Heatherwood Communities, LLC has been chosen by New York State to develop a mixed-income housing project on Conklin Street in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County. The planned development, estimated at over $200 million, will provide around 495 new residential units. More than 100 of these homes are designated as affordable for households earning about 80 percent of the Area Median Income. The 13-acre site has remained vacant and blighted for decades and will undergo environmental remediation to address potential subsurface contamination.
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), stated: “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 ESD’s Board, said: “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 added: “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… With over 100 affordable homes included in the development… 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 the Department of Transportation said: “Governor Hochul is laser focused on providing affordable housing opportunities for New Yorkers… The State Department of Transportation looks forward to working with Heatherwood…to advance a project that will transform this parcel to help address the ongoing housing needs of Suffolk County residents.”
Christopher Capece from Heatherwood expressed enthusiasm: “Heatherwood is excited to partner with the Governor‘s office… To reposition a blighted and underutilized site that’s laid fallow for decades…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 remarked: “This is a critical investment that will help revitalize the Conklin Street site in East Farmingdale… I’m proud that this project will create affordable homes…” She noted federal funding support.
State Senator Monica R. Martinez said: “A place to call home is the starting point for the future… This project would convert long-vacant state land into nearly 500 residential units…” She thanked Governor Hochul for creative solutions addressing housing shortages.
Assemblymember Kwani B. O’Pharrow supported redevelopment efforts: “This initiative represents an important investment in our community…and expand access to much-needed affordable housing.” He highlighted positive impacts on District 11 families.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine said revitalization efforts boost local businesses while increasing available housing options.
Jason A. Richberg from Suffolk County Legislature called it “a long time coming” noting it removes environmental hazards while adding jobs.
Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer commended Governor Hochul’s partnership saying it transforms an eyesore into new homes at Route 110’s entrance.
Heatherwood Communities was selected after an Empire State Development Request for Proposal process; they have built over 14,000 units across Nassau and Suffolk counties as Long Island’s second-largest multifamily owner.
The proposed complex includes studio through three-bedroom apartments plus townhouse units up to five stories high. Amenities feature parking spaces (630 total), indoor/outdoor recreation areas including an “Airplane Park” referencing aviation history at this former manufacturing site vacated since the 1990s.
The location borders Conklin Street (south), MTA LIRR tracks (north), Broadhollow Road/Route 110 (west) within one mile from two LIRR stations—making it suitable for transit-oriented development near one of Long Island’s largest commercial centers.
Environmental review under SEQRA will occur before final approval by Babylon town authorities; further approvals are required from ESD along with state/federal agencies due to DOT ownership linked with Republic Airport.