Thursday, October 1, 2026
Valley Stream has always been more than a stop on the Long Island Rail Road. It’s a gateway community, a village of families, small businesses, commuters, houses of worship, restaurants, parks, and neighborhood pride. It’s one of the most diverse communities on Long Island, and it has long deserved public investment that matches its promise.
That’s why the announcement that Valley Stream will receive $10 million through New York state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative is such an important victory for our community.
This award didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of local advocacy, planning, partnership, and a shared belief that Valley Stream’s best days are still ahead. I was proud to stand with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Village Trustee Kevin Waszak, village business owners and residents when this transformational funding was announced.
As the county legislator representing this community, I’ve made it a priority to fight for the resources Valley Stream needs and deserves. Whether the issue is infrastructure, pedestrian safety, small business support, housing opportunities or quality-of-life improvements, my focus has been simple: Our village should never be overlooked. This award is proof of what can happen when we make our voices heard and bring every level of government to the table.
I thank Hochul for recognizing our enormous potential, and for continuing the Downtown Revitalization Initiative as a tool for real, community-driven investment. Its strength is that it doesn’t impose a one-size-fits-all plan from Albany. Instead, it gives local communities the funding and support to build on their own vision.
I also want to recognize Solages, the village, local trustees, civic leaders, small business owners and residents who continued to believe in the future of our downtown. This was a team effort, and everyone who helped push us forward deserves credit.
The DRI will allow the village to pursue projects that can make our downtown safer, stronger, more walkable and more welcoming. Proposed improvements include better pedestrian and bicycle access, upgrades to lighting and signage near LIRR overpasses, expanded public and cultural spaces at the Village Green, support for local businesses and new opportunities for mixed-use housing near transit.
These aren’t abstract ideas. Better lighting and safer crossings mean that a commuter can walk home from the train with greater peace of mind. Improved public spaces mean that families have more places to gather and connect. Support for arts and culture means that our downtown can better reflect the energy, diversity and creativity of the people who call Valley Stream home. Stronger business corridors mean more customers for local shops and restaurants, more foot traffic, and more reasons for residents to spend time and money close to home.
This funding also comes at a critical moment for housing on Long Island. Too many young people who grew up here wonder whether they can afford to stay. Too many seniors who spent decades investing in their communities need options that allow them to remain close to family, doctors, transit and the neighborhoods they love.
Valley Stream has an opportunity to be thoughtful and forward-looking. Expanding housing opportunities near transit doesn’t mean losing the character of our village. It means planning carefully, listening to residents and creating options that help our community remain vibrant across generations.
Of course, winning the award is only the beginning. The next step must be a public, accountable and inclusive planning process. This isn’t a blank check given to the village; this is a measured, inclusive approach that requires accountability and transparency for our residents, business owners, commuters, seniors, young families, homeowners, renters, and civic organizations, all of whom deserve a voice in shaping how these dollars are spent.
My office will continue to work with the state, the village and local stakeholders to make sure this investment delivers real benefits for Valley Stream. We must use this opportunity wisely, with a focus on safety, economic growth, affordability, accessibility, and preserving the character that makes our village special.
This is a win worth celebrating. More important, it is a down payment on the future we can build together. With this funding, Valley Stream has a major new tool to help turn our shared vision into reality.
Cynthia Nuñez represents Nassau County’s 14th Legislative District.
