Centereach, N.Y. (February 7, 2019) – National Grid awarded a $25,000 grant to Community Development Corporation of Long Island (CDCLI) in support of Peconic Crossing in Riverhead, a 45 unit mixed-use affordable housing development that provides a preference for artists and displaced storm victims. The development, a joint project of CDCLI and Conifer Realty, complements the Town of Riverhead’s ongoing efforts for revitalization of the downtown area, including obtainable housing and promotion of the arts in walk-able neighborhoods connected to the Peconic River.
The grant comes from National Grid’s Cinderella Program, which is designed to assist communities in promoting smart growth through the redevelopment of underutilized gas utility infrastructure, to help improve their economic viability, attract new investment, and capitalize on their distinct development potential. “National Grid is proud to support CDCLI in this effort to revitalize downtown Riverhead. The Cinderella grant from National Grid helped create retail gallery space to support artists on the east end. The Peconic Crossing Mixed-Use development project has brought a building damaged by Superstorm Sandy back to life and supporting the local economy,” – states Keith Rooney, Director of Community and Customer Management at National Grid.
The 11 West Main Street complex offers energy-efficient one and two bedroom apartments, as well as gallery space on the main floor for residents to showcase their creations and collaborations. “Peconic Crossing is now home to 45 individuals and families that are proud to be a part of the fabric of the Riverhead community. The inclusion of the East End Arts Gallery into the property adds tremendous value for residents and the community at large. Mixed use development on Long Island is complex, expensive, and challenging to complete. Partners like National Grid are critical to bringing a concept like Peconic Crossing from an idea to a reality. We are so grateful for their support,” stated Gwen O’Shea, President & CEO of CDCLI.
Located in the heart of Downtown Riverhead, artist residents are surrounded by inspiration, living alongside the picturesque Peconic River, across from Grangebel Park, and just a short walk from the main East End Arts facility, restaurants, shops, and more. Recognizing the role of art in creating and supporting a vibrant downtown, the development of Peconic Crossing is a significant accomplishment toward expanding Riverhead’s artist community and growing as an artistic and cultural hub.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. We are the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain. National Grid is transforming our electricity and natural gas networks with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions to meet the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Our Northeast 80×50 Pathway is an industry leading analysis for how to reach that goal in the states we serve, focusing on the power generation, heat, and transportation sectors. Read more about the innovative projects across our footprint in The Democratization of Energy, an eBook written by National Grid’s U.S. president, Dean Seavers. For more information, please visit our website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, and find our photos on Instagram.