Firm picked to develop Elmont property

The Hempstead Town Board has selected RD Management LLC to develop the former Argo Theatre property in Elmont.

Preliminary plans for the vacant 2.9-acre site on Hempstead Turnpike at Elmont Road include a 35,000-square-foot supermarket. New York-based RD Management has developed more than 200 community shopping centers, including on Long Island, officials said.

"The property is in the heart of Elmont's downtown, and development there will be an important symbol of neighborhood renewal," Town Supervisor Kate Murray said in announcing the selection at Tuesday's board meeting.

Representatives of community groups at the meeting supported the plans for the old theater, located about a half-mile from Belmont Park racetrack.

The selection comes after two years of objections from the site's four property owners. The developer would have to purchase those properties. If no sale agreement can be reached, the town could deem the properties blighted or underutilized and seize them under eminent domain.

"Hopefully, sooner than later, we can have a shovel in the ground," Muzzio Tallini of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce said at the meeting.

The town already has undertaken streetscape beautification projects including adding brick and opened the Foster Meadow Golden Age Residence, a 30-unit senior living complex behind the theater.

"Neighbors deserve a development that will create jobs and stimulate the local economy," Councilman James Darcy, who represents part of Elmont, said in a statement.