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1. What is the Office of Downtown Revitalization?

In 2004, the Office of Downtown Revitalization was created to:

• Revitalize aging, underperforming downtowns and commercial corridors throughout the Town of Babylon
• To create or recreate vibrant downtowns that feature:
  • Pedestrian friendly sidewalks and streets
  • A range of housing options
  • A variety of activities and amenities
  • Public space to foster a sense of community
  • Preserve the unique character of neighborhoods
  • Preserve and enhance green space

The principles of smart growth and sustainability are the cornerstones of our efforts. Prioritized and focused land use is encouraged in downtown centers or areas that already have adequate infrastructure including public transit, and are recognizable as downtowns/neighborhood centers.

2. What are the goals of the Office of Downtown Revitalization?

The goals of this office include:

• Protecting environmental resources maximize and reuse land
• Limited development on green space
• Energy efficiency
• Promoting downtowns that are walkable, bikeable, and transit oriented where appropriate

3. What are the current open community planning projects?

The Office of Downtown Revitalization has several projects in the works on in the concept phase including:

• East Farmingdale: Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Planning and Transit-oriented Development Planning
• North Amityville - BRAC and Great Neck Avenue/Albany Avenue planning
• West Babylon - NYS DOT Safe Routes to School
• Wyandanch - Wyandanch Rising Initiative
• First Time Homebuyers Enhanced Program - Wyandanch specific
• NYS DOT - Complete Streets, Townwide
• Townwide - Foreclosure prevention/intervention forums and seminars

More project details are available by calling (631) 957-TOWN (8696).

4. What is BRAC?

BRAC is the Federal Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless Assistance Act of 1994, which was amended in 1996. It mandates a process for closing and realigning military installations within the U.S. The law also authorizes a BRAC Commission to make recommendations for military installation realignments and closures.

BRAC Process and Timeline:

• Step 1: President’s Approval of BRAC Recommendations for Closures or Realignments


• Step 2: Federal Screening for Potential Federal Reuse


• Step 3: U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Recognizes the Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA)


• Step 4: LRA’s Outreach Actions


• Step 5: Completion of the Redevelopment Plan and Homeless Assistance Submission


• Step 6: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Provides Review


• Step 7: Military’s Disposal of Buildings and Property