By MIKE RUSSO
Santino announced that the town's real estate developers, a joint venture involving Engel Burman and Basser Kaufman, have signed a contract with the town, and that Santino plans to make a motion to the town board to authorize Supervisor Kate Murray to sign the contract in early October.
The downtown project is intended to revitalize the blighted area between the Baldwin Fire Department headquarters on Grand Avenue and Merrick Road, and west to Gale Avenue, but not including Fullerton Funeral Home. The plan focuses on bringing new retail businesses into Baldwin in order to make the area more aesthetically pleasing, attract customers from other areas and boost the local economy.
Santino explained that there had been lots of "back and forth" between the town and the developers, which addressed residents' concerns about the slow pace of the project, which, Santino said, is to be expected with an undertaking of this magnitude. He said that the project would have an impact on Baldwin for the next 20 or so years, and that it must be done right to succeed.
"The biggest hurdle there was getting the signed contract, getting an agreement that protected the town, but also made it feasible for the developer to follow through on the plans that were provided to us when we were selected," said Santino. "That process is all but complete. The only thing that remains is the town board authorizing the supervisor to sign [the contract]."
Many residents have complained about both the appearance and the lack of reputable businesses along the blighted corridor. George Hepron, a three-year resident of Baldwin, said the area looks poor and depressed, and he hopes that the revitalization project can improve things. "You know one thing I haven't seen around here?" said Hepron. "Delis ... some good delis."
Four-year resident Matt Medina said, "A lot of decent stores come in and then they close. I hope we can get some stores like Old Navy, Kohls, T.J. Maxx. That would be cool."
Santino said that the revitalization project is not intended to benefit only the targeted area. Just as the new Best Buy brings people into Baldwin who then venture into other stores in that shopping center, he said, the new stores brought in by the developers will attract shoppers to stores up and down Grand Avenue.
"Once you have thriving stores in there with a mix of different goods and services, that will bring people to the area," said Santino. "In addition to getting rid of that blight and eyesore, it will also bring people to other destinations in Baldwin." Santino said that while the downtown project is not going to be the "magic wand" that transforms every store up and down Grand Avenue, it is intended to attract people to Baldwin.
Santino said that there are major stores that are interested in being part of the project, but until they have signed deals with the developers, he cannot disclose their identities. He added that he expects there to be both friendly and not-so-friendly arrangements between businesses that are already in the blighted area and the town. The town has the option to take over property through eminent domain proceedings, but people are entitled to defend their property rights in court. In addition, building owners are required by federal law to provide financial assistance to help relocate residents who live in apartments above the affected businesses.
"I am very hopeful that we will see actual buildings come down in the early part of next year," said Santino. "[Residents] are going to be very happy with what finally goes into that piece of property, how it looks and how it transforms the downtown Baldwin area."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
