Amityville narrows downtown developer search to 2 firms

Amityville Village’s search for a master developer to remake its downtown has narrowed to two companies, Mayor James Wandell said last week.

Trustees will meet this month with East Setauket-based Tritec and Plainview-based Renaissance Downtowns and could select one in coming months.

“Both developers are prominent and have great track records,” Wandell said in a phone interview. “We are thrilled to be working with either one of them.”

Trustees envision a plan that builds on the village’s position at the south end of the Route 110 corridor and its proximity to New York City, an hour away on the Long Island Rail Road.

Wandell and others have said they want to see increased retail downtown and better integration of the LIRR station, which is a short walk from Broadway but without designated pedestrian paths or lighting to entice commuters to the shops and restaurants there.

Rezoning being considered now would encourage more residential building around the station, an area that is partly industrial now.

Ideally, said Wandell, a lifelong resident, the village and a deep-pocketed private partner could reshape the downtown into something similar to what it was during the 1950s, with broad sidewalks, a modest theater or arts center and other attractions within walkable distance of each other and the train station.

“We are in a unique and prominent position,” Wandell said. “With high speed transit, we can expect more visitors, shoppers and people who want to come to Amityville.”