By Anthony Rifilato
, with a final selection expected to be made sometime this fall as the town moves ahead with its downtown revitalization project.
In an interview with the Herald, Town Supervisor Kate Murray said that the town had chosen three major developers as finalists for the project. The town deemed the area blighted last year, and the initiative has created a mostly positive buzz in the community, since it is expected to attract quality retail shops to an area that many say is begging for revitalization.
"That area has been a grave concern for many people for a long time," said Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Co-President Ginny Foley, adding that the chamber has been working for years to bring some kind of improvement project to Grand and Merrick. "Many people say that they're afraid to walk there at certain times, and the quality of stores are not what we'd like it to be."
Murray said that the three developers now on the town's short list are among the largest on Long Island, with proven ability to attract well-known, upscale, brand-name stores. The three finalists - Breslin Realty Development Corp., Blumenfeld Development Group and a joint venture between Basser-Kaufman and Engel Burman - were chosen based on their response to a request for qualifications earlier this year. "These three were the most interesting finalists, with a great vision," Murray said. "They most accurately reflect what the residents of Baldwin are looking for on that piece of property."
The announcement comes after Town Councilman Anthony Santino presented preliminary proposals from seven developers at a community forum in February. There, Santino gave residents an overview of the proposals, some of which included impressive designs with ample retail space, parking and pedestrian pathways for shoppers.
Other ideas met with immediate opposition, such as a proposal by AvalonBay Communities Inc. that included 292 apartments, a multi-story parking garage and a Walgreen's on the corner of Merrick and Grand.
The three finalists' proposals received the warmest receptions, with residents saying that the project needs to strike the right balance of quality retail businesses.
Blumenfeld's proposal featured four buildings, including a pharmacy, a bank, a coffee shop and other businesses spread out over 60,000 square feet. The company specializes in big-box retail projects, and is developing Manhattan's East River Plaza, according to its Web site.
Breslin's design included pedestrian walkways, a gazebo, two family restaurants, a pharmacy and other retail shops covering more than 38,000 square feet. The Garden City-based company is currently developing two new Wal-Mart locations and has built more than 29 retail centers.
Basser-Kaufman & Engel Burman proposed a nearly 85,000-square-foot development of retail stores, accompanied by 312 parking spaces. While no particular store names were offered, the joint venture would also include a two-story retail space near the firehouse. Both companies have substantial portfolios, having developed space for stores such as Kohl's, Lowe's, Linens N' Things and TJ Maxx.
Because the three finalists' proposals were preliminary, the exact mix of anchor tenants and retail shops remains to be seen, and any of these initial ideas would no doubt be altered significantly.
"The initial designs that they put forward, in addition to their track records and reputations, show that they have the qualifications to undertake this type of project," Santino said, adding that the initial plans are "purely conceptual" and subject to change as the town moves ahead with a "visioning" process for the area.
"These are clearly some of the biggest developers on Long Island," Santino said. "And whoever comes in with the firmest commitment from the right tenant will most likely be the developer who gets the selection. We don't need another pharmacy in Baldwin."
Ever since the town deemed the Merrick-Grand parcel blighted over a year ago, officials have maintained that they would rejuvenate the area by attracting a developer who could bring in a well-known anchor tenant, ideally a Barnes & Noble or Old Navy. "Those three have delivered retail stores consistently in the past - that's why we feel comfortable and believe that they have a retailer on the hook that they can deliver," Murray said.
The town plans to acquire the property through eminent domain after adopting an urban renewal plan for the area and beginning condemnation proceedings, and will ultimately turn it over to a developer. Town officials said the developer would assume the cost of the entire project - including razing most of the buildings south of the firehouse on the west side of Grand Avenue and relocating tenants - at no cost to taxpayers.
"How sensitive the developer is to the desires of the community and attracting the right kind of retailers and restaurants is definitely a factor," Murray said. "I think the devil is going to be in the details and how well they express their vision."
The town is in the process of issuing Requests for Proposals, and expects to receive submissions from the three finalists in May or June. Santino said that a developer is expected to be chosen by the fall, and that the project would begin construction next year and take about two years to complete.
Santino also said that in the next several weeks, the town would begin assisting tenants and business owners in the area, in preparation for eventually relocating them.
The town has also been working with the Chamber of Commerce as the plan has progressed. "They're really keeping us in the loop," Foley said. "Our main focus is to get a national retailer that would be a nice fit for Baldwin. We don't want to see fast-food restaurants or drug stores."
Murray and Santino agreed, and repeatedly emphasized that the final result would not be a strip mall overrun with fast-food establishments, nail salons and the like. "Most importantly, we're trying to reflect what the Baldwin community wants in that area," Murray said. "Obviously, the community is driving the vision."
Murray and Santino said they are hoping the final project spurs redevelopment and attracts businesses to other parts of town as well. "Grand Avenue will again become a destination place for not only Baldwin residents, but for all members of the surrounding communities," Murray said.
Comments about this story? Baldwineditor@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 207.
