East Farmingdale, December 23, 2025
Heatherwood Communities has been awarded a contract to develop a significant mixed-income residential project in East Farmingdale, NY. The initiative will create approximately 495 new residential units, including over 100 affordable homes, on a 13-acre site along Conklin Street. The project is valued at over $200 million and aims to address the housing crisis while revitalizing the area, which has been underutilized for decades. The development will include various housing types and amenities, emphasizing community and sustainability.
East Farmingdale, NY – Heatherwood Communities Awarded Contract for 495-Unit Housing Development
Heatherwood Communities has been selected by the state to develop a transformative mixed-income residential project on a 13-acre site along Conklin Street in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County. The proposed development, valued at over $200 million, aims to deliver approximately 495 new residential units, including more than 100 affordable homes for households earning an average of 80% of the Area Median Income. This initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and leveraging state-owned land to increase housing supply.
Project Details
The development plans include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhouse units, in buildings up to five stories. The project will feature 630 parking spaces, with a covered garage, both indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, a landscaped walking trail, and an “Airplane Park” public open space honoring the site’s aviation history.
Site Background
The Conklin Street site, currently owned by the New York State Department of Transportation as part of Republic Airport, has been vacant and underutilized for decades. The development will include environmental remediation to address potential subsurface contamination, a longstanding concern for area residents.
Developer’s Vision
Regulatory Considerations
The project is subject to a multi-tiered regulatory process involving the state, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Town of Babylon. Heatherwood Communities is optimistic about its ability to deliver the project in collaboration with these entities.
Historical Significance
The site has a rich aviation history, having been home to various aviation firms since 1927. However, since Fairchild Industries ceased operations in 1987, the area has remained largely dormant. The proposed development aims to revitalize the site, making it a vital part of the community’s growth.
Environmental Initiatives
Some remediation may be needed on-site for potential subsurface environmental contamination. This will be supported by an up to $4 million Department of Housing and Urban Development grant to the Town of Babylon.
Community Benefits
The development is projected to provide nearly 500 new homes, including over 100 affordable units, as part of the state’s broader efforts to address the housing crisis and maximize the use of state-owned land to increase housing supply.
Next Moves
Heatherwood Communities is prepared to proceed with the project as it awaits necessary approvals and coordination with state and local agencies. The company is committed to transforming the underutilized site into a vibrant residential community that caters to the needs of Long Island residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the scope of the Heatherwood Communities project in East Farmingdale?
Heatherwood Communities has been selected to develop a transformative mixed-income residential project on a 13-acre site along Conklin Street in East Farmingdale, Suffolk County. The proposed development, valued at over $200 million, aims to deliver approximately 495 new residential units, including more than 100 affordable homes for households earning an average of 80% of the Area Median Income. This initiative is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and leveraging state-owned land to increase housing supply.
What types of housing units are included in the development?
The development plans include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, as well as townhouse units, in buildings up to five stories. The project will feature 630 parking spaces, with a covered garage, both indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, a landscaped walking trail, and an “Airplane Park” public open space honoring the site’s aviation history.
What is the history of the Conklin Street site?
The Conklin Street site, currently owned by the New York State Department of Transportation as part of Republic Airport, has been vacant and underutilized for decades. The development will include environmental remediation to address potential subsurface contamination, a longstanding concern for area residents.
What is Heatherwood Communities’ vision for the project?
The project represents a unique opportunity to reposition a blighted and underutilized site for high-quality multifamily housing in the 110 corridor, which holds Long Island’s highest concentration of jobs with adjacent retail uses.
What are the next steps for the development?
Heatherwood Communities is prepared to move forward with the project, pending necessary approvals and coordination with state and local agencies. The company is committed to transforming the underutilized site into a vibrant residential community that meets the needs of Long Island residents.
Key Features of the Heatherwood Communities Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Project Value | Over $200 million |
| Number of Units | Approximately 495 residential units |
| Affordable Housing | More than 100 homes for households earning an average of 80% of the Area Median Income |
| Unit Types | Studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments; townhouse units |
| Building Height | Up to five stories |
| Amenities | 630 parking spaces (including covered garage), indoor and outdoor amenity spaces, landscaped walking trail, “Airplane Park” public open space |
| Site History | Vacant and underutilized for decades; previously home to various aviation firms since 1927 |
| Environmental Remediation | Address potential subsurface contamination; supported by up to $4 million HUD grant to the Town of Babylon |
| Developer’s Statement | Opportunity to reposition a blighted site for high-quality multifamily housing in the 110 corridor |
| Regulatory Process | Involves state, FAA, and Town of Babylon; Heatherwood confident in delivering the project |
| Community Impact | Part of state’s efforts to address housing crisis and leverage state-owned land to increase housing supply |
| Next Steps | Pending necessary approvals and coordination with state and local agencies; committed to transforming the site into a vibrant residential community |
Now Happening on X
- @pycior (December 23, 2025): 495 new homes (100+ affordable) are coming to Suffolk County through the Empire State Development project to remediate 13 acres in East Farmingdale that have been vacant for decades. View on X
- @EmpireStateDev (December 22, 2025): Heatherwood Communities selected to redevelop a vacant state-owned site in East Farmingdale into a $200M+ project delivering 495 new homes, including 100+ affordable units, as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing expansion strategy. View on X
- @LIBN (December 22, 2025): Commack-based Heatherwood Communities chosen by the state to build nearly 500 apartments on a long-vacant 13-acre site in East Farmingdale, valued at $200M. View on X
- @longisland (December 22, 2025): Heatherwood Communities announced to transform state-owned Conklin Street site in East Farmingdale into a 495-unit mixed-income housing development. View on X
- @GilbaneDevCo (December 22, 2025): Financing secured for Renova West, a 100% affordable housing development in the Bronx delivering a 19-story mixed-use project with supportive housing and a new health hub, valued at $193M. View on X
- @NextMetropolis (December 19, 2025): Nearly 1,000 affordable homes approved at Brooklyn’s Broadway Junction transit hub after a long process, clearing the way for the Herkimer-Williams project in East New York. View on X
- @StPeteRising (December 17, 2025): A 264-unit affordable housing community is set to break ground next month near the Warehouse Arts District. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Scrutiny on Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani’s Housing Plans
Governor Hochul Vetoes LLC Transparency Measure; Signs Major AI Safety Bill
AI Transforms Mining Industry with Rapid Growth Projections
New York City Council Shelves Airbnb Expansion Bill
WeWork’s Revitalization Fuels New York City’s Business Landscape
PowerBank Corporation Advances Solar Project in Buffalo
TAPinto Tri-Boro Launches Franchise Opportunity for Entrepreneurs
Historic Churches Transforming Into Unique Residences in NYC
Rippling Expands in New York City, Creating 350 Tech Jobs
Venture Capital Firms Boost Investments in AI Startups
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
