Hicksville’s Downtown Transformation: A New Era of Transit, Retail, and Community
Hicksville, once known purely as a commuter crossroads, is fast becoming one of Long Island’s most dynamic stories of reinvention. At the heart of this transformation lies the bustling Hicksville LIRR Station, where an ambitious blend of public infrastructure upgrades, private development, and retail innovation is reshaping the future of the hamlet.
On July 1, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul and local leaders broke ground on the $11.6 million Hicksville Station and Public Space Improvement Project, a key piece of New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) (libn.com). This project will do more than modernize a station—it’s set to transform how commuters and residents connect with Hicksville’s core. Plans include a new entry drive to ease traffic, a pedestrian-friendly passageway linking Jerusalem Avenue and surrounding parking, and a vibrant new Festival Plaza complete with green spaces and gathering spots.
Governor Hochul captured the spirit of this investment perfectly, saying, “Long Islanders deserve a transit system that is safe, accessible and welcoming… this transformative investment in Hicksville Station will deliver just that.” (libn.com)
This isn’t happening in isolation. The $2.89 million Complete Streets initiative has already refreshed Broadway and Newbridge Road with better sidewalks, lighting, and safer crosswalks, making downtown far more walkable (hoodline.com). And nearby, a $1 million mixed-use TOD project on Nelson Avenue is adding nearly 200 new homes above retail and dining spaces (governor.ny.gov). Altogether, these improvements stem from Hicksville’s original $10 million DRI award back in 2017—a spark that’s igniting an entire downtown revival.
On the private side, investment momentum is undeniable. Alpine Residential has already begun construction on a $130 million, 189-unit development at 99 Newbridge Road. It promises not only new housing but also nearly 8,000 square feet of retail space to energize street life (libn.com). Meanwhile, Cornerstone Hicksville, led by Terwilliger & Bartone Properties, is planning a $61 million, four-story project with 106 apartments and 4,000 square feet of retail. “As a stone’s throw from the LIRR station, this mix is exactly the vision we applauded when rezoning downtown,” noted Anthony Bartone (libn.com).
Yet perhaps the most visible symbol of Hicksville’s rebirth is happening at the site once known as Broadway Commons. The mall, long a staple of the community, is being reimagined as The Shops on Broadway. This $100 to $150 million redevelopment is more than just a facelift—it’s a new identity. The project is led by a joint venture of BTF Capital Fund, whose principals include Aaron Malinsky, Daniel Mermel, and Kenneth Schuckman; KABR, under Adam Altman and Ken Pasternak; and partners Adam Mann and Scott Burman.
Plans for The Shops on Broadway feature a 105,000-square-foot BJ’s Wholesale Club, complete with EV charging and fuel pumps. But the project goes far beyond retail basics. Entertainment is at the forefront with Round 1, plus a 70,000-square-foot space dubbed The District, packed with rooftop dining, LED screens, and arcade-style fun. IKEA and Target remain as anchors, while older mall sections, like the Macy’s wings, have been removed to create a modern, open-air experience (longislanddailynews.town.news). Scott Burman called the project a tribute to Hicksville’s open-air retail roots while ushering in a new era for modern shoppers (burmanre.com).
Beyond the commercial revival, Hicksville Station remains the LIRR’s busiest hub east of Jamaica, seeing about 21,924 weekday riders (en.wikipedia.org). The MTA has poured roughly $132 million into upgrades like new platforms, elevators, escalators, and third-track capacity (en.wikipedia.org). And by 2028, Hicksville is slated to welcome Amtrak Northeast Regional service, offering direct routes between Long Island and major cities beyond (en.wikipedia.org).
Support for Hicksville’s revitalization has been widespread. Governor Hochul has spoken passionately about reconnecting communities through transit. Assemblymember Charles Lavine called the changes a game-changer for both commuters and residents, while Supervisor Saladino sees Hicksville poised to transform into a vibrant downtown district (libn.com). Matthew Aracich, President of the Nassau–Suffolk Building Trades, praised the union-led approach and predicted widespread economic benefits (libn.com).
“As President of Schuckman Realty, I am incredibly excited about the transformation taking shape in downtown Hicksville. The revitalization around the Hicksville LIRR Station is a game-changer, and it perfectly complements our vision for The Shops on Broadway. We see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a vibrant, walkable destination that blends shopping, dining, and entertainment with transit connectivity and community life. Hicksville’s future has never looked brighter, and we are proud to be part of shaping it.” — Kenneth Schuckman