HUNTINGTON, N.Y. – Supervisor Frank P. Petrone and community leaders will formally launch a comprehensive redevelopment of Huntington Station next week with a series of public workshops and neighborhood discussions to formulate a revitalization blue print for the community.

"Thirty years ago, Huntington Station was the pride and joy of Huntington, a community with a bustling business district and vibrant residential neighborhoods," Supervisor Petrone said. "The community has gone through difficult times but now it's comeback time. With input and guidance from those who work in the Station and those who call it home, we are poised to reclaim this great community."

Hosted in conjunction with the Huntington Station Revitalization Committee, the revitalization effort is intended to set a new course and vision for the Station community through a consensus-based, participatory process. The advisory committee was created by the Town Board to spearhead the revitalization effort. Members include business and community leaders and town officials.

"Strong involvement with those who live and work in the community is absolutely essential," Supervisor Petrone said. "The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable economic environment; an enhanced sense of community; and bring new life and opportunity to this long-neglected neighborhood."

The process will kick-off at 7 p.m. Thursday, October 11 at the Huntington Intermediate School with a "Huntington Station Forum." This public meeting and workshop will provide participants with an overview of the revitalization's goals and objectives; a brief history of the Huntington Station community; and a review of the targeted area's opportunities and constraints.

Attendees will then break into small group sessions to discuss in detail community assets, liabilities and their vision for the future. All participants will then reconvene, share results and then ask to serve on one of four task forces related to four study areas – LIRR station; Station area; Route 110; and Neighborhood Corridors and Revitalization.

On Saturday, October 14, the public is invited to participate in a day long session that will include visits to site areas and the preparation of sketches and drawings to illustrate concepts and visions. Saturday's session will include a special "youth workshop" that will enable local children to participate in the process by formulating their own vision for the future.

To assist in the effort, the Town Board has hired a consulting firm, Hutton Associates Inc., to oversee the process and finalize the revitalization blue print. The firm will be responsible for formulating an overall site and design plan, including improvements for sidewalks, streets, medians, landscaping, façade treatments, signage, lighting and retail display.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, a final meeting will be held at Huntington Intermediate School at which time the consultants will present results of the week long process through formal architectural renderings and plans.