Patchogue Village Named Among 2019 Great Neighborhoods

PATCHOGUE, NY - Patchogue was recently named among the 2019 Great Neighborhoods by the American Planning Association.

"The neighborhoods recognized this year demonstrate the importance of planning in creating vibrant and sustainable communities," Kurt Christiansen, FAICP, APA President said. "Patchogue Village is a national example of how innovative planning practices can fundamentally transform a community."

Since 2007, the association has recognized over 300 neighborhoods, streets, and public spaces that make communities stronger and bring people together through good planning.

For 2019, downtown Patchogue Village was one of four neighborhoods to make the list alongside downtown Lee's Summit in Missouri; Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio; and historic downtown Delaware in Ohio.

In addition, a total of 13 places across the entire United States received recognition by the website.

"The transformation that has occurred in Patchogue is nothing short of groundbreaking when you consider how much progress has been achieved in such a short amount of time," Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. "This downtown revitalization was made possible by a community-driven approach from the ground up led by Mayor Pontieri. Today, Long Island is front and center on the map as we can replicate the success in Patchogue to other communities across the region. Suffolk County will continue to support the Village and will leverage transportation investments to generate additional affordable housing and attract new job opportunities."

The website added Patchogue to the list because of the village's growth over the past few years, citing an economic study, that stated that Patchogue's revitalization generated over $693.3 million in economic output and supported nearly 6,000 jobs.

"A mix of new housing options, including apartments, single-family homes, condos, and assisted living for senior residents, are drawing young professionals, families, and retirees to the downtown core," the website reads. "Downtown Patchogue Village is regarded as one of the region's best community improvement success stories and serves as a model for transit-oriented development and smart growth throughout Long Island."

Click here to read the full report.

The village has changed a lot in the past 20 years. In the 90's, the downtown area was not as bustling and popular as it is now, with most considering it a "ghost town." In a 1996 article, the New York Times described downtown Patchogue as "dilapidated," with building windows "boarded up and extensive fire damage visible from the street."

However since then, village and county officials have worked and turned to planning innovations like transit-oriented development, investments in local infrastructure, and early adoption of multifamily housing to make the downtown area the hotspot it is today

"Being considered a Great Place in America tells the story of a community that embraced change. The strength of any community is driven by its diversity, its commitment to the future and residents’ willingness to volunteer to make their Village a better place," Mayor Paul V. Pontieri Jr. said. "By creating a vibrant downtown, the Village of Patchogue has become a place for professionals and young families to live and grow."

A celebration will be held on October 19 starting at 11 a.m. at the historic Patchogue Theatre on 71 East Main Street.

Members of the public can also suggest their favorite public space, neighborhood, or street to earn a "People’s Choice" designation.

Throughout October, individuals can offer suggestions via APA’s social media channels using the hashtag #APAgreatplaces. APA will select five finalists that the public can vote on via APA’s website.

The "People’s Choice" winner will be announced October 30, 2019