Hauppauge Industrial Park’s potential makeover could include apartments

The Hauppauge Industrial Park could become a regional economic hub by building co-working spaces, manufacturing facilities and residential developments, according to a recently released report by James Lima Planning Development and the Regional Plan Association. Newsday reported that the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency commissioned the report. The park already hosts 1,350 businesses that generate $806 million in income taxes, along with landlords who pay $19 million more in taxes to local governments. The report recommends building co-working spaces; shared labs for prototyping; and small-run manufacturing that can work with the conventional manufacturing, warehousing and distribution already in the industrial par, as well as adding residential development along its east side. The area, which is currently a mixed-use corridor along Motor Parkway, would need to have its zoning eased to permit retail along with denser, taller buildings. Apartments with amenities will help attract and retain workers who have yet to flock to the 40-year-old, 1,650-acre park. Heeding some of the advice including in the report, local officials have already renamed the site the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge. Local officials said they are supportive of the revitalization effort, but would need to closely evaluate any proposed zoning changes. [Newsday]