Giglio Plaza gets fresh look

The Matthew Giglio Plaza is North Valley Stream has been spruced up. The renovation of the small triangle was part of a $3.4 million revitalization project in county Legislator’s John Ciotti’s district.

The recently-completed work includes a new brick walkway, trees, bushes and flowers. Matthew Giglio Plaza is located at the corner of Dutch Broadway and Corona Avenue, just north of the Southern State Parkway.

Ciotti’s $3.4 million project also includes improvements along Dutch Broadway, Elmont Road and Linden Boulevard in Elmont. New sidewalks, benches, street lights and eco-friendly trees are being installed. Ciotti said the street lights will have sockets for holiday lights.

Giglio, a Nassau County police officer, was shot while responding to a robbery in West Hempstead on Oct. 7, 1975, and died two months later. He lived in Valley Stream and left behind a wife and three young children. His killer, John MacKenzie, was recently denied parole for the sixth time.

“I’m proud to have this particular project for a police officer who died in the line of duty,” Ciotti said. “I felt it was time to pay homage to his family in the sense of beautifying this little area.”

Ciotti said it is important to honor those who risk their lives for the public’s safety.

The triangle had mostly been just grass. Ciotti said he insisted that the evergreen tree in the center remained, as it is lit every year during the holiday season. The tree lighting is the only annual event held at the Matthew Giglio Plaza, but Ciotti said the renovation could make it a venue for more activities.

“I think it came out great,” Ciotti said of the project. “It needed a facelift.”