In 2024, a chance to combat hate, build a better economy

The calendar has turned, and the dawning of a new year brings us each an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past and look forward to a bright future. It’s a time for hope and determination to converge, inspiring us to envision a world free from division, where harmony prevails over conflict and where economic prosperity and public safety thrive.

As we embark on this new chapter, however, we must acknowledge the recent surge of hate and bigotry worldwide. The faces of evil unleashed barbaric terror on innocent Israelis in October, casting a dark shadow that still lingers today. Together, let us take the coming year as an opportunity to combat hate and call for terrorist organizations like Hamas to be eliminated from the face of the earth.

Let us join the growing chorus of voices denouncing antisemitism, which will never be overshadowed by the intolerant and uninformed. As a community, the Town of Oyster Bay stands in solidarity with Israel and its right to exist in this world. We stand against all forms of discrimination, and are committed to celebrating diversity.

Turning the focus to home, the Oyster Bay Town Board and I are more committed than ever to protecting our residents’ quality of life. We’re proud of our proven record of cutting taxes, supporting small businesses, protecting our environment, and prioritizing sustainable job creation initiatives to fuel economic growth, and we’re ready to build on it. This year, our sights are set on downtown revitalization, and our vision for the hamlet of Oyster Bay is one of a thriving community that attracts historical tourism while improving connectivity between the downtown and the waterfront.

The town has applied for state grant funding to assist with the creation of pedestrian pathways, bike paths, a Harbor Bike bicycle-sharing program, and trolley service — all initiatives designed to connect the Oyster Bay Harbor to the plethora of historical, cultural and recreational assets of our community. Our goals include improved traffic flow, increased parking for stores, enhanced walkability and a historic charm similar to Williamsburg, Virginia. We believe that downtown Oyster Bay has the potential to ride the momentum of its recent resurgence and private investment to become a must-see destination for eco-tourists, history buffs and families. Oyster Bay has a lot more to offer, and this Town Board hopes to see it reach its fullest potential.

We know how to get this job done right, because we’ve done it before. After years of planning meetings and gathering input with the local community, we broke ground for a renaissance of downtown Hicksville, which is about to embark on a multi-million-dollar revitalization project. Projects like these have demonstrated our strong commitment to improving the quality of life in our communities through revitalizing downtowns, improving local parks and keeping taxes down. And these efforts are only the start of great things to come.

Oyster Bay’s own President Theodore Roosevelt helped write our town’s early chapters, and together we will write the next chapter — one marked by resilience, innovation, and a commitment to the well-being of all who call the Town of Oyster Bay home. As we welcome the new year, let’s pledge to work together, transcending boundaries and differences, to build a better town. We will face the challenges that lie ahead, and I am confident that, with the support of this extraordinary community, we can continue to achieve great things.

Joseph Saladino is the supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.