State funding could soon bring affordable housing to Baldwin

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that Baldwin has been awarded $3.1 million as part of a statewide effort to create more affordable housing in New York and more walkable downtown areas.

Baldwin Commons, a 33-unit apartment building, now will have the state funding needed to move the housing project to the next step.

"The idea is to have it for young people who want to still live in Baldwin, still live 45 minutes away from New York City," says Darien Ward, of the Baldwin Civic Association.

The address 785 Merrick Road is currently a vehicle storage yard and the site of an old diner. The village hopes it will soon be transformed into a four-story apartment building.

That could become a reality once all the funding needed is secured and if it's approved by the Town of Hempstead.

Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said, "We are delighted the Baldwin Downtown Revitalization Initiative is moving forward."

The area is a half-mile from the train station. The developer says it would be the first project of its kind in the Baldwin Urban Renewal Area and the Downtown Revitalization Area.

The developer for the apartments would be for seniors and households earning up to 60% of the average income in the area - which is about $60,000 a year.