Downtown Copiague Revitalization

Introduction

In 2008, the Town of Babylon started to engage the Copiague community by meeting with the Implementation Committee, a group of key stakeholders and local leaders. The town met with the Implementation Committee on numerous occasions, interviewing focus groups, conducting surveys, and holding three design workshops and one community Vision Day.

From this process, the community formed a vision of downtown Copiague as a vibrant, people-friendly place, where people feel safe and secure, where people can walk, shop, entertain, relax, play, interact and spend time, and where the sense of community can be enriched.

Priming the Pump: Key Development Projects

The Town of Babylon strategically supported three key developments through IDA incentives to stimulate initial growth:

• 1800 Great Neck Road: $36,055 in taxes for 2024/2025, projected to grow to $132,718 by 2036/2037 after a 15-year PILOT period.
• 54-56 Railroad Avenue (Copiague Commons): $110,022 currently, with an estimated $573,200 by 2047/2048 after a 30-year PILOT period.
• 510 Marconi Boulevard: $35,462 currently, projected to rise to $185,923 by 2035/2036 after a 15-year PILOT period.
• 533 Oak Street: Contributing $63,422 in current annual taxes.

These projects have strengthened the local economy while supporting community services and infrastructure.

Copiague Commons Workforce Housing Project: Community Benefits

The $21 million workforce housing complex developed by Conifer Realty at 54 Railroad Avenue offers key community benefits:

• Infrastructure & Streetscape Improvements: $465,000 investment including traffic-calming measures, street trees, furniture, pavers, lighting upgrades, and sidewalk enhancements.
• Façade Improvement Fund: $240,000 contribution to support downtown Copiague structure renovations.
• Copiague Fire District: $100,000 contribution to support the fire department.
• Copiague Public Schools: $100,000 contribution to support local schools.
• Traffic Mitigation Fund: $20,000 payment for mitigating traffic impacts.
• Community Recreation & Park Improvements: $12,500 recreation fee and $45,000 contribution for local park enhancements.
• Copiague Chamber of Commerce: $4,500 to support the local chamber 
• Job Training Program Contributions (Conditional): $10,000 per year if apprenticeship hiring requirements are not met

Total Minimum Confirmed Contributions (After Rider): $987,500

Ongoing Projects Fueling Future Growth

Several ongoing projects are poised to continue Copiague’s positive momentum:

Total Increase in Tax Base: $306,479

These projects will continue driving economic development and enhancing the community’s vibrancy without requiring IDA incentives.