$1.2M Secured for Revitalization of Rocky Point Downtown

More than $1.2 million in local, state and county funding has been secured for the revitalization of downtown Rocky Point that will be used to improve infrastructure, including the installation of traffic lights and streetlights in the town’s business district according to state and local officials who announced the funding on Monday.

The funding from the state, Brookhaven Town Highway Department and Suffolk County will allow the county to proceed on proposed capital construction projects, which include tackling traffic safety issues on Broadway at King and Rocky Point Road.

 According to the town, the outdated traffic signal doesn’t meet federal or state standards and the intersection has a history of crashes. The redesign will include countdown timers, access ramps, colored crosswalks and curb extensions. 

The proposal also includes work at Broadway between Old Rt. 25A and 150 feet north of King Road on the east and west sides. Traffic calming measures would include a sidewalk, ADA compliant curb cuts, driveway aprons, roadway resurfacing, pavement markings and on street parking to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles safely. 

The money comes from a combination of state, county and local funding, which includes $720,000 of 2014 capital budget money committed to by the town highway department.

The work is expected to start in the spring according to officials and will take approximately two years. 

"Christmas has come early to Rocky Point," said Councilwoman Jane Bonner, who has been working with local leaders on the revitalization plan.

The town, with funding from the Community Development Block Fund Grant, recently purchased property on Broadway in Rocky Point to build a municipal parking lot.

State Senator Kenneth LaValle, who helped secure $500,000 for the revitalization project said he hopes the investment will encourage the private sector to invest in the downtown area.

“We will be watching closely to see if our investment will bring revitalization and create jobs to get the business community to thrive,” said LaValle.

An additional $50,000 in funding came from a county grant awarded to the Rocky Point Civic Association that is aimed at revitalizing downtown areas. Legis. Sarah Anker said the goal of the Downtown Revitalization Program is to encourage local organizations to partner and find ways to enhance public lands and improve the vitality of business districts.

“It takes a village to improve a community,” said Rocky Point Civic Association Treasurer Kathy Weber.  “Through the work of so many, we’re accomplishing so much.”