Suffolk officials pitch East Patchogue revitalization after nearby success

Officials in Suffolk County want to launch an effort to revitalize a mile-long stretch of convenience stores, a health center and vacant properties like the old Plaza movie theater along Main Street in East Patchogue, Newsday reported. Officials reportedly feel emboldened by the recent successful revitalization of downtown Patchogue, which has brought $693 million in economic growth to region, as noted in a report late last year. The Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) plans to find developers who can build a mix of retail and housing. Ultimately, local officials want to eliminate vacant buildings and replace them with upscale apartments and retail complexes, according to county legislator Robert Calarco. According to a study, developers could quadruple the amount of office space in the area from the 11,400 square feet it has now to 42,000 square feet. Retail could also be doubled from 47,000 square feet to 96,000 square feet. The study for the IDA was assembled by the Manhattan-based Regional Plan Association, a nonprofit urban policy research organization. The revitalization effort in East Patchogue is still in its early stages and no formal plans have been submitted to town officials. The project would require some zoning changes to allow for housing and new retail. [Newsday]

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