FAA Greenlights $2.8B Midway Crossing Project in Ronkonkoma

The Midway Crossing project in Ronkonkoma has received approval from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This plan is being supported by both Islip Town and Suffolk County. The project, which carries a price tag of $2.8 billion includes the construction of an air terminal for Long Island MacArthur Airport as well as a pathway that connects it to the Long Island Rail Road station in Ronkonkoma. Importantly the FAA has determined that this project will not have any impact on aircraft operations and thus does not require reviews, from them unless there are safety-related height concerns.

Midway Crossing Project Timeline

The development and building stages of this venture are expected to take place throughout 10 to 15 years. The FAA announcement marks a significant victory for the project, which seeks to bring a variety of amenities to the area. The Midway Crossing plan includes plans, for 2.7M sq ft of a new construction. The development also includes; a convention center, a 300-room hotel, and health sciences facilities.

The FAA approval is based on a law passed in 2018 that limits the FAA’s authority, over airport land to projects that could affect airport or aviation operations. As a result, since the Midway Crossing project has been determined to have no impact on these functions it is not, within the jurisdiction of the FAA.

Local Leaders’ Response, Future Prospects, and Expected Start of Construction

Local politicians and project organizers have warmly welcomed the FAA decision seeing it as a step, in making the Midway Crossing project a reality. This project is anticipated to create employment opportunities and boost tax income for the area. Now that the FAA obstacle has been overcome the project will proceed to the stage; an examination of its impact. If everything goes according to plan construction could begin early, as 2025.

Midway Crossing is planned to cover an area of 179 acres, which is owned by Suffolk County and the Town of Islip. It will be situated between the Ronkonkoma train station of the Long Island Rail Road and MacArthur Airport. The development aims to establish a connection, between these two transportation hubs by constructing a pedestrian walkway that spans 1,800 feet. Presently individuals traveling between these destinations are required to take Smithtown Avenue, which encircles the airport.

Economic Impact of Midway Crossing Project in Ronkonkoma

According to the Long Island Regional Planning Commission once the project is completed it is expected to generate a recurring economic impact of $4.5 billion. Out of this amount, approximately $2.7 billion will be contributed by all elements of the project except, for the airport while $1.8 billion will be derived from airport enhancements and related benefits in terms of tourism and job creation.

The Midway Crossing Project is expected to generate employment opportunities with, around 4,300 jobs, in fields related to STEM and healthcare. The partners involved in the development anticipate that the various stages of construction and development will have an impact estimated at $1.95 billion employing approximately 14,500 individuals.

The project emphasizes sustainability by advocating for the installation of charging stations, for vehicles and promoting bicycle infrastructure. JLL in partnership with Siemens AG will create a microgrid to produce electricity from sources for a portion of the site and the airport by 2030. The developer has expressed a commitment, to achieving a zero carbon footprint by 2040 according to officials.