Heatherwood Communities, LLC has been chosen to lead a major residential development project on State-owned land at Conklin Street in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County. The proposed investment, exceeding $200 million, will deliver about 495 new housing units on a 13-acre site that has remained vacant for decades. More than 100 of these units will be designated as affordable homes for households earning an average of 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The plan also includes environmental remediation to address potential subsurface contamination at the site.
Governor Kathy Hochul commented on the announcement: “For far too long, this State-owned property has sat vacant and underutilized, holding back the potential of an entire community. All New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to have a quality, affordable place to call home. By leveraging State-owned land and partnering with experienced local developers, we are turning our historic housing commitments into reality and building a more affordable New York in communities across the state, including on Long Island.”
Hope Knight, President, CEO and Commissioner of Empire State Development (ESD), said: “Transforming this long-neglected property into a modern, transit-accessible residential community would bring meaningful benefits to East Farmingdale and the entire Route 110 corridor. Heatherwood’s proposal delivers much needed housing, robust affordability, public open space, and the remediation and cleanup that residents have long called for. This project also reflects the strong partnership among ESD, the Town of Babylon, and our local community stakeholders — all working together to advance development that is thoughtful, responsible, and aligned with community needs.”
Kevin Law, Chairman of Empire State Development Board stated: “Heatherwood is a terrific Long Island real estate company, and Long Island’s economic future depends on our ability to create housing that supports our workforce and strengthens our local communities. The Conklin Street site is uniquely positioned to deliver both — providing hundreds of new homes within reach of major job centers, transit, and one of the region’s most important commercial corridors. ESD’s collaboration with the Town of Babylon and our partners across Suffolk County has been instrumental in advancing this transformative project, and today marks an important step toward bringing this long-awaited redevelopment to life.”
New York State Housing Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said: “Governor Hochul’s commitment to addressing New York’s housing crisis is exemplified by today’s announcement of the Conklin Street redevelopment. This transformative project will not only bring nearly 500 much-needed residential units to East Farmingdale but it will also revitalize a long-vacant underutilized site creating new opportunities for New York families. With over 100 affordable homes included in the development this initiative underscores our shared commitment to providing housing that is accessible to all New Yorkers while supporting job creation and environmental remediation. By leveraging state-owned land and collaborating with local partners we are making significant strides in meeting the housing needs on Long Island and helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable future for all of our communities.”
Marie Therese Dominguez from New York State Department of Transportation added: “Governor Hochul is laser focused on providing affordable housing opportunities for New Yorkers and this new potential development is a shining example of delivering on that promise. The State Department of Transportation looks forward to working with Heatherwood the local community and our other state and federal partners to advance a project that will transform this parcel to help address the ongoing housing needs of Suffolk County residents.”
Christopher Capece President at Heatherwood stated: “Heatherwood is excited to partner with the Governor‘s office the State of New York and the Town of Babylon on this generational development opportunity. To reposition a blighted and underutilized site that’s laid fallow for decades for high-quality multifamily housing in the 110 corridor which holds Long Island’s highest concentration of jobs with adjacent retail uses is a unique opportunity for us as Long Islanders. As Heatherwood continues to grow its footprint nationally we’re proud to invest locally to make our home region a better place.”
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand noted: “This is a critical investment that will help revitalize the Conklin Street site in East Farmingdale,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I’m proud that this project will create affordable homes remediate a long-neglected property and strengthen the broader community. I am especially grateful for the federal funding supporting this critical work and will continue fighting to reinvest resources back into communities across Long Island.”
State Senator Monica R. Martinez said: “A place to call home is the starting point for the future but the ongoing housing crisis is preventing many from being able to find or maintain one. This project would convert long-vacant state land into nearly 500 residential units giving people the opportunity to build their lives in a transit-oriented community near employment centers that drive our regional economy. I thank Governor Hochul for continuing to work with local communities finding creative solutions addressing current housing shortage.”
Assemblymember Kwani B. O’Pharrow expressed support saying: “I strongly support redevelopment state-owned Conklin Street site East Farmingdale initiative represents important investment community stimulate economic growth generate quality employment opportunities expand access much-needed affordable housing excited about new opportunities positive lasting impact local families District 11.”
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine added: “Revitalizing our communities foundation providing additional housing boosting local businesses keeping people Long Island Thank you New York State continued commitment Suffolk County continues grow prosper provide exciting new alternatives residents.”
Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason A Richberg stated: “Today’s announcement has been long time coming going embraced by community open arms Not only provide jobs much-needed housing stock remove environmental hazards blocked development decades reinvigorating eyesore blight residents civic associations complaining dating days Legislative Aide Thank Governor Hochul team finally getting project finish line”
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer remarked: “Governor Hochul real partner finally tackling everyone East Farmingdale knows mulch pit site excited work together clean up put better use This project turn long-blighted property new homes jobs open space front door Route 110 corridor sending clear message East Farmingdale’s future about opportunity not eyesores”
Heatherwood Communities was selected after submitting its proposal through Empire State Development’s competitive Request for Proposal process; it brings experience as Long Island’s second-largest owner of multifamily residences.
The planned complex will include studio through three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouse units housed within buildings up five stories tall featuring amenities such as indoor/outdoor spaces covered garage parking landscaped walking trail public open space honoring aviation history known as “Airplane Park.” There are plans for approximately 630 parking spaces.
The next steps include undergoing review under SEQRA led by Town Babylon followed by public comment period before final approval Additionally ESD must approve General Project Plan transferring property along required state/federal permits
Located near major commercial centers mass transit lines Republic Airport—site previously used airplane manufacturing—project aims create transit-oriented residential neighborhood close both Farmingdale Pinelawn LIRR stations proximity Route 110.
