Time to reimagine Jericho Tnpk: Devane

Mayor says village in talks with developer on new plans

BY BRANDON DUFFY

New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane said it is time to reimagine developments on Jericho Turnpike during the village’s first board of trustees meeting of the year Thursday night.

“Our old way of doing things in the village with mixed-use retail and apartments on top does not work,” Devane said. “Don’t take my word for it. Look around Jericho Turnpike for the last 30 years.”

Devane told Blank Slate Media the “once in a generation” chance stems from the recent purchase of Miller Brothers Plumbing and Heat- ing and the need to bring an influx of development to the area.

Devane said the property is one of the deepest from the turnpike and he sees it as a linchpin for the surrounding area. When speaking with the developer, he said there should be more amenities to offer.

“From a village standpoint we are trying to improve the quality of our stores and buildings so it becomes an attractive place to live and shop,” Devane said. “And if we do it right, other owners can tell themselves if we fix up our buildings too, people will pay top dollar to live in the apartments above.”

Over the past year, New Hyde

Park has begun the process of making major improvements to its village properties, including ongoing construction for a new playground at Memorial Park, renovations at village hall and knocking down the Marcus G. Christ Community Center to build a new one.

Last year, the village unveiled a new bocce ball court at Memorial Park and the Donald Barbieri Dog Park.

The mayor said once any plans are finalized for applications for new developments after Miller Brothers is knocked down, they will be presented to the public.

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