Local elected officials were joined by community leaders for a groundbreaking ceremony for a $12 million project that will connect the Central Islip business district to the Suffolk County sewer system.
The project is part of the Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Initiative, for which the state awarded a $10 million DRI grant to the Town of Islip in 2018.
Funded by federal and state grants, including $2 million from the DRI grant, the project will connect 64 parcels in Central Islip’s central business district along Carleton Avenue, between Suffolk Avenue and Smith Street. It’s expected to be completed in 18 months.
“This historic project is a result of community-based planning and strong local leadership by our partners in the Town of Islip,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said in a written statement. “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.”
The installation of new sewer infrastructure is a key component for implementing many of the goals in the town’s DRI plan, which identified various improvements including streetscape enhancements, new mixed-use development opportunities, a commercial property improvement fund, and new recreational facilities.
“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,” Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter said in the statement. “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.”
Additional grant funds for the Central Islip sewer project were obtained from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning’s Jumpstart program.
“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,” Assembly Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos said in the statement. “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.”
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David Winzelberg
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