Governor Hochul Announces $4.1 Million for Community Improvements in the Town of Babylon

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $4.1 million in state capital funding for two community improvement projects in the Town of Babylon. The funding includes $3 million to support the Great Lawn as part of the Wyandanch Rising redevelopment initiative and $1.1 million for improvements at Wyandanch Park.

"Every New Yorker deserves access to vibrant public spaces where families can gather, children can play and communities can thrive," Governor Hochul said. "These investments will build on the progress already underway in Wyandanch and create new recreational opportunities and community amenities that will benefit residents for many years to come."

Governor Hochul announced the funding during a visit to Wyandanch, where she toured the most recently completed portion of the Wyandanch Rising redevelopment initiative and presented two ceremonial checks to the Town of Babylon totaling $4.1 million.

The $3 million in state capital funding, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will support the Great Lawn at Wyandanch Rising. The project will create more than one acre of town-owned open space for both active and passive recreation, including a dog park, playground and community garden.

The additional $1.1 million investment will support renovations and upgrades to the playing fields at Wyandanch Park, a community hub that features football, junior baseball, basketball, handball and tennis facilities, as well as a playground, picnic areas, on-site restrooms and free Wi-Fi. The improvements will enhance a park that serves local sports teams, families and residents from throughout the community.

DASNY President & CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "Governor Hochul's investments continue to strengthen communities by creating vibrant public spaces where families can gather, children can play and neighborhoods can thrive. DASNY is proud to administer these capital investments and partner with the Town of Babylon to help deliver projects that will benefit Wyandanch residents for years to come."

State Senator Monica Martinez said, "Direct government investment in local communities is one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of life for residents. This $4.1 million in funding from New York State for projects within the Town of Babylon supports the locally driven improvements our community has long wanted to see. I thank Governor Hochul for working with me and our community to bring these enhancements to life."

Assemblymember Kwani B. O'Pharrow said, "I commend Governor Kathy Hochul for this substantial investment in Wyandanch, in the Town of Babylon. These improvements to the Great Lawn and Wyandanch Park will enhance quality of life, create more opportunities for families and youth and strengthen our community for generations to come. I look forward to continuing to advocate for investments that help our neighborhoods thrive."

Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason A. Richberg said, "This $4.1 million investment is a tremendous victory for Wyandanch and the families who have long believed in this community's future. The Great Lawn and improvements to Wyandanch Park will create safe, welcoming spaces where children can play, neighbors can gather and our community can continue to grow together. I thank Governor Hochul, Senator Monica Martinez and Assemblyman Kwani B. O'Pharrow for recognizing that Wyandanch deserves sustained investment and for their continued advocacy on behalf of our residents. I also commend Supervisor Schaffer and all our state, county and local partners for helping move these important projects forward. This is what government partnership should look like-delivering meaningful investments that strengthen neighborhoods and improve residents' quality of life."

Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer said, "Transforming a community isn't about a single project. It's about sustained investment and a shared commitment to the people who live there. Governor Hochul understands that and today's announcement reflects her continued belief in Wyandanch and its future. These investments will create vibrant public spaces, strengthen neighborhood pride and build on the extraordinary momentum of Wyandanch Rising. We are grateful for the Governor's partnership and her commitment to helping communities like ours succeed."

Albanese Organization President Chris Albanese said, "The Wyandanch Rising redevelopment is about creating a stronger, more connected community, and investments in high-quality public spaces are an important part of that vision. We thank Governor Hochul, Suffolk County and the Town of Babylon for their continued partnership and commitment to Wyandanch. The Great Lawn will provide residents with new opportunities to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors and we are proud to be part of a project that is helping build a brighter future for the community."

Wyandanch Rising is a long-term revitalization initiative in the Town of Babylon that was launched to transform downtown Wyandanch following decades of economic distress and disinvestment. The project is creating new housing, supporting local businesses and expanding public spaces and community amenities that strengthen quality of life for residents.