Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. highlighted recent progress while outlining future investments during his State of the Village address Monday night at Kennedy Memorial Park, pointing to millions in secured funding, infrastructure upgrades and declining crime rates.
Hobbs said the village has secured more than $227 million in funding for parks, water infrastructure and downtown improvements, much of it through state and federal support.
“We’ve rolled up our sleeves and got to work for the village,” he said. “These are not just projects. They are promises fulfilled.”
Leadership is not about promises, it’s about progress,” Hobbs said. “We’ve rolled up our sleeves and got to work for the Village of Hempstead.”
What’s been done
Hobbs pointed to completed and ongoing improvements across the village, including road repairs and upgrades to public spaces. He also emphasized investments in public safety, including expanded use of license plate readers, surveillance cameras and a drone program known as Flock Aerodome DFR.
He said crime has declined in several categories, including homicides, burglaries and vehicle thefts, though specific figures were not provided.
His comments come as state officials report broader declines in gun violence. Shootings in communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative dropped significantly in recent years, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office
On Long Island, nine agencies — including the Hempstead Village Police Department — received nearly $2.7 million in funding, with Hempstead allocated $270,000 to support enforcement efforts.
With Hochul’s continued investment in the GIVE initiative, Hempstead police reported double-digit reductions in total index crime and violent crime, and an eight percent decline in property crime.
“Our streets are safer today,” Hobbs said, crediting the village’s police department.
Gloria Thomas, a Hempstead resident, said they have noticed some changes but want to see continued improvements.
“I don’t see violent crime on the news as much so you can see some changes with safety,” Thomas said. “But there’s still more to do especially gun control and gangs.”
As for Flock, there are 77 automatic license plate readers as of September, this was an initiative started in January. The drone is an AI powered surveillance designed for security.
Funding secured and infrastructure
A significant portion of the address focused on funding secured for major infrastructure projects.
Hobbs cited $27 million for parks and recreation improvements, including redevelopment plans for Rochelle Park, with an indoor basketball court, track and field and community room.
And roughly $60 million for upgrades to the village’s water treatment system aimed at addressing contamination concerns. An additional $30 million has been allocated for water and sewer improvements, along with $10 million through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Combined, Hobbs said, those investments total more than $227 million.
What’s next
Looking ahead, Hobbs outlined several upcoming projects, including the redevelopment of Mirschel Park on Terrace Avenue and a major upgrade to Kennedy Memorial Park, where a new pool facility, building and concession area are planned.
The mayor also detailed plans to expand police presence in the downtown area this summer, including increased foot and bicycle patrols near the Rosa Parks Bus Station this summer including a brand-new K-9 unit.
“The bus station is not property in the village, but it sits in the Village of Hempstead,” Hobbs said. “I don’t think that anyone that’s going from work and home should have to see some of the nonsense thar we witness at the railroad and bus station every day.”
He explained, his view for the future of Hempstead wants to be lively, entertaining and not to “step over people sleeping on the sidewalks — we mean business.”
Michael Rivera, who lives near the village’s downtown area, said the planned improvements could help and he is looking forward for whenever that may happen.
“I wouldn’t go there at night,” Rivera said. “It’s just not the best place to be, but I hope with the things the mayor said it will improve my feeling.
The village is also preparing to launch a task force targeting illegal rentals, short term rentals and absentee landlords, — issues Hobbs said have strained infrastructure and affected neighborhood safety.
He is pushing to enforce fines for those who violate those rules.
“Let me be clear — if you take advantage of our community instead of investing in it, I’m going to hold you accountable,” he said.
Hobbs also emphasized continued investment in youth programs, local businesses and community development.
“Progress is not about perfection, it is about direction,” he said. “And the direction that the Village of Hempstead is going is moving forward.”
