Your calls to turn LI vacant sites into hubs
nextLI asked Long Islanders to identify the commercial and retail spaces in their area that are either struggling or empty as part of our next research project. The suggestions will help us find spots across Long Island that are ripe for repurposing for the future. 4ward Planning will then model out what the sites can be reimagined into based on the needs and wants of Long Islanders.
Dozens of responses came in about empty storefronts and shopping malls that could be repurposed to better serve communities across the region. Long Islanders had ideas about what these spaces should be turned into. The most popular one — Trader Joe’s.
Tell us in the comments section below how you would reimagine these sites.
Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
Richard M. Moving forward, these large, highly visible mall sites will be redeveloped into mixed-uses more aligned with 21st century consumer needs – but a cohesive, regional approach to the redevelopment is needed for the less well-known mid-sized counterparts, such as the long-struggling SunVet Mall in Holbrook.
Fairway, Manetto Hill Road in Plainview
Kerry E. A Barnes & Noble or eatery, entertainments center (ping pong, bowling, billiards games.
Sayville Plaza
Jerry F. Housing probably makes most sense but a retail mix would be nice.
Jeremy D. Anything.
Devin P. Anything exciting! Trader Joe’s!
Jerry C. Since retail is dead on Long Island and not coming back, maybe some king of public use space. A park, a concert hall, driving range, mini golf.
Former Waldbaum’s, Lindenhurst Village
David W. A big box store in this area or perhaps a hybrid commercial / residential medium density solution.
Former Waldbaum’s, East Setauket
Christina B. A grocery store or shopping opportunities.
Great South Bay Shopping Center, West Babylon
David W. A big box store in this area or perhaps a hybrid commercial / residential medium density solution
Samantha S. Anything besides what it is now
Beacon Theatre, Port Washington
William N. Concert hall.
Sunrise Mall, Massapequa
Josh G. A park or something useful.
Go-Karts, Selden Batting and Grand Prix
Luciana D. We have such great, nice new shopping centers and the abandoned go kart place is such an eye sore. More retail space, smaller shopping center. Maybe a restaurant that isn’t a chain.
Former CVS, Main Street in Farmingdale
Anthony C. I’d love to see a potential food hall like you see in NYC (Vanderbilt hall etc) where vendors can rotate and gives opportunity for someone to start even under a limited timeframe/potential pop up restaurant. Depending on size of space could also be a brewery, though one is on Main Street already.
Former Kmart, Bohemia
Josh G. A park or something useful.
Centereach Square, Centereach
Taylor K. We honestly need a grocery store for Centereach, we have no in the town and to drive to the nearest one is such a hassle because of the over population and traffic. Also could use a nice restaurant or better clothing stores honestly the list could go on and on.
Lighthouse Commons, Oakdale
Robert L. Trader Joe’s
Former AC Moore, Bethpage
Margaret D. Trader Joe’s! Would be an excellent location.