Heartland developers say project ready for takeoff

Developers Gerald Wolkoff and his son, David, have talked to business groups, civic organizations, Parent-Teacher Associations and political gatherings just about every other month for nearly a decade now about what would be the largest development in Long Island's history -- the $4-billion Heartland Town Square proposed for the grounds of the former Pilgrim State Hospital in Brentwood.

Father and son were at Hofstra in Hempstead Tuesday to speak at the university's Fifth Annual Institute of Real Estate lunch. "I believe right now the wind is at our back," David Wolkoff said after a half-hour talk before about 100 real estate and development executives.

But others think the Wolkoffs face headwinds. Their project, to be built in three phases and to include 8,999 apartments, three office towers, stores, a movie complex and restaurants, still needs Islip Town and Suffolk County approval. The Wolkoffs have put in $200 million of their own money for plans and preliminary studies, and at some point will seek bank loans, even in a difficult credit environment.

David Wolkoff acknowledged the struggle. "The question I often get asked is: Why?" he said. "Why now? Why build a $4-billion project. You'd have to be a glutton for punishment to do that." But, he added, "my organization is used to such abuse" from naysayers. The process, he said, has been "tedious and cumbersome." But that, Wolkoff added, "is not as bad as the NIMBYism."

The project is needed, David Wolkoff said, to help ease Long Island's loss of young people by providing them with affordable housing, to add jobs to the economy and to create a new lifestyle on the Island that offers nearby entertainment, restaurants and socialization.

So when does he think construction could begin? Maybe later this year, Wolkoff said.

The questions raised about density, traffic and tax benefits can be handled over time and with effort, both Wolkoffs said.