Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter were joined by community leaders and elected officials in breaking ground on a long-awaited project that will connect the Central Islip business district to the Suffolk County Sewer system. The project is part of the Town of Islip’s award winning Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which was awarded a $10 million grant by New York State to fund revitalization projects in the community in 2018.
Despite its proximity to the Central Islip train station, mixed-use and transit-oriented development opportunities in Downtown Central Islip have been limited by the lack of sewer infrastructure. Providing access to the sewer system is a critically important part of transforming this downtown corridor into a mixed-use district. The $12 million sewer project will connect 64 parcels in Central Islip’s central business district along Carleton Avenue, between Suffolk Avenue and Smith Street. Funding for the project includes State, and Federal grants, and construction is expected to take 18 months.
“This historic project is a result of community-based planning and strong local leadership by our partners in the Town of Islip,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “I am pleased that the County is able to play an important role in supporting the efforts of Supervisor Carpenter, the Town Board and community leaders in fulfilling a new vision for Central Islip.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter said: “We are grateful to Suffolk County Executive Bellone for assisting in securing the additional funding needed to bring this project to fruition. This is truly a partnership of every level of government and, most importantly, a partnership with the community. This essential system in downtown Central Islip will eliminate current limitations to the area’s development, and will promote mixed-uses along the corridor while laying the foundation for future investment. After the unanticipated COVID-related delays, it’s wonderful to finally see this project move forward, with no construction cost burden onto the property owners.”
Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos said: “This groundbreaking is a promise kept to the residents of Central Islip after the state secured $10 million for the downtown revitalization project. Central Islip is a vibrant and growing community, and the infrastructure must keep up with the demands of the future and ensure our businesses have what they need to provide the best services to our residents. The connection to the Suffolk County Sewer system will allow our companies and our town, to continue to grow and prosper. I thank County Executive Bellone and Supervisor Carpenter for coming together and working towards building a better Central Islip.
Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg said: “Today’s groundbreaking is another big step towards keeping our water quality and overall environment healthy and thriving for generations to come. Communities in Central Islip and other areas of the county have been waiting for sewer access for years, and I’m thrilled to see the historic investment the county has made come to fruition. Thank you to County Executive Bellone for his support and advocacy.”
Suffolk County Legislator Sammy Gonzalez said: “Sewer systems are crucial for the protection of our present and future generations. We need to do and support all developments that will ensure the protection of our water and our health. I believe it is crucial for the development of our local businesses and for the development of downtown revitalization.”
Eric Alexander, Director, Vision Long Island said: “The Central Islip community have been long advocating for sewer investments while planning their downtown revitalization projects. Kudos to Suffolk County leadership, NYS and the Federal government for assisting local leaders with this critical infrastructure investment”
Mike Florio, Chief Executive Officer, Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) said: “Today’s groundbreaking is a tremendous step forward for the Central Islip community and its downtown revitalization effort. Connecting to sewers will permit more density and development in the area and improve the water quality. This is a perfect example of government working together at all levels to deliver for its residents.”
Marc Herbst, Executive Director, Long Island Contractors Association (LICA), said: “The Long Island Contractors’ Association is thrilled to witness the groundbreaking of this long-awaited project, which marks a significant step forward for our community. Together, with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, and the supportive stakeholders in the community, the Long Island Contractors’ Association looks forward to the completion of this project and the prosperous and sustainable future it promises for the Town of Islip and its business district.”
A $2 million portion of the $10 million DRI grant that the Town was awarded by the New York State Department of State in 2018 will be used to fund the sewer project. Additional grant funds were obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning’s Jumpstart program.
The Central Islip DRI Strategic Investment Plan (DRI Plan) identifies a number of projects that would leverage key community assets, including its proximity to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Central Islip train station as well as the Carleton Avenue commercial corridor between Suffolk Avenue and Smith Street. The Town’s DRI Plan identifies various improvements including streetscape enhancements, new mixed-use development opportunities, a commercial property improvement fund, and new recreational facilities. The installation of new sewer infrastructure along this segment of Carleton Avenue is a key component for implementing many of the goals and objectives set forth in the DRI Plan.
