AvalonBay Will Break Ground in East Garden City

Hempstead Town's board has approved AvalonBay's zoning application, clearing the way for the construction of more than 200 apartments, town homes and single-family homes adjacent to Nassau Community College.

"My colleagues on the town board and I are looking to provide more housing choices that meet the evolving needs of our residents and reflect their lifestyle priorities," Town Supervisor Kate Murray said. "Additionally, this project will stimulate the economy, creating vital construction jobs during a time when such work has been adversely impacted by a bruising recession." 

The plans provide for a pool, a playground and the preservation of historic homes at the site.  

The Mitchel Field development includes eight homes designated as part of the Homes for Our Troops program, which will be specially adapted for severely wounded veterans. According to an AvalonBay spokesperson, the existing "General's Row" officer houses will be renovated to ensure their preservation. The homes were built for officers serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Supervisor Murray said she is proud the project will honor the history of the country's service personnel. 

"It is fitting that eight of these historic homes will be donated for use by brave veterans who have been injured while serving our nation. I am also pleased that additional Navy homes at this location will be restored with modern conveniences and amenities," she said.

The development calls for a mix of housing types, including 44 town houses, 160 apartments and single-family homes aimed at attracting singles, empty nesters and young couples looking to stay on Long Island.

"Nassau County lost 42,244 persons between the ages of 25 and 44 from 2000 to 2004 (US Census Bureau). Long Island is losing its under 35 year olds at four times the national average," AvalonBay officials state. "It's time to start creating housing that addresses the needs of our young adults. Affordability in the residential for-sale market has become a major problem for many Long Islanders. This is in large part due to the acute undersupply of diversified housing on Long Island. This location is central to educational, cultural, retail and corporate centers."

AvalonBay has agreed to donate 20-plus acres of land to Nassau Community College and Nassau County. According to Chuck Cutolo, director of governmental affairs at Nassau Community College, the school and county have been working with the Navy and AvalonBay for many years to bring this project to fruition. 

"We are hopeful that the remaining governmental/administrative approvals can take place within the next year," said Cutolo.

Some of the activities that the college is contemplating embarking on with the 13 acres it would receive includes enhancing the course offerings of the Hospitality/Business Department in order to give its students a more realistic learning environment in areas such as food service and hotel management, and providing a facility to improve outreach and education efforts to the business community and its employees, Cutolo added.

Supervisor Murray said she looks forward to the "progressive" development, which she believes will not only create housing but stimulate the economy.

AvalonBay hopes to break ground this year. The project will take approximately 18 months to complete. Rents for the one to three bedrooms will range from $1,700 to $3,500. "We do not have numbers for the for sale units at this time," AvalonBay officials note.

"The Town of Hempstead was an excellent partner in this development," Matthew Whalen, vice president of development for AvalonBay, said. "They asked all the right questions, provided insightful comments and the resulting community will benefit from their input. Supervisor Kate Murray understands that when a town looks at their role in development in a constructive manner everyone receives the benefits."

Whalen is a resident of Garden City.