Transit-oriented development flourishes on Long Island

Housing construction and mixed-use development are flourishing near commuter rail stations that carry Long Islanders into New York City, The New York Times reported. Condominiums have been completed or planned within walking distance of stations in Freeport, Patchogue, Riverhead, Islip, Valley Stream, and Westbury. Many projects include shops to serve the new residents.

Mineola, the Nassau County seat, has begun implementing a master plan “almost exclusively centered on building residential down by the train station,” said Mayor Jack Martins. The village is encouraging condo proposals by allowing developers to build additional floors, achieving greater density. This is part of Mineola’s strategy to make the village livelier after county offices and courts close at the end of each workday.

Noting the achievements of New Jersey’s “transit village” program, Kate Slevin said her nonprofit Tri-State Transportation Campaign is “calling on the MTA [Metropolitan Transportation Authority] to create a formal transit-oriented development program.” A $25 million state bond program is available through the Long Island Housing Partnership to help make some housing near train stations affordable, reducing the cost of each unit by as much as $25,000.