The Hempstead Village Board of Trustees approved a controversial plan Tuesday to revitalize the town.

Mayor Wayne Hall has greatly supported the Gateway project, which will cost about $2 billion. Development group Urban America plans on building more than 2,500 condominiums, a performing arts center and dozens of retail stores. Hall says the project could bring in $20 million in taxes and turn around a community that is considered dangerous and underdeveloped.

Critics of the plan include Don Ryan, the only Republican on the five-member board of trustees. Ryan believes Gateway is too big and will strain the village's resources and services. He adds the condos will not sell at the estimated price of $300,000 each.

Environmental studies and public hearings must take place before Urban America can break ground.