L - R Sababa Pizza co-owner Joseph Yagudaev with National Grid employees, Niles French, Brian Sapp and Wendy Frigeria

Long Island, NY – National Grid awarded $2 million in Economic Development Grants in 2023 to more than 20 projects across Long Island. The Economic Development Grant program supports growth in several sectors: construction projects, new technologies, manufacturing certifications, green infrastructure, and job creation.

National Grid’s Economic Development Grant programs are designed to bolster projects with both economic and social significance within the community. These initiatives prioritize job creation, capital investment, and neighborhood enhancement and align with the vision of a clean energy future by emphasizing sustainability.  

“Our economic development programs have a very innovative and varied portfolio,” said Niles French, Senior Representative of Economic Development, National Grid. “Seeing projects from start to finish is very rewarding knowing that National Grid’s grants have extended a helping hand to these transformative projects in the community. When assessing grant applications, we look at factors like capital investment, job creation and new annual revenue.” 

National Grid’s Economic Development team has been recognized as one of the country’s top departments of its kind by Site Selector Magazine in 2023 and by Business Facilities Magazine in 2024.

Here is a list of awardees and organizations that have completed projects in 2023. 

Dei Coltelli Gelato & Sorbet – Located in Williston Park, Dei Coltelli Gelato & Sorbet was awarded a grant to build a 2,500 square-foot space with a 300 square-foot outdoor terrace in an area that had been destroyed by a fire. The business had outgrown the original space and this new location allowed for expansion and additional amenities such as an espresso bar. 

Long Island MMA & Fitness Center – Situated in West Babylon, LI MMA & Fitness Center received a grant to support construction and renovation of a large commercial space that had been vacant for three years. The gym offers a wide variety of classes for all skill levels taught by experienced instructors from many disciplines. 

Brookhaven National Laboratory – As one of the nation’s leading national labs, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) was awarded a grant for their expanding campus to create Discovery Park. Discovery Park is a key element in the BNL Master Plan and is envisioned as a joint land-use partnership with New York State and Long Island local government, not-for-profit entities, and private industry. The new building will be an education center in addition to research and development.

Accurate Industrial Machining – Located in Holbrook, Accurate Industrial Machining was awarded a grant for cyber security certification which is crucial in the manufacturing business. They have been fabricating sheet metal and precision materials since 1974.

The Northport Hotel – Situated in the Village of Northport, The Northport Hotel was awarded a grant for the renovation and construction of a vacant office building. Recently completed, the new hotel is a destination boutique hotel with a restaurant and retail.

Sababa Pizza Inc.– Sababa Pizza received a grant to renovate a vacant hair salon in Morton Village Shopping Center in Plainview. Sababa is a kosher restaurant catering to Jewish Schools, Chabads and Temples. They also serve dishes such as falafel and sushi welcoming all types of foodies.  

National Compressor Exchange – National Compressor Exchange in Farmingdale received a consulting grant to conduct floor plan optimization, project implementation and equipment processing.  The company produces a wide variety of refrigeration compressors.

Maloya Laser Inc. – Hauppauge-based manufacturer, Maloya Laser produces a proprietary product line for the aircraft ground support industry. As part of the larger Long Island aerospace industry, they received a consulting grant to create an electrical harness, which is an important part of their product line.

Astra Products – Located in Copiague, Astra Products was awarded a grant for improving their manufacturing productivity through receiving a variety of professional certifications. Astra makes optical grade acrylic and polycarbonate, which is specifically produced for protecting and enhancing the clarity of flat panel displays for a wide variety of industries.

Posillico Materials East – As one of Long Island’s largest manufacturers of industrial materials, Posillico Materials East was awarded a grant to make upgrades and modifications to their asphalt facility. This includes the demolition of an old inefficient plant and upgrading it with a state-of-the-art asphalt machine. 

John Theissen Children’s Fund (JTCF) – JTCF supports sick and underprivileged children across Long Island in all capacities. National Grid awarded a grant to the JTCF for the New Family Fun Center. The Wantagh organization’s headquarters will now have a party center, arcade room and movie room for children to enjoy.

Nassau Chromium Plating – Family owned and operated for almost 100 years, the Mineola-based manufacturer was granted an award for industry certifications for cyber security and equipment compliance. This company manufacturers parts for the aerospace industry.

South Bay Brewery – Taking over a bank along Lindenhurst’s Main Street that was vacant for 15 years, the South Bay Brewery was awarded a grant for the buildout of a restaurant and tasting room that will employ over 40 individuals.

The Cook’s Studio – Located in Patchogue, The Cook’s Studio was awarded a grant for the renovation of a new space where culinary experts offer cooking classes and tastings to foodies and aspiring chefs. 

Saaib Realty – With the increase in demand for commercial space in Hicksville, Saaib Realty is converting a single medical facility into multiple commercial fronts. They were awarded a grant for façade improvements, interior reconfiguration and upgraded parking.

Medco/Kegr – Port Washington based business Medco/Kegr was awarded a grant to scale up their production methods for the manufacturing of an electronic beer tap highlighted by designing injection molded parts, physical assembly, and safety certifications.

Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center (BCCRC) – BCCRC is a community-based organization located in Bridgehampton serving marginalized children, youth, and family.  They were awarded a grant for the repair of an onsite vacant building to increase their service and capacity.

Main Street L.I. LLC – Main Street Long Island received a grant to convert a vacant building on Main Street in Farmingdale into a restaurant and catering hall. The property was vacant for over three years. 

Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning – The County’s Economic and Planning Department was awarded a grant for training, networking and workshops to attract the offshore wind industry to specific areas of Long Island.

Lutech Veterinary Industrial – Lutech Veterinary Industrial, based in Ronkonkoma, received a manufacturing productivity program grant to improve lean manufacturing with an emphasis on planning, sales, and value stream mapping. Lutech manufactures equipment for the veterinary industry.

Orelikon Metco's – Orelikon Metco's is a Westbury business which received a grant for consulting for lean manufacturing training to increase efficiencies and improve topline production. They produce spray solutions and coating materials for a variety of innovative companies. 

Carleton Avenue LLC – Located in the prime downtown area of Central Islip, Carleton Avenue LLC was awarded a grant for the construction and conversion of a vacant property to accommodate three new commercial units with State Farm Insurance being the anchor tenant.

For additional information about National Grid’s economic development grants, please visit ShovelReady: Downstate Grant Programs.

Local Long Island officials and grant recipients have expressed their support for the economic development grant program:

"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to National Grid for their continued investment in our local communities. Their support has truly made a difference in the lives of our residents and businesses. Together, we are building a stronger and more prosperous future for Babylon,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer.

“National Grid is such an asset for our manufacturers on Long Island. MTRC - the Long Island MEP, operating out of Stony Brook University, often connects manufacturers to National Grid's Economic Development Manufacturing Productivity Program (MPP). National Grid is another funding resource that helps our region's businesses to thrive. Often MTRC and National Grid come together to provide a full complement of services. MTRC provides manufacturers with a facility assessment and consultant expertise, and National Grid provides assistance to fund equipment, certifications and productivity projects.  MTRC very much values our relationship with National Grid,” said Amy Erickson, Interim Center Director, Manufacturing & Technology Resource Consortium (MTRC), Stony Brook University.

“We’re grateful for the support of the community and National Grid. Turning this old warehouse into our state-of-the-art MMA gym has been a labor of love for my partners and me. The funding from the utility companies and bill credits will go a long way in helping us achieve future success,” said Gregg DePasquale, co-owner of Long Island MMA Center.

“The National Grid Economic Development Grant program has helped us to implement and maintain quality management systems and data handling procedures for manufacturing.  As a result, the MPP grant program has improved our internal operations and kept us competitive within our industry,” said Jeff Bogin, President of Astra Products.

“Our organization has partnered with National Grid for the past year and a half. They have been great to work with and have supported our non-profit organization, Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center. They have awarded us an Economic Development Grant to support a complete renovation of a building in Southampton which will house our workforce development program which trains, mentors and supports job placement for individuals in marginal communities,” said Cathy Monacella, Program Manager, BCCRC.

Long Island MMA & Fitness Center (L – R, Niles French – National Grid, Instructor MMA fighter Chris Wade, Co-Owner Ryan Laflare, Rob Labiento Babylon Director of Health & Wellness, Co-Owner Gregg DePasquale, Co-Owner Brian Michelino, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Brian Sapp – National Grid)

Brookhaven National Laboratories Discovery Park

Posillico Materials East’s new Asphalt Plant

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.