By Anthony Rifilato
, which would allow the town to move forward with an urban renewal plan in the hope of creating a bustling, revitalized downtown in Baldwin.
In an interview with the Herald last week, Town Supervisor Kate Murray said that a developer for the project is expected to be chosen on Nov. 13, after the town holds a public hearing on the project that day. The agenda will include the adoption of an urban renewal plan by the town board, which would allow the town to move ahead with condemnation proceedings and direct the developer to come up with a final design for the roughly five-acre parcel on the corner of Grand and Merrick, which the town would acquire through eminent domain.
The public has strongly supported the project since the town proposed it last year, especially since Murray and other officials said that its aim would be to attract a national retail chain such as Barnes & Noble or Borders. The developer can begin negotiating leases with these retailers, which many residents hope will buck the trend of pharmacies and fast-food restaurants in Baldwin and revitalize the area.
"We're going to be considering the urban renewal plan and picking a developer to start that project," Murray said in an interview with Herald editors on Oct. 4. "That section of Grand Avenue used to be a great destination spot. It's become very run down, and this will be a real shot in the arm. Eighty to 90 percent of stores are vacant. I was at the Baldwin train station recently, and about 80 percent of people mentioned the revitalization project and how thrilled they were. It's going to be a pleasure to see the redevelopment of that area."
In August, proposals for the project were submitted to the town by three developers, Breslin Realty, Blumenfeld Development Corp. and a joint venture, Basser-Kaufman Engel Burman. The Blumenfeld proposal includes the construction of a Kohl's on the corner, which met with a less than enthusiastic response from residents, since the store would occupy the entire site.
Murray did not say which developer would be chosen next month, but she acknowledged the negative reaction to the Blumenfeld proposal and indicated that she was not thrilled with the prospect of a Kohl's, either. "A lady at the Baldwin train station said, 'If Kohl's comes in, I'll kill someone,'" Murray said. "I'd prefer something else myself. It's always good to get a national chain as an anchor, and that will support smaller stores, perhaps a restaurant."
While Murray did not name any marquee stores, one person with knowledge of the town's plans said that it is leaning toward the Basser-Kaufman proposal, which features a mix of known retail stores on Grand and Merrick with parking behind them.
According to the resolution for the Nov. 13 hearing, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at Town Hall, the town's Department of Planning and Economic Development is recommending the selection of the partnership Basser-Kaufman and Engel Burman. On its Web site, Basser-Kaufman details a portfolio in excess of 3 million square feet, including more than 40 projects, primarily shopping centers in five states. Its properties include the Carle Place Shopping Center, Hempstead Village Commons and Oceanside Plaza.
Basser-Kaufman's Web site already features a conceptual design for Grand Avenue, and lists the project as one of its new developments, "a much anticipated project lauded by town officials." The proposed design features pedestrian walkways, antique lighting and a mix of stores. Units of 4,000 to 25,100 square feet are available, according to the Web site, which also states, "With Sunrise Highway just moments away and extremely strong demographics, this streetscape project is a natural for any retailer looking to be in the heart of a revitalized central downtown area."
A call to Basser-Kaufman was not returned.
Last February, Town Councilman Anthony Santino held a public forum at Baldwin Middle School to discuss the downtown project, and the meeting drew hundreds of residents. Seven preliminary proposals were unveiled, and the Basser-Kaufman design appeared to be well received. It featured a modern, two-story retail space along with a number of shops extending along Grand and onto Merrick Road. Santino would not say whether the town would ultimately choose Basser-Kaufman, but he did say that residents would have an opportunity to express their opinions about the project at next month's hearing.
"Nothing is official," Santino said. "We're going to make a decision on Nov. 13. Until we make a decision on the 13th, I don't want to comment on specifics on what the town's choice may be. What we are looking for is a good mix of top-quality tenants. I personally lean towards the flush-to-the-street design, which gives it more of a downtown look and feel, as opposed to a big-box design."
Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Co-President Doris Duffy said she was unaware of the planning department's Basser-Kaufman recommendation, but added that she preferred a design that would give Baldwin a "downtown feeling."
"What we want is a whole grouping of stores, so people will come and walk down the street and go to places like DJ Houdek's and the library, or get a slice of pizza," Duffy said. "And with that type of development, it's possible. That's always been our goal. We've always wanted to get back that downtown feeling."
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