Frequently Asked Questions for Renaissance Downtowns

What is the development area in Huntington Station?
Renaissance is designated as Master Developer for Huntington Station but will focus its efforts along the commercial corridors in Huntington Station such as New York Ave. (Rte. 110) within approximately 1/2 a mile from the train station. Renaissance has partnered with the Town to develop underutilized publicly owned properties such as vacant land and underutilized parking lots.

Will the redevelopment of Huntington Station create jobs? Are these jobs going to go to Huntington Station residents?

The redevelopment of Downtown Huntington Station will provide thousands of construction and permanent jobs, including preference for local residents where possible. While it is still early in the process, Renaissance is working with the Town and local organizations (such as the Huntington Station BID, the Huntington Station Enrichment Center and the Huntington Chamber amongst others) to create programs that are designed to ensure significant local representation within the jobs created by the redevelopment.

How long will this redevelopment take?

We expect that the redevelopment will be shovel ready in late 2013 to early 2014 and that the total build out will take 7-10 years.

Will my taxes be affected due to this redevelopment?
By creating a vibrant and environment in downtown Huntington Station, there will be significant additional tax revenues that will reduce the tax burden on residents and business alike. As the plan is fleshed out over the coming months, independent studies will determine the expected net tax benefits, and this information will be available for the community to review.

What will a project of this magnitude cost homeowners?
The redevelopment of downtown will be of no cost to homeowners. To the contrary, by creating a sustainable, pedestrian-oriented, triple-bottom-line development, there will be a reduction in the tax burden felt by current homeowners. In addition, triple-bottom-line development results in significant increases to property values, which will benefit homeowners throughout the Town. It should be noted that all up front costs of the redevelopment effort are to be borne by Renaissance downtowns, without any exposure to the tax payers.

What will happen with existing businesses along New York Avenue and within the development area?
Renaissance plans to meet with all current business owners to ensure that their needs, goals and ambitions are considered throughout this development process. In fact, this process has already begun, resulting in one on one and group meetings with local business owners. Local, independently owned business is the cornerstone of the American economy and a foundation of the successful revitalization of a downtown. Such businesses hire local employees support local organizations and enhance the local economy. Renaissance will work with existing businesses to help them remain in business, find temporary or permanent relocation opportunities and identify possibilities for additional funding for expansion if desired.

How will this redevelopment affect transit?
The key to transit – be it rail or bus – is ridership. The key to ridership is having people live and/or work near transit lines. By providing for pedestrian-oriented development in close proximity to these transit lines ridership will increase, providing a rationale for increased/improved service. Renaissance has already conducted high level meetings with the MTA and the LIRR and this partnership will benefit the Town its residents and its businesses as a true Transit Oriented Redevelopment is created in Downtown.

Will you use Eminent Domain?
Renaissance takes a partnership approach whereby we work with existing property owners rather than looking to buy them outright nor use Eminent Domain. It should be noted that as a private entity, Renaissance does not nor ever will have the power of Eminent Domain, however by working in this partnership approach, we feel that the potential for Eminent Domain is nearly eliminated because there will be clear economic benefits for current property owners to work in conjunction with Renaissance and the Town to implement a well conceived vision for downtown.

How will this project benefit the youth?
There are numerous ways in which the redevelopment of downtown Huntington Station will benefit the younger generation. For those of working age, thousands of jobs will be created – retail, entrepreneurial, front office and back office, amongst others. This will provide career opportunities for many of Huntington Station’s young workforce.
In addition, there will be multiple public amenities available for youth, including public squares, entertainment options and cultural offerings.
 Another benefit will be the creation of a safe, walkable neighborhood that fosters a true sense of community for those living downtown, and other Huntington Station residents.

Will the infrastructure be fixed before you begin building?
Simply put, if the infrastructure that exists is not able to support the redevelopment, building will not occur. So yes, where it is necessary to improve / fix the infrastructure, it will be done before building commences. It should be noted that by planning and implementing a large scale redevelopment in downtown Huntington Station, the community gains a significant advantage in attracting State and Federal funding, offering residents a real opportunity to garner much needed infrastructure dollars that would not be available without such a redevelopment effort.

Are you going to improve sewers?
Renaissance recognizes that there is a significant need for infrastructure upgrades in the Huntington Station area, including the sewer system, that affect not just downtown, but many neighborhoods. We understand that the current system does face stresses that present an obstacle to economic development and expanding the tax base. That said, Renaissance has been in touch with a number of key individuals at the County, State and Federal level, all of whom have stated that they would work with Renaissance and the Town to help procure funding that would improve the sewer system. We are confident that the necessary improvements to the sewer will be made, providing for an improved quality of life not just downtown, but throughout all of Huntington Station.

How long has Renaissance been in business?
Led by President and CEO Donald Monti, Renaissance Downtowns has over 35 years of development experience that covers the real estate development spectrum. This experience has enabled Renaissance to develop an innovative business model that meets market needs while tackling the complex challenges of comprehensive, holistic downtown redevelopment.

How many people does Renaissance employ?
The Renaissance entities employ over 100 people and are always growing. Renaissance’s main office is located in Plainview, NY with multiple satellite offices throughout the northeast.