A rendering of the Westbury apartment building that is slated to go up on Linden Avenue, replacing a series of empty commercial buildings.
Credit: Alpine Residential LLC
Westbury, a historic village in Nassau County, Long Island, is setting a powerful example of what’s possible when forward-thinking leadership, community collaboration, and smart planning come together. As one of New York State’s truly “pro-housing” communities, the Village of Westbury—under the leadership of Mayor Peter Cavallaro—has taken decisive steps to revitalize underutilized spaces and increase affordable housing options.
Working closely with residents and local organizations like Vision Long Island, Westbury developed a comprehensive downtown master plan aimed at reimagining its core infrastructure. This included transforming a long-blighted industrial area near the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) station into a vibrant, mixed-use development. This bold and inclusive approach to development is not only providing new places for people to live—it’s also boosting the local economy, increasing tax revenue, supporting local businesses, and creating a more walkable and livable community. It’s a model for how strategic, collaborative development can bring real change to communities across Long Island and beyond.
At the heart of this movement is a $97 million transit-oriented development project recently approved by the Village of Westbury. The plan includes the construction of a 187-unit apartment complex near the Westbury LIRR station—an area designated as part of the village’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) zone. The TOD model promotes dense, walkable neighborhoods centered around transit access, reducing dependence on cars while fostering local retail, dining, and service industries.
The new complex will include a diverse mix of micro-units, studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, ensuring that the housing needs of singles, couples, families, and seniors are all addressed. Note that approximately 24 of these units will be set aside as affordable housing, designated for residents earning up to 80% of the area median income. This thoughtful integration of affordable housing into a modern development aligns with Westbury’s broader mission to remain inclusive and accessible to individuals and families across a wide range of income levels.
This is not Westbury’s first foray into transit-oriented housing. In fact, the 187-unit development marks the third major TOD housing complex approved in the village since 2022. These projects are part of a long-term vision to make Long Island housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. The village has embraced a forward-thinking approach to zoning and land use, working to reduce red tape and facilitate projects that provide real community benefits.
Westbury’s pro-housing stance has not gone unnoticed. The village has earned official recognition from New York State as a “pro-housing community,” a designation that reflects its efforts to address housing shortages and support inclusive growth. As Governor Kathy Hochul and state agencies look for models to replicate throughout New York, Westbury is often cited as a leader in smart growth and sustainable suburban development.
Unlike other towns that have resisted new housing through restrictive zoning or community pushback, Westbury has demonstrated that housing progress can be achieved through communication, vision, and public-private collaboration. The village’s success is due in large part to its willingness to work with stakeholders—from developers to civic organizations—and engage with the public to understand both concerns and opportunities.
This approach has also aligned with state efforts to encourage housing development not through mandates, but by providing incentives and support for municipalities that plan responsibly. Westbury’s story proves that suburban communities don’t have to choose between preserving character and embracing change. With the right planning, they can achieve both.
The revitalization around the train station area—once marked by abandoned warehouses and empty lots—is a clear demonstration of this transformation. By reinvesting in these underused spaces and implementing a vision rooted in smart growth, Westbury is enhancing its downtown corridor, making it more attractive to residents and businesses alike.
What’s more, the transit-accessible location of these new apartments means more residents will have direct access to jobs and opportunities throughout the region without having to rely on personal vehicles. This not only improves quality of life for individuals but also aligns with broader environmental goals to reduce emissions and support more sustainable patterns of living.
For other Long Island towns struggling to balance growth with livability, Westbury serves as a case study in how to do it right. The village has shown that affordable housing doesn’t have to be an afterthought or a compromise—it can be part of a thriving, modern community plan.
As housing challenges continue across New York State, from urban centers to suburban villages, leaders and planners would do well to look at Westbury. It’s a community proving that with bold leadership, public engagement, and smart development strategies, real progress is possible.
Learn more about Westbury’s revitalization efforts in the full Newsday article here.