Village of Amityville Cuts Ribbon on New Pedestrian/Bike Path Connecting LIRR Commuters to Downtown

A major milestone in downtown connectivity was celebrated today as the Amityville Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 10th to officially open the new Village of Amityville Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Pedestrian/Bike Path. This new passageway provides residents and commuters with a more direct, safe, and well-lit link between Broadway, the LIRR station, and the heart of the downtown business district.

The project stands as a premier example of a successful public-private partnership, funded in a large part by New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Critical funding was also secured through federal funds administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the New York State Department of State (DOS) Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). Highlighting the project's collaborative nature, crucial community benefit funds were also contributed by the developers of Village By The Bay, Amityville’s first transit-oriented housing complex.

"This pathway is a shining example of what we can achieve when government and private partners align to enhance the community," said Thalia Olaya, Regional Representative for New York State Governor Kathy Hochul.

Village of Amityville Mayor Michael O’Neill expressed his thanks to all the individuals and organizations who made the project a reality, including former Village of Amityville Mayor Dennis Siry, members of the Village’s Downtown Revitalization Committee, the engineering firm Nelson & Pope and the Long Island Railroad. "Our thanks go out to all those who helped us achieve this vision of a welcoming path for commuters and visitors to the Village. We’ve already seen increased use and heard favorable feedback from the community.

Among those excited about the new path are local residents as well as businesses owners whose patrons and employees often travel by train to Amityville’s musical halls, restaurants and bars, and other businesses.

“We’re hearing that individuals and families are day-tripping by LIRR from the City or points east to check out all our Friendly Bay Village has to offer,” said Maureen Pecorella, President, Amityville Chamber of Commerce. “This new path puts them right in the middle of our Downtown.”

Enhancing Safety and Connectivity

The new path addresses a long-standing need for enhanced pedestrian safety and connectivity in the commuter hub. Key infrastructure features include:

• Direct Access: Streamlined walking and biking routes between both Broadway and John Street at the LIRR station.
• Modern Upgrades: High-visibility lighting, stamped concrete smooth surface, fencing, and landscaping.
• Economic Boost: Direct foot traffic into local downtown shops, music venues, restaurants/cafes, and businesses.

A Catalyst for Downtown Revitalization

The completion of this pathway represents the official launch of the “Walkability and Connection to the LIRR” initiative. This initiative is a cornerstone of Amityville’s larger downtown transformation, fueled by a $10 million DRI award from New York State. By prioritizing transit-oriented development and pedestrian-friendly design, the village is successfully positioning itself to welcome new visitors, support local merchants, and elevate the daily commuter experience.