Hempstead panel to consider code revisions to spur local development

Hempstead is looking to convene a panel of builders, civic leaders, planners and others to put together ideas on how to revise its town zoning code in order to streamline its permitting process and increase development, Newsday reported. The project, which comes on the heels of downtown revitalization efforts in Farmingdale, Patchogue and elsewhere on Long Island, will be the first major code review in more than 60 years, Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney told Newsday. Sweeney said the process will include revisions to promote mixed-use and transit-oriented housing construction. “We need to figure out what incentives we can give to encourage developers to support local residents in recreating downtowns,” Sweeney said. “It’s clear that there’s a real need to review and possibly update [the code] where needed.” [Newsday] — Brian Baxter