The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Process

  • 1. Local Planning Committee Formation

    Coordinated by DOS, state agencies (DOS, HCR, ESD and others) work with local officials and Regional Council members to identify stakeholders and community representatives to serve on the Local Planning Committee (LPC). The Secretary of State issues invitations to participate as LPC members.

  • 2. Community Engagement

    Inclusive community engagement is vital to successful DRI planning and implementation. The public will be kept informed of progress and invited to proactively contribute ideas throughout the development of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Notices of public meetings, events, and opportunities to provide feedback will be posted on this website and publicized through print, media, and online channels.

  • 3. Goals, Vision, and Strategies

    Guiding framework for the DRI Strategic Investment Plan is developed by the LPC with public feedback. Goals identify conceptual ideas that DRI Plan should address.

  • 4. Priority Projects

    Key projects are identified to advance the vision/goals and leverage additional investment. Priority Projects are organized by Goal to ensure that the DRI Plan addresses core objectives. Projects identified & vetted by the local committee & public

  • 5. DRI Final Plan

    DRI Strategic Investment Plan written by consultants with DRI Team & public input and submitted to the State. Projects included in the Strategic Investment Plan will be evaluated by state agencies for alignment with state and local goals; project readiness; catalytic effect; secondary benefits; and cost effectiveness.

  • 6. Implementation

    Projects from each community will be evaluated by the State & selected for funding. The Governor will make an announcement on funded projects. State staff will work with project sponsors to execute project agreements and manage DRI contracts. For more info, visit https://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative

Local Planning Committee

The Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) accomplishes its goals through a unique state-local partnership that includes the Local Planning Committee (LPC), state agency staff, and a consultant team. The LPC is responsible for representing the interests and priorities of the community, while the state agency staff ensures that the process and deliverables are consistent with the goals, priorities, and requirements of the initiative.

The LPC is made up of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives. Each LPC is led by two co-chairs consisting of the local elected official (or his or her designee) and a member of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC). The full list of members is listed below, including the other community representatives that have been invited to participate by the Secretary of State

  • Deputy Mayor Jeffery Daniels, Village of Hempstead, Co-Chair

    Daniel Lloyd, LI REDC, Co-Chair

    Jenette Adams, YouthBuild Long Island

    Claudia Boyle, Hispanic Counseling Center

    Sarah Brewster, Circulo de la Hispanidad/Evergreen

    Diane Gaines, Woman’s Opportunity Rehabilitation Center

    Kenwyn Gaskin, Realtor/Resident

    Dr. LaShawn Lukes, Hempstead Chamber of Commerce

    Karen Penado, AAAA Nassau County

    Tania Peterson-Chandler, EAC Network

    Papa Sidana, Sneaker Terminal

    Chanda Washington, Hofstra University

    Curtis Watts, All Haircuts

Vision Statement and Goals

As part of the DRI application, communities must provide a brief statement of their vision for downtown revitalization. At the start of the planning process, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will review the initial vision and make modifications if desired to best reflect the unique characteristics of the downtown. Goals and strategies will be established to help achieve the community’s vision for downtown revitalization. Goals should be detailed, attainable, and action-oriented with measurable strategies that will guide the implementation of the DRI vision.

Based on the downtown vision and goals, consultants will guide the LPC in development of creative and ambitious strategies and projects to direct future development and investment in the downtown to realize its vision and goals. Projects that are recommended for implementation using DRI funds, whether included in the community’s DRI application or identified by the LPC during the planning process.

  • Downtown Hempstead stands today as a reflection of rich history, diverse voices, cultural pride, and distinct challenges. Shaped by the generations and collective efforts of residents, local business owners, and community groups, the Village’s social fabric and physical infrastructure underpin its ongoing revitalization. At the heart of the Downtown Overlay Zone is a walkable street grid, expanding sewer and infrastructure, mixed-use neighborhoods and schools, retail and food offerings, the Long Island Rail Road, and the Rosa Parks Transit Center. Downtown Hempstead’s resurgence and ongoing rebirth coincide with our aspirations to push forward with more resilient jobs and growing businesses, civic and educational institutions, and training partners.

    Downtown Hempstead will become a more vibrant, connected, and inclusive community for current and future generations. Through targeted local stimulus, we will continue to generate diverse housing, economic progress, artistic and cultural resources, and workforce access. We will reinforce the character and walkable nature of Downtown Hempstead’s streetscape through new transit-oriented mixed-use and infill developments, unique downtown tenants, and improved parks. We will create a variety of housing options and open space, retail and offices, training and community spaces, and arts and entertainment venues to provide vibrancy and beautification along Main Street, Front and Center Streets, Village and Town Halls, and Denton Green. Hempstead will fortify its public-private partnerships and bolster cohesive links with civic and local educational anchors including the African American Museum of Nassau County, Hofstra University, and Nassau Community College.


    Under this catalytic downtown revitalization, we will further green our community to overcome environmental injustice. Together, we will reinforce the downtown to re-establish Hempstead as hub for beautiful open spaces, diverse housing choices, thriving shopping and dining, flourishing arts and culture scenes, and meaningful employment and training opportunities. Overall, the Village will provide excellent standards of living, safer streets, economic growth and stability, and civic quality for generations of residents, workers, and visitors to come.

  • Goal 1: Housing and Community
    Build a welcoming community and revitalize underused spaces by providing a mix of housing options for new and existing Hempstead residents to grow and thrive

    Goal 2: Economic Development and Progress
    Attract new activities and investments on Main Street and commercial corridors by supporting a diverse variety of businesses and improving the pedestrian experience

    Goal 3: Arts and Culture
    Celebrate Hempstead’s culture and traditions and re-establish the Village as a prominent hub for arts, recreational, and public spaces while drawing visitors, hosting events, and enriching aesthetics within the Village

    Goal 4: Workforce and Transport
    Expand workforce accessibility by providing spaces for wraparound services, skills training, community resources, and transportation linkages to and from the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Rosa Parks Transit Center

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The LPC will meet approximately once a month from May 2025 through October 2025. All LPC meetings are open to the public, with time reserved at the end of each meeting for a public comments. Please check back prior to each meeting for location and time information.