friendly community.
“This work is all about getting people in and around Amityville in the most safe and efficient way,” Michael O’Neill, Mayor of the Village of Amityville, elaborated.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Environment
Working Waterfront Program – Suffolk County
On September 29, 2025, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine signed the “Working Waterfronts” bill into law, establishing a framework to preserve commercial waterfront properties for active maritime use, including fishing, boating, ship repair, and other water-dependent industries.
The law is designed to protect Suffolk County’s maritime economy, support local jobs, and prevent waterfront properties from being converted to non-maritime uses. There are currently 2,400 acres of commercial waterfront property throughout Suffolk County. Participation in the program is a voluntary agreement between Suffolk County and the owner of the property. The agreement protects the property with a Conservation Easement held in perpetuity by Suffolk County. The Easement specifies the allowed use of the property by limiting it as a Working Waterfront in perpetuity.
The County program is based on its highly successful Farmland Preservation program, which has preserved over 10,000 acres of farmland. The Working Waterfront Program is voluntary and allows property owners to sell future development rights to the County through the easement. The land remains privately owned but cannot be developed beyond its current use, ensuring waterfront access for commercial fishing fleets, oyster farmers, baymen, and others who rely on the water for their livelihood.
By protecting Suffolk County’s working waterfronts, the County is protecting its economy, food supply, and character of its coastal communities.
“All of our waterfronts, particularly on the East End, are beginning to disappear—especially the working waterfronts, the marinas, dockyards, docks, and other places where people make a living. We cannot allow condominiums to take over the waterfront because these are resources we cannot afford to lose,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine explained. That is why we developed a program to preserve these docks and working waterfronts before they disappear.”
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Community Leadership
Joye Brown, Newsday
Community leadership manifests in diverse ways, from grassroots activists driving direct change to subtle catalysts empowering underrepresented groups. Regardless of their methods, these leaders improve lives by addressing everything from housing and business to social issues. For over four decades, Joye Brown has exemplified this less customary form of leadership, driving change not from the streets, but through the power of her reporting.
As a veteran columnist and editor at Newsday, Ms. Brown has spent years serving as the eyes, ears, and very often the conscience of Long Islanders. Unlike traditional civic leaders who operate within specific organizations, her leadership spans across multiple boundaries, utilizing her editorial podium to illuminate the voices of those who live and work on Long Island.
Ms. Brown is recognized as a person who drives positive change through the power of the press. A fierce advocate for justice, she has consistently used her column to champion minority communities. The NAACP Long Island Region recognized this lifelong dedication by honoring her as a “champion for all communities and all people.” Furthermore, her leadership is defined by her resolute investigative work, which earned her a Pulitzer Prize finalist distinction in the Public Service category.
Ms. Brown brings the voices of local communities to a regional stage – for nearly 20 years she has hosted an annual forum for Town Supervisors and Village Mayors at the LI Smart Growth Summit and has her ear on the ground as to what the important issues are for our Main Streets. Her role in actively running Newsday TV brings yet another platform for her work reaching well beyond traditional print media.
Beyond her writing, she actively invests in the region’s future by mentoring young reporters and local high school students. Through her unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and public service, Joye Brown does not just report on the Long Island community, she actively shapes, protects, and elevates it.
“The words that come to mind when speaking about Joye Brown are Intelligence, caring about community, diligence, passionate, incredibly informed. She is really an institution within media. She is ultimately one of the most trusted people I know,” noted Eric Alexander.
James Madore, Economics and Business reporter at Newsday added, “Joye Brown is all about community, whether it is a hamlet, a village, a town, a county, or all of Long Island, and that is why Joye is so effective as a journalist.”
Joye Brown’s remarks:
“This honor truly means a great deal to me, thank you. Congratulations to all of the honorees. Looking around this room, it is clear that this recognition is shared among people who care deeply about their communities and are willing to do the hard work of making them better.
A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of days in Spain with family. During a tour, a house was pointed out where Miguel de Cervantes had lived and done some of his writing. We were asked if we knew who Cervantes was. When we answered, “Of course—Don Quixote,” the [guide] stopped the cart, turned around, and told us we were the first Americans he’d met who knew the answer. I found that hard to believe. And standing in this room, I know it isn’t true.
The whole point of Miguel Cervantes’s greatest work was the tension between an idea or idealism and reality, and the power of transformation and I think that is what brings each and every one of us here today. Every one is being honored for navigating the gap between an idea or idealism, that we can have different kinds of housing, and the reality of getting it done.
The communities and leaders being honored here understand that challenge. They see possibilities where others see obstacles. They work to bridge the gap between what people imagine and what can actually be achieved. The challenges we face on Long Island aren’t windmills, they are fear, misinformation, resistance to change, and sometimes the belief that nothing can be done.
A lot of what we are talking about today is what a community wants, in addition to what it needs. We are talking about taking that into account. I think we rarely consider what community gives to us, what the people of Long Island give to us. Give to me. For me personally, today’s conversation is ultimately about community.
During my years at Newsday you have kept me honest. You have lifted me up when my career wasn’t gone so well. You have told me when my work means something. You told me that my work needs something. Best of all, you tell me when I was full of crap. You have opened my eyes to new ideas and over all this time, to new generations and to new ways of doing things. No Fear. That’s why I still love climbing into the trenches with you.
Don Quixote carried a lance. I carry a pen – a reminder to keep tilting at those windmills. Thank you for this recognition. “
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Transit-Oriented Development
The Cornerstone Kings Park –
Town of Smithtown & Terwilliger&Bartone
Developer Terwilliger & Bartone’s newest Cornerstone is found in the heart of downtown Kings Park, just 300 feet away from the Kings Park branch of the Long Island Railroad.
The Cornerstone Kings Park is a private $22 million investment, located at 31 Meadow Road West, on the site of the long shuttered Sombrero’s Southwest Grill. This boutique project features 5 studios, 32 one-bedroom units, and 9 two-bedroom units, for a total of 46 units. Along with an underground parking garage, amenities include a fitness center, clubhouse, co-working space, and direct access to LIRR platform.
This project, planned locally and with support from the Town of Smithtown, relied on the community lead Revitalizing Downtown Kings Park Action Plan. The document identified the chosen site as appropriate for residential apartments. The developer also drew input on issues such as building facades and streetscapes from the community plan.
The Cornerstone Kings Park is the first tangible effort to re-energize Kings Park’s downtown by attracting new opportunities to create a vibrant, diverse and walkable downtown, a downtown that will benefit both long term residents and those looking to plant roots in this unique community.
“We believe Cornerstone Kings Park is going to be the impetus to reinvigorate the downtown, put the spark that they need, put the feet on the ground. It’s an exciting project,” added Anthony Bartone, CEO, Terwilliger & Bartone Properties.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Transit-Oriented Development
The Carriage House –
Village of Patchogue & Nord Development
The Carriage House, a mixed-use development in Downtown Patchogue, is a $160 million transit-oriented development transforming an underutilized site at 214 West Main Street into a vibrant residential and commercial destination.
Led by Nord Development Group, the project creates 262 new homes, including 53 affordable units, and delivers major infrastructure improvements that will strengthen both housing needs and transportation networks. Of the 53 affordable units, three will be designated for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, and three will be reserved for veterans.
The Carriage House includes two five-story buildings totaling 455,000 square feet, bisected by the Patchogue River and connected by a new public riverwalk. The development features a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments; ground-floor retail and community office space; and more than 400 structured parking spaces.
Designed for sustainability and connectivity, the project incorporates a 40-kilowatt solar array, reflective roofing, and both a bike-share and electric shuttle service linking residents to the Patchogue LIRR Station and downtown corridor.
Expected to open in spring 2027, The Carriage House is an example of how housing can be developed to support an entire community.
“It is going to be housing for young families. They cleared up a blighted area on Main Street. It is walkable to downtown. It is an important addition to our housing community,” Paul Pontieri, Mayor of the Village of Patchogue described.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Transit-Oriented Development
Scally Place – Village of Westbury & Alpine Residential
Scally Place, located at 353 Union Avenue, Westbury, is a $97 million, 187 unit apartment transit-oriented residential development situated on 1.9 acres in the Village of Westbury’s transit-oriented development zone.
Just steps from the Westbury Long Island Railroad Train Station and the Westbury Downtown Business District, 23 of the apartments will be set aside for affordable housing, with three units as veteran-preferred housing. The four-story building replaces several vacant industrial properties on Union Avenue.
The development incorporates a mix of micro-units, studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, providing for the housing needs of singles, couples, families, and seniors. The building, with underground parking and surface parking for 206 vehicles, totals 225,749 square feet. Amenities include a pool, fitness center, lounge, co-working space and a multi-purpose room.
The project is a collaboration among the developer, Hicksville-based Alpine Residential, the Village of Westbury, a New York State “pro-housing community,” and New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Bolstering the Village of Westbury’s ongoing revitalization efforts, Scally Place, a community-driven project, will attract new residents and support the Village’s continuing pursuit to be a model transit-oriented, diverse, walkable, arts-centric downtown.
“Alpine came in and were very amenable to our suggestions and with meeting with the different stakeholders in the community. It is going to upgrade two or three acres of property right in the prime center of the TOD zone, which was really our goal,” Mayor of Westbury Peter Cavallaro stated.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Transit-Oriented Development
The Grand at Baldwin – Town of Hempstead & Breslin Realty
The Grand at Baldwin, located on 1.7-acres at the intersection of Sunrise Highway, between Grand Avenue and Harrison Avenue in Baldwin, is situated directly across from the Baldwin Long Island Rail Road station, providing seamless access to NYC and surrounding Nassau County communities.
The four-story, 166,984 square foot, $100 million mixed-use development, features 215 upscale apartment units, consisting of 46 studio apartments, 138 one-bedroom units, and 31 two-bedroom units. A total of 22 of these units are offered at a reduced price for income-eligible tenants.
With on-site covered parking, amenities include a 688-square-foot rooftop lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, and advanced LATCH Key Fob entry. The ground floor level incorporates 5,000 square feet of commercial space.
The Grand at Baldwin, developed by Breslin Realty, supported by the Town of Hempstead, and planned locally, serves as a major catalyst for the long proposed revitalization of downtown Baldwin, marking another important step for the Baldwin Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
This development not only offers easy access to New York City, it will help strengthen the economic health and revitalization of Baldwin, benefitting both long term residents and those looking to plant roots in this wonderful community.
“We’ve been at this for about 30 years now, trying to revitalize our downtown areas. I believe that Breslin’s project is the jump start of it all, the economic growth, the vitality of being so close to the Long Island Railroad, but also being able to bring new jobs, new residents to that downtown,” Willy Zambrano of the Baldwin Civic Association reflected.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Affordable Housing
Island Park – Town of Hempstead & Tunnels to Towers
Marking the launch of a major housing initiative for veterans at the site of the former Long Beach Motor Inn, construction has begun on Island Park Veterans Village.
Developed by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the project supports the Foundation’s mission to end veteran homelessness on Long Island. Located at 3915 Austin Boulevard, the long-shuttered motel will be transformed into a 42-unit affordable housing community for veterans.
In 2024, Nassau County donated the property to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The motel, closed since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, had become a blighted, disrepair‑ridden property associated with illegal activity.
A Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village is more than just housing. Residents will have access to a comprehensive range of on-site support services, including job training, benefits assistance, educational support, financial management counseling, legal advocacy, healthcare access, mental health services, PTSD counseling, and addiction treatment programs. Together, these resources are designed to help veterans achieve long-term stability, independence, and a higher quality of life.
Launched in 2022, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Homeless Veteran Program has already provided housing assistance to over 17,500 veterans and 8,000 of their children.
Affordable Housing
Wyandanch-Alegria North –
Town of Babylon & D&F Development
A new $48.2 million affordable apartment development from D&F Development Group is coming to Wyandanch. Alegria North, a four-story, 82,000-square-foot rental building on a 1-acre site at 309 Merritt Avenue, is steps away from the Wyandanch Long Island Railroad Station.
The project brings 81 apartments, consisting of 41 one-bedroom units, 37 two-bedroom units, and 3 three-bedroom units. Amenities include a fitness center, EV chargers, interior courtyard with a recreation area, and a management office. The development will be restricted to renters earning from 30 percent to 70 percent of the area median income, with monthly rents ranging from $1,169 to $2,500.
Twenty-one apartments are set aside for tenants with special needs, with services provided by Concern for Independent Living and New Hour Women & Children-LI. Nine units are accessible to persons with physical impairments and four units for people with hearing/visual impairments. Referrals and services will be provided by the Long Island Center for Independent Living.
This development hits every note, including the high demand and unmet need for rental affordable workforce housing in the Wyandanch area, while contributing to the transformation of a targeted downtown revitalization site by promoting a walkable downtown and encouraging local economic growth.
“This is another project that is along the Straight Path corridor, part of hundreds of units that are being developed in the area, along with a major commercial revitalization. We are really proud to be part of that effort,” Peter Florey, Principal D&F Development Group stated.
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing Program – Town of East Hampton
It has long been the goal of the Town of East Hampton for all residents to have an opportunity to obtain adequate and affordable housing, and it is the Town’s Office of Housing and Community Development which is dedicated to providing these housing opportunities.
Under its Homeownership Program, the Town constructs a new residence on Town-owned land and makes that house available for purchase at an affordable price. The Town maintains ownership of the underlying land. Homeowners are responsible for the purchase of the home, the resulting mortgage, and for paying all other costs normally associated with homeownership. When a homeowner decides to sell, the Town will repurchase it and offer it to the next qualified individual or family.
The Town’s commitment to affordable housing is long standing. As of 2021, East Hampton had created 531 affordable housing units. In 2024, the Town was named the first Pro-Housing Community by New York State on LI. The Green at Gardiner’s Point was an important catalyst for this designation. The 50-unit housing complex brought to life five two-story energy efficient buildings. Forty-one units are available for people making 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), eight are rented through the federal government’s Section 8 program, and one is reserved for the resident manager.
More recently, continuing with its commitment to affordable housing, East Hampton is taking steps to spur new accessory apartments in the hopes of alleviating the region’s affordable housing crisis. The Town hopes to raise the number of ADUs, with a cap of 40 per school district, and 200 townwide.
“The median house price in our town is now $2.4 million. We are a town founded and maintained by fishermen, farmers and working families who now struggle to live here. We are getting rid of the word NIMBY. We are going with YIMBY. Yes, in my backyard,” Town of East Hampton Councilwoman Cate Rogers told the attendees.
Corporate Leadership
Elizabeth Custodio, M&T Bank
For over four decades, Elizabeth Custodio has exemplified the qualities of an exceptional corporate leader through her commitment to banking, community development, and economic equity. A longtime Stony Brook resident, Ms. Custodio has dedicated her career to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities throughout Long Island.
As Vice President and Regional CRA Officer at M&T Bank, she has been instrumental in advancing community reinvestment initiatives, promoting economic growth, and fostering partnerships that support historically underserved populations. Her fluency in Spanish and deep understanding of diverse communities has enabled her to build trusted relationships across the business, nonprofit, government, education, and community sectors. These partnerships proved especially impactful during the Covid pandemic, when her leadership helped connect critical resources to those most in need.
Her influence extends well beyond her professional role. She is widely recognized as a trusted advisor, mentor, board member, and advocate whose work has strengthened communities and empowered others to succeed. Throughout her career, she has remained guided by a simple but powerful principle: providing honest and ethical service that is fair to both her clients and the Long Island community. Her dedication to integrity, collaboration, and service-driven leadership has left a lasting legacy and makes her exceptionally deserving of recognition with this Corporate Leadership Award.
“I’ve known Liz for coming up probably 20 plus years right now. I’ve always known her to be a true professional. More than that, as we network, as we collaborate on projects, she actually really cares about people. She understands people. This is what makes her such a fantastic person,” Executive Director at Nassau County Department of Minority Affairs Lionel Chitty reinforced.
Elizabeth Custodio’s remarks:
“I am truly honored to accept this Corporate Leadership Award from Vision Long Island. This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it comes from an organization so deeply committed to strengthening our communities and shaping a more equitable and sustainable future for Long Island. I am grateful to be among so many leaders who share a passion for progress, partnership, and purpose.
In my role as Community Investment Administrator, I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of banking and community development, where the decisions we make can open doors, create opportunities, and help families and neighborhoods thrive. But this work is never done.
I want to thank my colleagues and leadership at M&T Bank for their continued support and for fostering a culture that truly values community reinvestment and responsible growth. I am also deeply appreciative of the community organizations, advocates, and partners we work with every day. You are the driving force behind meaningful change. I would also like to thank my coworkers and my family.
I’d like to share a brief moment that reminds me why this work matters so much. Years ago, I met a community partner who was working to develop affordable housing for families who had been priced out of their own neighborhoods. What stayed with me was not just the project itself, but the stories behind it—families who simply wanted stability, a safe place to live, and a chance to build a future. Being part of the effort to help bring that project closer to reality reinforced for me that what we do goes far beyond numbers or regulations. It is about peoples’ dignity and opportunity. That perspective continues to guide me every day.
For me, leadership is about listening, building trust, and creating pathways for others to succeed. It is about being intentional with our impact and ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
I accept this award not only with gratitude, but also with a renewed commitment to continue this work—to keep showing up, to keep building partnerships, and to keep investing in the communities we serve.
Thank you again to Vision Long Island for this incredible honor. I am deeply grateful, and I look forward to continuing this important work together.”
You can view the video showcasing this honoree here.
Thenk you to the over 60 Elected Officials who joined us…
The many state and local elected officials/representatives in attendance were also acknowledged, including New York State Senator Monica Martinez, New York State Senator Dean Murray, New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, New York State Assemblyman Keith Brown, Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, Nassau County Legislator Thomas McKevitt, Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Minority Leader Jason Richberg, Suffolk County Legislator Steven Flotteron, Suffolk County Legislator RJ Renna, Suffolk County Legislator Stephanie Bontempi, former Suffolk County Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Town of East Hampton Councilwoman Cate Rogers, Huntington Town Councilman Dr. Dave Bennardo, Town of Huntington Councilwoman Jennifer Hebert, Town Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter, Town of Islip Councilman Jorge Guadrón, Town of Islip Councilman Michael McElwee Jr., Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh, Town of Riverhead Councilwoman Denise Merrifield, Town of Riverhead Councilman Bob Kern, Town of Smithtown Councilman Thomas Lohmann, Town of Smithtown Councilwoman Lisa Inzerillo, Town of Southampton Councilman Tom Neely, City of Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, City of Glen Cove Deputy Mayor Donna McNaughton, Trustee & Deputy Mayor of the Village of Babylon Frank Seibert, Village of Amityville Mayor Michael O’Neill, Village of Amityville Trustee Robert Russo, Village of Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson, Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand, Village of Farmingdale Trustee Cheryl Parisi, Village of Farmingdale Trustee Allison Ingram, Village of Freeport Deputy Mayor Jorge Martinez, Village of Hempstead Trustee Tanya Carter, Village of Hempstead Trustee William Whitaker, Village of Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata, Village of Lindenhurst Deputy Mayor Maryann Weckerle, Village of Patchogue Trustee Thomas Ferb, Village of Mineola Deputy Mayor Janine Sartori, Village of Mineola Trustee Jeffrey Clark, Village of Roslyn Trustee Sarah Oral, Village of Northport Mayor Donna Koch, Village of Northport Trustee James Izzo, Village of Westbury Mayor Peter Cavallaro, Village of Westbury Trustee Steven Corte, Village of Westbury First Deputy Mayor Beaumont Jefferson, former Mayor of the Village of Farmingdale George Graf, former Nassau County Legislator Wayne Wink, Joe Galante Assistant Comptroller for New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Governor Kathy Hochul’s Long Island Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs Rob Calarco, and Special Advisor to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman Matthew Donno, Chris Fusco Commissioner of Labor for Nassau County.
You can view our 2026 event journal here.
Video and Media Links
You can view videos of our honorees and Long Island Main Street News at our Vimeo page here.
Check out coverage from LIBN here.
And an op-ed from our Director here.
Check out coverage from Newsday here.
Check out coverage from LI Life & Politics here.
Please Save the Date for the 25th Annual LI Smart Growth Summit
on Friday, December 4th
Sponsorships are now available!
